The Accidental Narco (2022– ) User Reviews

Great suspense and acting

[misungpark · 8/10 · 11 September 2022]

Once you pass the 1st episode which is a bit too long (but helpful to understand the main character's personality and motivation) the series gets better and better with a great finale which keeps you on the edge of your seat for 60 minutes. The 6 episodes format is perfect as it allows to develop the story enough while being crisp at the same time.

The story is well built and well paced, the acting very good - not surprising as the show features some top actors from the Korean movie.

Hwang Jung Min nails it as per usual in his role as the ruthless, devilish drug king and finds perfect chemistry with Ha Jung Woo who is equally impressive in this guy-next-door-turned-hero.

Great suspense and action, a must watch for fans of the genre!

It's not like the real "Narcos"-show... But I liked it and it deserves a next season!

[Erik_Surewaard · 7/10 · 10 September 2022]

I am a big fan of the "Narcos" and "El Chapo" shows. So for me there was not a single doubt in my mind to give "Narco Saints" a try... And off course I didn't want to wait too long and decided to watch this show immediately!

But just before I started watching this show, I did some research. Because what on earth are a bunch of Korean guys doing in South America: drug trafficking in Suriname, a country far from their homeland. I was even more surprised to see carton boxes with dutch logos on several of the movie posters/photos. It just didn't make sense to me... But after some checking, it all seems to be based on a true story. The names of the people I however could not find back on the internet. But in the president of Suriname, I think I recognized Desi Bouterse. It is a well-known fact that - as president of Suriname - Bouterse murdered many people and is/was involved in drug trafficking. That there isn't yet a crime show about Bouterse himself, is a wonder by itself...

After watching part of the show, I was actually positively surprised by the quality of it. With the blockbuster show "Squid Game", we have already seen that korean media production can be off pretty interesting quality. And "Narco Saints" seems to confirm that "Squid Game" was not some kind of one-time miracle, never to be repeated again. You can clearly see that the producers and showrunner (director) of "Narco Saints" have done their homework by thoroughly studying the original "Narcos" and "El Chapo" shows. Especially in the first few episodes of "Narco Saints" you can see back elements like the news snippits with a voice-over from the main character.

An important point that I want to make is the choice of language and subtitling. I find it always difficult whether to chose to watch it in either (1) the original language with english subtitles, or (2) dubbed in english... Like many of you, I don't understand a word of korean. The fact is however that korean people speak so fast, that subtitles are often impossible to read fully before they disappear. So I had no alternative than to chose english dubbing. It's a pitty however that the english dubbing isn't of a too high quality. It would have been so much better if they had asked the real actors to also do a dubbing in english. This so that at least we have the english voices from the real actors. But I have to admit... watching the show with the current low quality english dubbing is still a nice experience.

Overall, the show was a great watch. The acting is great and many action scenes are very good. The visual effects however could have been better. When it comes for instance to some jet fighters taking off, you can clearly see that it was a fake.

All-in-all, it was over 6 hours of pretty good content. I think though that the director should have edited it down to somewhere between 4.5 and 5 hours. Episodes 4,5 and 6 could have been better told in two episodes of maximum 45 minutes. Especially episode 5 became a "bit" too repetitive and predictable.

I don't know why they decided to not use real names in a production "based on true facts", but this is something I hope will be changed in a second season. Because I truly hope we will see more narco shows produced by koreans! And off course any next season should again be based on true facts! I wouldn't even mind if it would then focus on drug crimes in other countries. I honestly would even be interested to see a show about the real meth druglords from Asia.

One small remark that I want to make... It was pretty obvious that Rolex sponsored the show through product placement! At one point they even put a Rolex sticker on an antique wall clock. That was pretty funny to see actually :-)

Interesting story that doesn't drag on with just six episodes

[paulyew-45125 · 7/10 · 11 September 2022]

The story is loosely based on a real-life story. The story itself is absolutely fascinating, how a Korean criminal mastermind built a drug empire in Suriname and the efforts to bring down that empire. The acting for the most part is just outstanding, mixed with some cringeworthy acting by few minor characters. In addition, there are obvious plot holes and scenes that will make people shake their heads. Korean shows do a great job on most things, but they rarely deliver when guns are involved.

Anyways, as mentioned above, the fact that this is loosely based on real-life characters and events makes the show interesting enough. The show is only six episodes long, meaning there are very few unnecessary filler scenes. I do think it's worth the investment of 6+ hours for this show.

