This film informs viewers of the reality of the Korean conscription army, 100% without any manipulation or beautification. I joined the Korean military in 2012 and was discharged in 2014. I guarantee that there is no malicious description of the Korean military in this film. This is 100% real, but there are more terrible things in reality. Even though Korea is a free democratic country, it is dragging young men and treating like slaves. And without paying fair treatment, he put it in a beast cage like that drama and forced everything. Despite living in such an environment, Korea does not pay any respect or compensation for the soldier. KPOP, K DRAMA, and so on are all false. This is the reality of Korea. I hope you guys don't admire this beastly country. And i hope you guys respect all soldier in this world.
85 Reviews
How hard can it be
alaningle711 October 2021
A new recruit is assigned to the DP who are responsible for bringing back soldiers who have gone AWOL. A well acted drama which looks at the the unfair treatment of soldiers of all ranks and how bullying can become systematic. Each episode deals with the causes of why the soldier deserted and the efforts to return him. In a country where conscription is compulsory it will hopefully make the people look at the vicious cycle of bullying from all ranks against ordinary people carrying out service.
"If he was so kind and diligent, why didn't you do anything when he was getting bullied?"
sampah-541902 September 2021
Netflix Korea has done it again. Here's another well written/directed/acted series that deals with a difficult subject so often buried by a system that does not support the victims. This series doesn't pull its punches and just gets better and better as each episode progresses. Superb cast.
TIghtly written, scathing indictment
phd_travel8 September 2021
This show is primarily a scathing indictment of the institutional bullying that takes place in compulsory military service in South Korea. Told with an ironic brisk tone and occasional sardonic dark comedy, the horror is real, never exaggerated but portrayed in a matter of fact way that makes it so much more effective and powerfully moving. Some other reasons for desertion are also shown like economic reasons. But the torture is the main thing here.this show is a success because the subject matter is a universal problem in any country where men are forced into so called military service and killed or injured mentally and physically. Akin to a normal innocent person being sentenced to prison and torture for a crime they didn't commit.
There is an onward momentum and a fast pace unlike many other shows because this one has only 6 episodes. No slow moments or wasted scenes and all things come together. Sometimes you need to concentrate to keep clear who is who as there are many soldiers.
Jung Hae In was so good in Something in the Rain but his recent projects like a Piece of Your Mind weren't good enough for him. He is such a terrific actor showing a sympathetic dramatic side here. In D. P. the bullying he suffers is so much more painful to watch because it is him and the viewer can feel his righteous indignation under his self control. Kudos to Shin Seung Ho who is well cast and very effective as a bullying sadist.
There is a lot more to tell and season 2 should be a good one. Congratulations to the cast and crew and writer.
There is an onward momentum and a fast pace unlike many other shows because this one has only 6 episodes. No slow moments or wasted scenes and all things come together. Sometimes you need to concentrate to keep clear who is who as there are many soldiers.
Jung Hae In was so good in Something in the Rain but his recent projects like a Piece of Your Mind weren't good enough for him. He is such a terrific actor showing a sympathetic dramatic side here. In D. P. the bullying he suffers is so much more painful to watch because it is him and the viewer can feel his righteous indignation under his self control. Kudos to Shin Seung Ho who is well cast and very effective as a bullying sadist.
There is a lot more to tell and season 2 should be a good one. Congratulations to the cast and crew and writer.
Will make you hate human nature, brilliant performances.
hanalisss28 August 2021
This drama deals with very hard and sensitive topics that most people know but we tend to ignore. Raw emotions and feelings dealing with traumatic experiences caused by human nature ( although I should be saying men) . The story speaks about mandatory military enlistment for males in South Korea and how rotten those institutions and its hierarchical society is.
The struggle of those men trapped in a system that doesn't help them and silences them and the constant battle of some good individuals trying to fight against it.
The performances of the cast were outstanding and all the deep feelings and emotions were spectacularly portrayed.
I also enjoyed the fighting scenes with Jung Hae-in actually boxing.
The ending was surprisingly explosive I really hope there's a second season.
Absolutely worth the watch.
The struggle of those men trapped in a system that doesn't help them and silences them and the constant battle of some good individuals trying to fight against it.
The performances of the cast were outstanding and all the deep feelings and emotions were spectacularly portrayed.
