Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019) User Reviews

Well worth watching-- unlike the American version

[Snootz · 9/10 · 28 January 2021]

I binge watched the entire series on Netflix, and repeat what is often stated in these reviews: the Korean version blows the American version away. For one thing they keep this clean and wholesome. A couple of bloody scenes, but at least it doesn't throw all decency out the window like the 3rd season of the American version.

This series is all about a non-politician with a sense of morality and ethics being put in the nation's most powerful position. That is better done if the series itself has a sense of morality and ethics (both of which is lacking in the American version). The more I watch Korean drama, the more I realize how good they are at building characters, portraying stories, and getting to the heart of a drama.

This series reminds me of West Wing (though thankfully, much slower paced. West Wing made my brain bleed.) The story here is excellent, the plot twists regular and unexpected. I did have it "figured out" early in the series (which is unusual for me. I'm no Sherlock Holmes.) But other than that this had a great plot, good story line, and terrific acting, directing, music and sets.

And just so it's said... it is so refreshing to see a series about a person who is honest, has integrity, morality and insists on doing what is right. How rare is that these days? All through this series I couldn't help but look at the main character and think, "This guy could play the Korean 'Superman'." Seriously, he has Clark Kent written all over him. ;D

That aside, this is just plain good television. Doesn't get much better.

Fancyful Korean Politics

[keikoyoshikawa · 7/10 · 28 October 2019]

Comparisons with the American version are inevitable. The answer: This Korean version exceeds expectations and is so much better in many respects.

The protagonist is really an inexperienced - but smart and principled - outsider, not a Superman unconvincingly masquerading as a Clark Kent. The NIS agent is believable in her capabilities and conduct, not some supermodel-like super-cop. And the plot, while equally fanciful, is a bit less fantastical and thus more plausible.

That plot, combined with good acting and writing, is what makes this series a strong one. The political intrigues here are much more interesting, given the backdrop of the Korean Peninsula. With so much at stake and only 60 days, there is a tighter focus in storytelling that makes this "Designated Survivor" quite engrossing.

As a fan of political dramas, I enjoyed this aspect of the series. If you do not, then there is still the conspiracy angle to sink your teeth into. Unfortunately, the latter is not as well developed as the former, and takes much longer to get going. Fortunately, when it does pick up, this part of the series is still engaging enough to hold your attention.

My other minor complaint is that some of the characters are a bit of a caricature and disappointingly takes away from the realism. And that is the main downside of the series. Given the generally smart storytelling, I'm not sure why this happened. Still, a very good drama.

Excellent adaptation

[talonjensen · 9/10 · 30 July 2019]

Clearly the story borrows heavily from the U.S. original, which borrowed from other stories. However, the Korean version is different enough that I have really enjoyed it and just finished watching episode 9.

Very nicely done, often some strong tension until a crisis is resolved. And the resolution is not always predictable. The special effects aren't up to the level of the U.S. version, but otherwise I have no complaints.

I'm hopeful they will be able to keep it up.

Great Political Drama with Superb Character Development

[lrhwin-90038 · 10/10 · 8 August 2019]

I am watching both Korean version and the original American version just for comparison. I have to say I like the Korean version much better. American version is fast paced with tight plot, however, the Korean version is doing a much better job in developing character and connecting with audience emotionally. The performance of whole crew is excellent! Can't wait for the next episode!

Way Better Than the U.S. Version

[wrenleung · 10/10 · 20 August 2019]

The plot is thick and full of twists and turns. The actor who plays president is so good. This show exhibits extremely clever writing, loads of action, and tear-jerking moments. My favorite character in the U.S. version is Kimble Hookstraten. The Korean equivalent of her is the leader of the opposition party (Korea has a different government structure) and she is a main character with so many layers. What a treat! It was tough having to read subtitles while trying to appreciate the acting but you eventually get used it.

Superb Korean Interpretation of the Original Series

[AJ_McAninch · 10/10 · 10 July 2019]

With episode 3, Korea made this story their own. At this level of emotional and creative complexity, the Korean version easily surpasses the original version, and the closure is a nice touch.

Perfect Example for Masterpiece

[napsak23 · 10/10 · 9 August 2019]

Every consecutive episode this series getting much better.