Not bad

[shoshanim · 6/10 · 11 September 2022]

Don't expect the original Narco's series level of production, but Saints was entertaining, and largely as it was based on a true story, held my interest. It gets more interesting as the episodes evolve, but good that it was kept to 6 episodes.

I could hear in the first couple of episodes particularly some strains of background music very reminiscent of the Narcos themes. Thought that was funny, but this ain't that series. If you go in expecting that you'll just be disappointed.

You'll also have to stretch sense of belief to a rather large degree as some action events are rather not quite realistic or believable, forget feasible.

But it's an intriguing story you might enjoy watching.

Very Entertaining.

[jb07-660-944395 · 9/10 · 13 September 2022]

Great acting, interesting story line, great characters, lots of action.

Great production and cinematography.

At times you have to suspend belief as it gets a little far fetched, but hey, it's very entertaining.

The main characters are perfectly cast.

Just a couple of things. A C130 would not reverse into a hanger using its engines - they have vehicles to tow it in - and the engines would be off.

Secondly, if bullets from automatic rifles are fired into the front of a car, if you are driving said car, you are going to get hit. Also, the windscreen (especially with around 100 bullets fired into it) is going to disintegrate.

Entertaining, but needs to be believable

[rafcity · 7/10 · 27 September 2022]

I like the premise of this show. Narcos, gangster, rivalry, spy. All the ingredients of my favourite shows like Narcos, El-Chapo, Breaking Bad, etc. The story is entertaining and gripping that keeps you binge watching. However, I kept cringing on the scene. What kind of spy show is this? Here are the problems.

1. You are a nobody in a stranger land and yet you could walk into a notorious gangster den to negotiate terms all by himself.

2. As a loner in narcos land, you could also negotiate terms and make demands with the most notorious narco boss. You can threaten to walk off a deal without worry of having your head blown off.

3. The first thing you do as a spy while living in a narcos den is to put a picture of you and your family next to your bed. Probably this is the best way to introduce your family to the narcos in case things don't go as planned.

4. As a spy, you talk casually to your superior to report your activity and your next plot over the phone in the backyard, corridor or next to the pool and literally everywhere in the narcos compound. You also exchange text messages freely with your superior to tell him your plots.

5. Your superior will also call and text message you casually at any time to tell you his plan and plots to capture the narcos.

6. As the guest with untrusted background living in a narco compound, you can freely take his car, drive to his enemy den, make deals behind his back, and discuss plots to take down the narcos without raising suspicion. The narcos also would care less to monitor your activity although you are an untrusted new business partner.

7. As an unknown, untrusted business partner, to show you are in control, you would do a very disgusting spit in front of the narcos boss.

All these unbelievable plots are spoiling the show with an interesting backstory.

Very interesting.

[mrspecttra · 10/10 · 12 September 2022]

This show is surprisingly good. I really love how they combined languages and ethnicity throughout the show. The casting is spot on i.e: if people talk English, they talk English, if they speak Korean they speak Korean. There are some shows that are actually supposed to be speaking Chinese or other languages, but they do that for 10 minutes and then switch to English to make it easier to follow. This is not one of those shows, and in my opinion it really adds to the authenticity of the overall atmosphere. The characters are well developed, and most importantly: it really is an engaging show. I really look forward to see more of it.

Extremely Violent But True Story

[PalmBeachG · 7/10 · 11 September 2022]

I think I watched half of this series with my eyes closed since I don't really like to watch violence, but I do like true stories so wanted to see it. Even with my eyes closed at some of the most violent scenes, the grotesque audio was enough to visualize in my head what was happening. The true story in itself is indicative of what really does go on out there, and unfortunately in this instance a private citizen unwittingly gets himself involved in a huge US DEA kingpin/drug bust operation because the Korean (lead male) went to the country innocently with his buddy to export/import some skate (seafood that looks like a stingray) which is a delicacy in Korea but gets thrown away in the South African country. They wind up getting getting caught in a scheme and getting involved in this operation when one of the investigation officials involves them w/o their knowledge with drugs on their boat. Of course they get caught and now they are in it for real. This was an operation that was reminiscent of the El Chapo bust. The characters were cast perfectly and the ending was satisfying.