I also enjoyed the fighting scenes with Jung Hae-in actually boxing.
The ending was surprisingly explosive I really hope there's a second season.
Absolutely worth the watch.
Doesn't pull its punches
Jodie_ds28 August 2021
This is a stunning example of how cinema or TV can be used to get people to be aware of and discuss something important.
I can only imagine what it must be like to live in a country with compulsory military service, but this show and all of the cast do an excellent job of humanising (as in tells a human story) the situations that must occur when service is only a choice if you are rich or connected enough to make use of the loopholes.
A must watch. But not an easy one.
I can only imagine what it must be like to live in a country with compulsory military service, but this show and all of the cast do an excellent job of humanising (as in tells a human story) the situations that must occur when service is only a choice if you are rich or connected enough to make use of the loopholes.
A must watch. But not an easy one.
Dark and insightful
vicknair-6665629 August 2021
Wow! D. P. Is fast moving and gripping - I had to hold back from binge watching all six episodes in one sitting. So much sadness balanced by bits of light. Makes me pray that all militaries are working to end the hazing and cruelty that seem to abound when the wrong people are given power. Beautifully acted, don't miss it.
One of the best 2021 series on Netflix!
ClariSays30 August 2021
D. P. (2021) has a good start and a great ending. The story, actors, music, direction, you name it, everything was well put together.
Anyway, I don't know what else to say except to encourage you to watch this series. (*There are only six episodes.) It is worth your time. And whether or not there is a second season, this season already speaks volumes.
Anyway, I don't know what else to say except to encourage you to watch this series. (*There are only six episodes.) It is worth your time. And whether or not there is a second season, this season already speaks volumes.
Eye opening. Must watch
j_ahgase29 August 2021
Must watch series from Netflix KOREA.
1. The problems are most definitely real and you will sympathize with every character.
2. I did not actually expect the series to be funny ....but it was.
3. The CHEMISTRY between the actors is everything.
Even the Cameos and the whole cast was excellent.
Especially the relationship between the two leads.
4. The storyline was unique but (seemed) very much true ,and even inspiring at a point.
5. You might even cry.
For everyone who wants to watch a slice of life, real, non-romantic, a binge watchable series this is IT.
1. The problems are most definitely real and you will sympathize with every character.
2. I did not actually expect the series to be funny ....but it was.
3. The CHEMISTRY between the actors is everything.
Even the Cameos and the whole cast was excellent.
Especially the relationship between the two leads.
4. The storyline was unique but (seemed) very much true ,and even inspiring at a point.
5. You might even cry.
For everyone who wants to watch a slice of life, real, non-romantic, a binge watchable series this is IT.
Season one great, Season two not bad
singakd8 August 2023
Season 1 was great and loved every bit of it. Started off so well! Introducing all the characters and seeing them grow (I'm Jisup) was very refreshing. A country where military service is compulsory I cant even imagine all sorts of folks coming under the same roof handling weapons and being responsible for the national security. Not all are equipped for it and that means conflict whether we admit it or not. There is a reason why other countries do mental evaluation before admitting people to the military or police and you can clearly see the distinction here. And this is why the first season was very powerful in conveying the shortcomings of that process. Come to season two and it sort of fall flat to all the theatricals. We get the message but it is messy in its delivery. Places where they could have used the platform to convey powerful yet effective message they just stood around and did nothing. Most of it is packed in last 2 episodes but even then it feel like it does not give its everything which is disappointing because I had hopes. Nonetheless it delivers its message and I'm glad to have found a show which is different. It tackles the compelling topic of bullying and bureaucracy in public services and kudos to the team for that!
I'm now suffering the pain for days after finishing D.P.
poepoek-1864131 August 2021
D. P. is a very realistic and dark series with excellent cinematography and acting. The way it tackles the sensitive issue in south korean military is mind-blowing and makes me think and reflect alot since such kind of issues are everywhere in our society in either direct or indirect way and the fact that if you want to make something change, you must at least do something calls out the people who normalize bullying and do nothing but ignore even if such happens in front of their eyes. The plot itself is interesting but the realistic acting skills of Jung Hae In make it shine more plus all the casts in the series did their great job. For me, it's the best series of 2021 so far.