Twist ater twist

[kgmfrh · 10/10 · 20 July 2019]

I won't compare this series with the original one, but all I could say is that Designated Survivor: 60 days has been successfully executing the plot SO DAMN WELL!! The moment I decided to watch this was because I saw this series on my Netflix recommendation, I heard about the original one, but haven't decided to watch it, so I think I'll give this one a shot first. And if you find reviews saying "Designated Survivor: 60 Days is SO DAMN GOOD" well, they're not sugarcoating it! I had an extremely high expectation when I was about to start watching the first episode since I know what event will create the butterfly effect, yet, the first episode successfully made everyone who watches it shocked by how high this episode topped everyone's expectation BEYOND what they could imagine!

continuing to the second episode, it's only fair for me to tell you that the first episode was a great warm up for a roller coaster of emotions that you will experience in the second episode!

and I'd say it's been a while since K-Drama has such a nice plot, greatly executed, and wonderful underrated actors with splendid performances!

ah! and make sure to prepare some tissues with you, you'll thank me later!

Designated Survivor: 60 Days

[romateslencko · 10/10 · 9 July 2019]

The series is great. Although I just started watching the show. Waiting for the next episode Last candidate 60 days! Shooting is very good and shows a good composition. THROW! I do not think this is a failure. Good performance! Yes, I heard comparing the USA and South Korea, it seems. But in this culture, everything is different. Not a lot of interesting actor, was a professor of chemistry or a physicist. And he became the acting president of power! Poisonous chills struck me.

Pros and cons compared to the US version

[phd_travel · 6/10 · 31 December 2020]

This Korean remake imports some of the good points and bad points of the US version. The initial episodes get you interested and the basic plot about the bombing and later the survivor are similar. Here the North Korean conflict comes into play as a possible culprit. Things branch off later on with LGBTQ issues. One common thing is the political in fighting is boring in both versions. Talk talk talk. Some things about this Korean version are better. I enjoyed the first season of the US version but because it was separated by years got lost and gave up. So it is nice to have the whole story handled in one 16 episode season. Ji Jin Hee is dignified looking and quite a watchable convincing character. Kiefer Sutherland tended to look goofy. They kept calling him POTUS too many times. Lee Joon Hyuk is good as the enigmatic sole survivor. Some things about the US version are better I prefer Maggie Q in the US version. Her Korean counterpart is played by Kang Han Na and she is a bit insipid in this role, lacking the sharp look that Maggie Q has. Not a must watch but okay.

Great Political Drama!

[syarwanhamid · 10/10 · 30 July 2019]

My first impression this series, i thought is just Political Drama, but, after watch every episode, is not just about that. It's moral things, conflict and self-personality blend with amazing storytelling. Not just Political Drama, is people in people interaction. 👌

Not enough cliff hangers

[lmerana · 6/10 · 2 October 2019]

At first episode, it was interesting and left me wanting to watch the next episodes. However after episode 2 , I already know who is the villain and the story became plateau. The climax was not satisfying as they found out who is the villain. I also felt Ji Jin Hee was not at his best in this Kdrama. Also, the american version was better overall in my opinion.

actually not as good as the American version

[neverflw · 2/10 · 6 May 2023]

Disclaimer: I am American but 99% of what I watch is foreign.

I have watched many Korean TV shows and movies over the years, and they're one of my favorite foreign entertainment, and I did watch the American version of Designated Survivor few years ago. I don't recall specific content anymore, so I cannot compare that to the Korean version.

What I can compare, is that in the Korean version, there's not a single actor that acted naturally. All of them appeared stiff, wooden, without charisma. Maybe one exception is Mr. Cha's character. I also did not see any real character development.

The other complaint is that these 16 episodes could have easily been done in half the time. There were too many flashbacks, and unnecessary long pauses (why does it take a minute and 7 camera angles to wait for the acting prez to answer a reporter's question ?). No, it's not helping to build suspense. Thanks for a 10-second forward button.

The end was anti-climatic and irrelevant in my opinion. This Korean show was definitely one of the worst I've ever seen.

Much better then the American version "Designated Survivor"

[sungmoring · 10/10 · 11 August 2019]

Well build storylines, not a plastic surgery face as president (Kiefer Sutherland) that continuously acts as an emotional roller coaster , but instead finally a strong acting president character!

Bravo!

The dept this story needed

[bonjovi113 · 10/10 · 26 July 2019]

Excellent execution of this story. The longer episodes and Korean style story telling allowed me to relax with the characters. I had the time I needed to get to know subtle persona nuances which gave room for sympathetic and empitetic moments from my side (abr. tears). It has also suffered very little americanisations which was refreshing. The cinematic style used on the "curtain-closer" was a pleasant cerebral recap. I look forward to see how this show is carried forward.