What an amazing show with great acting

[mouhamed_m92 · 9/10 · 12 September 2022]

It's a simple plot but masterful at the same time one of the best tv shows i have seen in 2022 I enjoyed every minute and never got bored Koreans are really great actors All the actors did a great job I really love the cooperation between Netflix and Korea it produces really great works and i hope to see more masterpisece soon like that As for directing the director made a great effort and maintained the pace of work and the balance between drama and action The series ended on time without delay The same for the writer he made great characters and drew their sides and features well I highly recommend the series to people who love the atmosphere of espionage mixed with excitement biography and action they will have a nice time with this series and the beautiful thing is that it does not need a lot of time.

More annoying than riveting

[mhhblok · 6/10 · 3 October 2022]

Entertaining show. But never riveting or really exciting as were the Narcos namesakes.

The most jarring thing about this series is the fact that it is called Suriname, but denies the country. The landscape, actors, seaside, cities, villa, roads, signs, language: it is all about as Surinamese as Kamchatka or Lisbon. Absolutely has no feel for the country. The most ridiculous thing is when Surinamese fighter jets fly by, for a country without a fixed wing Air Force.

In addition, the show makes Suriname look worse than it is for crime and drugs.

The acting is good, although the non-Korean actors are not believable as Surinamese at all.

I liked the production value and the story arc.

Excellent choice for fans of Narcos: Colombia and Mexico

[aaditya91 · 9/10 · 13 September 2022]

It would be absolutely unfair to compare this series to Narcos, but it's a gripping and exciting thriller nonetheless which gives you a glimpse into a less known story within the War on Drugs era. The casting is excellent, the action sequences and dialogues are brilliant, and the characters were so great that you'd feel like rooting for all of them regardless of whether they're good guys or bad guys. And well the setting - who doesn't like a classy narco story set in the Latin tropics?

But the main thing for me was the CINEMATOGRAPHY - Korean shows always kill it when it comes to this department. It's a slow burn yet taut thriller that's so much fun to watch, it's easy to look past it's only con - there is no genuine cultural characteristics of the country of Suriname on display here, would've definitely liked to see more of Surinamese culture in general, even though the entire series seems to be set in the region.

A Worth Watch - Review of the accidental narco - itsbymayank

[mayanklouteriya · 6/10 · 10 September 2022]

I love the casting they picked for this show and the actors did a great job. It never got boring and always had you waiting to see what happens next!

. .

I can recommend this show to anyone thinking about watching it! Go watch the show and I think you will love it.

. .

If you like character chemistry, good pacing, lighthearted dry humours, all while delivering dark and well written script, this is an original to see.

A mix side after watching it.. .

Inspired by some events, this is well written and engaging.

. Review of The Accidental NARCO (Narco Saints) by itsbymayank - Mayank Bharat Bhushan Louteriya.

vaguely amusing, completely fictional story

[cludinsk · 4/10 · 29 January 2023]

For a show that keeps getting called "based on a real story" there's very little that has anything to do with the actual story. The actual "drug lord" was a guy who smuggled 50 kilos to Europe using couriers, was convinced to fly to San Paulo and was arrested when he landed. All of the action in the show is complete fiction, there was no large scale coke farm, the drug guy worked with ship parts, not some preacher with a following, etc. I'd personally be more interested in hearing the real story over this obviously fake endless gun battles and conflicts. The actual undercover guy was there for three years, which must have been a very different experience. 95% fiction, 5% fact.

Naive and silly, but all in good fun

[lumosnight · 6/10 · 12 September 2022]

When they say 'based on a true story' what they mean is that there was once a Korean narco trafficker in Suriname, and that is where all the similarities end. He did not front as a pastor, nor did he have a cult following of crazies.

So the story follows a man called In Gu who is down on his luck and has to support his family. His friend gives him an offer that is too good to be true: to set up a business in Suriname where they will export skate fish to Korea and thus become rich. In Gu takes him up on his offer, never once investigating the political situation in Suriname, nor checking the regulations for importing food into Korea. The two of course get into trouble with the local gangs who each want their cut of the revenue and In Gu ends up having to work with the National Intelligence Service to hunt down the local Korean kingpin, the notorious Pastor.

Everything feels incredibly naive with the story, where our main character happens to be a brilliant negotiator who is capable of pulling the wool over all the narco bosses' eyes and he manages to pit them against each other. The NIS officer who begs him for help is so laughable in how helpless he is in the whole situation, and his disguises are quite unconvincing.

