Bloodhounds Review: Titled 사냥개들 in Korean it literally translates to Hunting dogs and is based on a popular webtoon of the same name by Jung Chan. The action thriller K-Drama is directed by Kim Joo-hwan and has 8 episodes in total, with a runtime of about 60+ minutes.
The ensemble cast of the series includes Woo Do-hwan as Kim Gun-woo, Lee Sang-yi as Hong Woo-jin, Park Sung-woong as Kim Myeong-gil, Huh Joon-ho as President Choi Tae-ho, Ryu Soo-young as Lee Du-young, Lee Hae-yeong as Hwang Yang-jung, Min Kyung-jin as Oh In-mook, Choi Young-joon as Min Kang-yong, Choi Si-won as Hong Min-beom, Tae Won-seok as Kang In-beom, Kim Sae-ron as Cha Hyeon-joo, Jung Da-eun as Oh Da-min and several others.
The story follows two aspiring boxers, Gun-woo and Woo-jin, who encounter each other as opponents but soon find themselves relying on each other in difficult times. The main issue comes up when Gun-woo’s mother signs a loan scam document and becomes a target of Kim Myeong-gil of Smile Capital. In order to pay off the loan debt with an exorbitant amount of interest, the two find a dangerous job that pays well.
They are hired by President Choi, who also used to be a loan shark but is now repenting his days by lending people money with zero interest. He asks them to act as bodyguards for his granddaughter. However, the three jump right into the shark’s den and put everyone in trouble. Unknown to the fact that President Choi & Myeong-gil share an ill-fated relationship, which will only end by spilling one’s blood.
The best selling point of the series is the cast from the two lead actors to the supporting cast, each one uplifts the lacking story that it becomes interesting to watch. Although, not sure if the same can be said about Kim Sae-ron, as she was mostly edited out due to her DUI controversy and also because she didn’t seem to get along as well as other actors.
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The second commendable part is the action sequences which catch your attention & it never feels like too much. Other than that, they are many loopholes in the story and in many places, logic takes a back seat. Whether it’s because of editing out a crucial character or not tying the plotlines well, will remain in question. However, up until episode 6, the show will keep you glued to your seats.
Some of the best scenes come up when Ryu Soo-young and Lee Hae-yeong join the main cast in their criminal endeavour. Episodes 4-6 are a perfect blend of action, thrill and some lighthearted moments that are the highlights of the show. If only they could keep the main cast company for longer, the story wouldn’t falter towards the last two episodes. They are the weakest parts in the whole story, even though they bring a conclusion to the whole ordeal.
Actor Park Sung-woong is majorly known for his playing antagonistic roles brilliantly and this series is no exception. He is the type of villain who only needs to give a mean look with a crooked smile & his dark aura will fill the space with fear. Contrary to him, his right-hand man who is played by Tae Won-seok, uses his complete body with some fierce expressions to bring a brutal impact figuratively and literally.
However, Choi Si-won’s character is a bit ambiguous as one can not determine if he is among the good ones or bad. It would have been better if the creators could show a bit more struggle from his side to get out of Myeong-gil’s trap, considering his status in society. However, he remains a helpless lad with no distinct colour of his own.
Bloodhounds Review
Is the show interesting to watch? Absolutely yes! But do all the elements in the story makes sense? Um no. However, if you like some good action-packed with some crime thriller, then you should definitely check it out. The performances by the actors are the key highlight of the story which falls short to utilise their full potential.
On a side note, it also makes one wonder how different the ending would have been if Sae-ron was not edited out of possible places. Reshooting would have been a big challenge but it could have done justice to the story, which looks half-cooked at the moment. However, it’s possible that the show could return with more instalments and a stronger storyline, looking at how it didn’t have an absolute end.
Rating: 3.5/5
Bloodhounds is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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