Overall good series, but notable differences between the 2 seasons
skistud-5568513 August 2023
My overall rating is based on both seasons 1 & 2. Season 1 is 9/10, whereas season 2 is 6/10. Why the difference?
Season 1 was riveting TV, which focused on the unit level of abuse in the ROK military, and there was excellent chemistry between the DP leads.
Season 2 was more focused on the upper-level command responsibilities/cover-up for the atrocities seen at the until level. I do appreciate the writers not rehashing stories similar to Season 1, but the Season 2 storyline just wasn't as riveting as the first season. Also, in Season 2 there was little to no chemistry between the DP leads, because they were rarely in scenes together.
But Season 2 is a decent bookend to the whole storyline, so would recommend watching both seasons to get the complete picture of the ROK military issues from the unit level up to the upper-level command.
Season 1 was riveting TV, which focused on the unit level of abuse in the ROK military, and there was excellent chemistry between the DP leads.
Season 2 was more focused on the upper-level command responsibilities/cover-up for the atrocities seen at the until level. I do appreciate the writers not rehashing stories similar to Season 1, but the Season 2 storyline just wasn't as riveting as the first season. Also, in Season 2 there was little to no chemistry between the DP leads, because they were rarely in scenes together.
But Season 2 is a decent bookend to the whole storyline, so would recommend watching both seasons to get the complete picture of the ROK military issues from the unit level up to the upper-level command.
9 stars for Season and 1 star for Season 2 for an average of 5 stars
paulyew-451251 August 2023
If you are looking at these reviews to decide whether to give this show a try, I would eagerly recommend that you watch season 1. The merits of season 1 have been mentioned in many of the reviews posted on here. Once you finish season 1, just stop and move on to a different show. After the brilliant season 1, season 2 has morphed into an absolute disaster. The second season has 3 separate deserter stories. Unlike the gritty realism of the first season, which made the show so captivating, the second season relies on cheap dramatization to make the stories seem more "heartbreaking," I suppose. The scene with the mother of the killer and the mother of the victim facing off while everyone else is just standing around is just ludicrous. The second story could have been and should have been the highlight of this season. However, for whatever reason, the show runners decided to add absolutely ridiculous chase scenes that completely ruin the storyline. I understand that it doesn't hurt to add some levity to break up the tension, but the slap stick comedy, ala Three Stooges or Benny Hill, simply does not belong in this show and kills the mood. Instead of continuing with what made season 1 so successful, it seems the show runners consciously decided to make season 2 more dramatic, funnier, and engaging, but failed miserably. Again, watch season 1 if you haven't yet. Pretend season 2 never happened.
fascinating film
ngocphach28 August 2021
Must see
fffflora28 August 2021
This drama far exceeded my expectations. Cinematography and direction are just exquisite. Every one of the actors gave it their best. OST is amazing. The story was well written and certainly important to tell. It does deal with graphic and brutal bullying including sexual assault. I can't recommend it highly enough, thank you to everyone who worked hard to bring this gem to life.
Hyperrealism
soungu31 August 2021
This TV show bluntly depicts the dark side of military life set in the early 2010s. As a Korean man who finished the military service a little prior to this show, I praise the writer and director for their efforts to put every detail of Korean Army life into the show which reminds me of those days for a while. I'm surprised that the director contains every possible bad accident and unfair system a newly-assigned soldier in the troops should feel, experience, endure, and finally accept. (but actually not all of those bad things happen to one person or one troop at the same time.) Anyways, watch this show. This will leave you many things to rethink in your life, relationship, and community you're in.
Brilliant drama based on brutal reality
parkmw-3646311 June 2022
I'm 52 years old typical Korean man who served in the army for almost 3 years with 10$ monthly wage and beaten like a dog every night...
If some foreigners ask me to recommend a K-Drama, I always pick D. P.
I strongly believe that every kind of cultural contents, ie. Movie/drama/song/cartoon etc, should be based on true reality.
Reality usually sucks... we all know that.
Recently I hear many foreigners around the world get to enjoy K-Contents such as BTS, Squid Game, Parasite, BlackPink etc.
Yes, they are brilliant and definitely worth your time
But, if I have to pick just one K-Contents to recommend to foreigners, I'll never hesitate to pick D. P. simply because;
I strongly believe that every kind of cultural contents, ie. Movie/drama/song/cartoon etc, should be based on true reality.