The Korean production of this show obviously wanted a cut out of the 'narco trafficker' genre which is very popular now. However, it is obvious that they haven't done a bit of research on what made narco bosses so remarkable. Anyone who watched the Narcos series would realize that the leaders of these cartels were highly intelligent, despite not being educated, and they were very good judges of character. In Gu's deceit would have be discovered early on and he would have been killed the moment he even attempted to put them against each other. Only the most observant would stay on top, which is what made cartel leaders so intimidating.

Overall, this is a fun show, but it would have worked much better as a full on comedy that parodies the narcos genre - now that would have made it truly memorable.

The series is based on the true story of the arrest of 'Cho Bong-haeng, a suriname drug king', and is full of immersion and tension

[moutrcveecbukbc · 10/10 · 19 September 2022]

The plot is well organized with a sense of urgency. Actors are also very good at acting and full of excitement. The series is short, so the immersion is excellent. Narco-Saints is based on a true story. I enjoyed watching while concentrating until the end. Narco Saints is based on the truth that Cho Bong-haeng, a Korean and Suriname drug king, was arrested in 2009. The case, known as the "Arrest Operation of Suriname Drug King Cho Bong-haeng," was also reported in the Korean media in 2009.

Cho Bong-haeng is the real person of "Jeon Yo-hwan," a drug dealer in the Narco-Saints series. According to Korean investigators and media reports, drug king Cho Bong-haeng has been trafficking drugs in Surinam since 1995. Cho Bong-haeng said that former President Surinam, Desi Bouterse, had been close since decades ago when he was a soldier. According to South Korean investigators, Cho used Desi Bouterse's villa as a drug carrier accommodation. Jo Bong-haeng became Suriname's leading drug trafficker by trading drugs with the Cali cartel. It was also revealed that Cho Bong-haeng was a friend of Suriname dictator Desi Bouterse and was protected by Suriname military police in the past. Cho was wanted by Interpol in 2004 for allegedly smuggling cocaine into Europe. Suriname, however, could not be arrested immediately because there was no extradition treaty with South Korea. Cho Bong-haeng was eventually arrested at an airport in Brazil in 2009 in an international-cooperative arrest operation by the South Korean National Intelligence Service, prosecutors, internal collaborators, the U. S. DEA and Brazilian police.

Meanwhile, in Jo Bong-haeng's arrest operation, Korean civilian were deployed as agents of disguised transactions, just like the main character Kang In-gu, the main character of Narco-Saints. All of this is true. The shocking true story is similar to the Netflix series Narco-Saints. The true story is even more dramatic This made the reality of the story stand out even more.

Narco-Saints has excellent directing, actor and plot. It is comparable to the 'Narcos: Mexico' series.

All-out perfomance but lack of directing and executing.

[septianberlin · 7/10 · 10 October 2022]

Narcosaints: Narcos + cult in a nutshell.

Just finished Narcosaints. I was attracted to this series because the cast are top class actors in Korea (especially Park Hae So). So, I don't doubt their acting skills in this series. But, Narcosaints still lack of many aspect in executing and directing.

----------------------------- Synopsis Kang In-Gu (Ha Jung-Woo) begins his business in the South American country of Suriname. He is thrust into a situation, which he must cooperate with the South Korean NIS to catch Jeon Yo-Hwan (Hwang Jung-Min). He is known as a drug king, who runs his drug-smuggling operation out of Suriname.

-----------------------------

Review: Pros Narco-saint had some loving aspect especially the character, every characters in Narcosaints is solid af. Their portion is balance and make you feel they are important as long the story go. As always South Korea tv-series never make you dissapointed with their cinematography. Simple yet elegant but also intense.

The episode 1-5 of this series is pretty solid job, how to potrait Kang as a loving-family business guy with good negotiation skill into the manipulator. He progressed is really rewarding for watcher, his doing the best to live and meet his family is a good motivation for the character development.

Mixed The villain is too comical. For me this is no problem but for several people who think this series gonna take to realism... Nah, this series is not for you then especially for the antagonist. I don't wanna spoiler you about this. So judge yourself after watching 2-3 episodes.

Cons The story is so bland and plain, this series is too focusing on the cast but not to the script...or just the false directing?

The directing on this film kinda ruined the mood, you gonna see the director surely take 3 or 4 frame with context. In my first impression i think this frame gonna be significant to the story but nuh huh...just useless take.