Super political drama with amazing storyline

[roshan-kr07 · 10/10 · 20 August 2019]

This is much better than American version. Almost all actors do the justice with the characters / roles. A must watch for those who are interested in the world politics.

Truly exceptional

[mirabai-by · 10/10 · 21 January 2020]

It took me a couple of episodes to adapt to the slower pace of character and plot development, but so worth the wait. This series is significantly better than the American version, which grew tiresome for me. I found that when I just settled in and let myself go with the slower pace, I was so much more interested, surprised and even riveted by the plot twists and unfolding episodes. Learned a lot about how Koreans express emotions compared to Americans; much more contained, but clearly as deep. Highly recommended.

Best Netflix originals (Korean)

[ramprasannasannu · 10/10 · 9 May 2020]

Perfected the eng version, one of the best kdrama, story, plotline, suspense , they just make you guessing till the end and I wish there was political person like him in reality anyways I recommend this to everyone and I heard there is a season 2, I'm waiting..

Must watch series!!!

Exciting, well written and acted

[droche-49966 · 10/10 · 15 August 2019]

I am now watching Episode 13 and it is only getting more thrilling by the moment. I haven't watched the American version yet so i don't have a point of comparison for the storyline or script but have found the Korean one to be exciting and full of twists. The acting is first rate and what a joy to watch, what may be just acting, but intelligent people hard at work. I know governments around the world have very smart people working for them but reading the newspapers would not make me think that. This is a great adult drama to watch!

Really overrated

[JohnM63 · 6/10 · 28 January 2023]

I really don't understand the many very positive reviews on this series. It's not the worst you would probably ever see, but it's hardly better than average and certainly not better that the American series which is built on the same premise: a temporary president after a catastrophic attack.

Acting is below average and the some of the characters are hard to like as a result of regular whining. The scenario has its holes and inconsistensies and just does not have the quality to enable the story to really pull you in. You will hardly get excited probably when moving from one to the next episode. The lack of decent cliffhangers makes you not expecting a next step in the story, but instead leaves you questioning what on earth might be happening next.

The photography is okay, but not special. Worse are special effects, especially in the first episode. They are below what you would expect nowadays.

All in all, not bad, but currently at episode three, the question comes up whether I will sit out all 16 episodes. I'll give it 2 more and decide then whether this is really worth my while.

Very addictive

[cristianaggie · 10/10 · 4 September 2019]

Love the show, the character development and the exposure to the internal politics and machinations of South Korea, speaking as an American.

A brilliant masterpiece!

[cbuechel · 10/10 · 29 August 2019]

Much better than the American version, superb acting and amazing storyline. Can't wait to see more!

Better than the Original.

[john-norman-244-877068 · 9/10 · 20 February 2023]

Okay, it's a close duplication. The third season on in the original didn't cut it. But the cultural differences made the Korean version better. The action was tenser and more consolidated. I liked the characters better. They seemed far more real life and engaging. But the defining element for me was was the musical scoring and direction. You were actually compelled to follow the actions of the actors. The Korean version acting President was a real person in an impossible situation. The US version was also good, but it was and actor- albeit a good one - portraying a role. Some people have given reasons for liking either. You can't go wrong with either. The score and direction of the music was absolutely brilliant. The show wasn't bad either.

What a big surprise

[ol-jo · 9/10 · 9 February 2022]

My first show with subtitles, I didn't regret a single minute. I ran into it by accident and could not stop watching. Better than the original show. Not a big budget production.

Gives insights into Korean ethics and leadership culture and leaves you with a good feeling after 20 hours of watching.

I love the last 5 minutes. This is the true climax of the show. It is not important who is behind the coup, it is about integrity in good and bad times.

Riveting, tight storyline compared to the original

[clarissepoh · 10/10 · 6 September 2019]

One does not have to be Korean, or understand its politics, to be sucked into the show. While the drama stayed close to the premise of the original, it is still a fresh and riveting watch.

The characters are properly fleshed out, with no black and white caricatured villains. You see how ideals can build a nation and at the same time, morally corrupt.

Every episode is fun, tense and exciting. Yes, this weird combo. I binged through all 16 episodes in a single sitting. So be prepared.