Reality usually sucks... we all know that.
Recently I hear many foreigners around the world get to enjoy K-Contents such as BTS, Squid Game, Parasite, BlackPink etc.
Yes, they are brilliant and definitely worth your time
But, if I have to pick just one K-Contents to recommend to foreigners, I'll never hesitate to pick D. P. simply because;
- D. P. is all about brutal, naked truth about Korean society
- D. P. has bravely revealed the dark side of my country and maybe world
- D. P. is my story, my true story
- D. P. is their own story for most of adult Korean men
- D. P. talks about violence, injustice, cruelty.. and, in the end, about courage and humanity.
awesome drama
jnney27 August 2021
Touching drama mini series
jishnugopal-0170028 October 2021
Unswervingly critical and searingly honest.
bobbsaunders20 September 2021
Quite possibly the most riveting and affecting TV programme ever. After each episode I am left speechless, could just sit in my armchair and say....wow....wow.... Having recently switched on to Kdrama I'd thought it was really just good entertainment, but it also proves to be gritty, bold, brave, unswervingly critical, searingly honest, insightful and single-mindedly brilliant as well. This is a new series and it must win all screen production awards next time round. Wow........
More of a drama than a thriller.
TreeFiddy5311 September 2021
Six episodes that talk about bullying and the consequences of it in the Korean Army, the kind of story that you won't hear. It's dark, it's realistic and if there is truth to it, *smh* Good acting, great music and there's some decent action as well. But it's mostly a drama and if you like drama, I'd recommend this.
Great Season One - Very Disappointing Season Two
d319312 August 2023
The glowing reviews for the first season are all well deserved. So the bar was set high for the series' return. Unfortunately it failed to deliver. Confusing (for an American) and mangled plots; overly melodramatic (which season on managed to avoid, despite its high drama); an episode with a gay character who wears drag was so poorly handled you have to wonder how it came into being (the lead even commits suicide at the end - so 1950s in its sensibilty); totally unrealistic fights.
I was a huge fan. But what had been an outstanding entry in the KDrama arena was just plain disappointing. Nine stars for the first season.
I was a huge fan. But what had been an outstanding entry in the KDrama arena was just plain disappointing. Nine stars for the first season.
It's good, but short.
daleshi8 December 2022
One of the better kdrama I've watched in a while. Filming, directing, and acting all really well done. I'd say writing was up there too, although the comic elements might be distracting at times (but not necessarily unbelievable).
As a US vet there was a decent amount to relate to. Unfortunately, this series focuses mainly on one negative aspect of service...or really, basic human group behavior (bullying) that can arise if deemed "appropriate" or left unchecked. When I served we could be issued approved disciplinary "beatings" from a small card which basically would not kill us. By the time we were assigned to our training platoons and then more permanent units, a good number were discharged. Still, what's depicted in this drama certainly occurs for us, but I wonder how systemic it is in the Korean service as it's portrayed.
That was really my main issue with the series, since their compulsory service is rather short in comparison. I feel like their suicide rate would be a much bigger issue than desertion if soldiers are beating each other left and right unchecked.
As a US vet there was a decent amount to relate to. Unfortunately, this series focuses mainly on one negative aspect of service...or really, basic human group behavior (bullying) that can arise if deemed "appropriate" or left unchecked. When I served we could be issued approved disciplinary "beatings" from a small card which basically would not kill us. By the time we were assigned to our training platoons and then more permanent units, a good number were discharged. Still, what's depicted in this drama certainly occurs for us, but I wonder how systemic it is in the Korean service as it's portrayed.
That was really my main issue with the series, since their compulsory service is rather short in comparison. I feel like their suicide rate would be a much bigger issue than desertion if soldiers are beating each other left and right unchecked.
Not your usual Military Drama
11ovz1126 September 2021
When you say "military drama", we usually think of difficult missions, war, spies, or back and forth shootings and explosions. However, this drama chooses to focus on the behind the scenes of a soldier and their human aspect.
What really happens inside a training base? Why do soldiers deserts their positions and go into hiding?
Well, watch it. And find out. It's worth it!
Great work team.
What really happens inside a training base? Why do soldiers deserts their positions and go into hiding?
Well, watch it. And find out. It's worth it!
Great work team.
See also
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