The last episode was a letdown for sure, the fight is too lame..stupid lame. Too many dialogues and flaws like "hey bro i want epic climax in last episode, not some dips*it lame execution" Even in the end of last episode, choice cliffhanger ending is fatal mistake. Why dont make ultimate battle instead some wacky battle in lakeside lmao. Too many lame moment in Final episode, kinda dissapointed about that (i mean they Fed up us with solid episode but in the end...*sigh )

Summary: Narco-Saints is good South Korea drama about druglord disguised as a pastor. Although there are lack in terms of final execution and script, but the series is still entertaing and worth to watch only because the cast and Kang development. This series is fun to watch.

Score: 7/10.

Narco Saints Is Next Sensational HIT FROM KOREAN INDUSTRY Must watch

[rsgconfigs · 10/10 · 11 September 2022]

Narco Saints Is Next Sensational HIT FROM KOREAN INDUSTRY!!

I love the casting they picked for this show and the actors did a great job. It never got boring and always had you waiting to see what happens next!

. .

I can recommend this show to anyone thinking about watching it! Go watch the show and I think you will love it.

. .

If you like character chemistry, good pacing, lighthearted dry humours, all while delivering dark and well written script, this is an original to see.

A mix side after watching it.. .

Inspired by some events, this is well written and engaging.

Last i will definitely recommend.

Not same quality as Narcos but watchable

[Horror_Flick_Fanatic · 6/10 · 15 September 2022]

For fans of the two original Narcos series on Netflix, Narcos Colombia and Mexico, this series doesn't hold up well to those other Narcos shows. Not saying to skip it. But lower your expectations as the writing isn't nearly as good as the rest of the Narcos tv shows. Neither is the character development. The dialog is cringy in that Asian mobster/gang kind a way we have seen in many other films. The characters just don't talk how people would in real life. The preacher's dialog is particularly annoying with his terrible incorrect biblical references. Even the sole American DEA agent's dialog is cringy. The Suriname extras don't have much dialog in the film or acting. So very little of the Suriname people are really known except some superficial demographic stats about the country.

Nevertheless, it is a fine if watched with expectations that are tempered down from what we are normally used to with the Narcos series. The show does get better around ep5 and ep6. I thought the climax was pretty good with a lot of action and fast paced action. But for ep1 through ep 4, expect the typical Asian kingpins and their army of robotic like pawns duke it out with hatchets and guns. The fighting action is decent, they do sneak in martial arts into it. I think its passable with a 6/10 mostly because the show gets more interesting in those two last episodes.

Korea does it again

[Leofwine_draca · 9/10 · 8 October 2022]

South Korean cinema and television continues to impress with NARCO-SAINTS, a retitling of THE ACCIDENTAL NARCO now showing on Netflix. Like SQUID GAME before it, this is a limited TV miniseries which has the production values and expense of a movie, and it looks absolutely fantastic too. It tells the true story of a Korean pastor in Suriname who turned out to be a drug lord on the side. Hard to believe, but this perfectly-paced thriller packs in the realism for a gritty and suspenseful adventure. Ha Jung Woo is the perfect lead and supported by a couple of Korea's hottest stars, and together they shine, their performances underpinning typically exciting action bits.

A gangster drug trafficking series!

[UmeshAditya · 7/10 · 17 September 2022]

Another Korean new series on Netflix! Similar to Narcos n watch if you're fan of Narcos gangster drama. True story based on drug trafficking of Suriname country. 6 episodes good watch,

My ratings 7/10!

Another Korean new series on Netflix! Similar to Narcos n watch if you're fan of Narcos gangster drama. True story based on drug trafficking of Suriname country. 6 episodes good watch, My ratings 7/10!

Another Korean new series on Netflix! Similar to Narcos n watch if you're fan of Narcos gangster drama. True story based on drug trafficking of Suriname country. 6 episodes good watch, My ratings 7/10!

WPRLD BEST SEREIS EVER SEEN

[aayushguptaapvm · 10/10 · 12 September 2022]

If I get to give 1millon Dollar for this sereies I will give it without hesitating this is worth it best part of life and no SEREIS can beat this even vincenzo. Netflix is back with drug wars and the NIS in the latest crime thriller Narco Saints () and we are loving the game. Directed by Yoon Jong Bin, the series stars Ha Jung-woo, Hwang Jung-min, Park Hae-soo, Yoo Yeon-seok alongside other cast members.

Narco Saints is about a man involved in a National Intelligence Service (NIS) secret operation after being framed by a drug lord who controls South America Suriname under his thumb. The show starts off with the history of the protagonist Kang In-gu (Ha Jung-woo) who has been struggling with life since childhood due to some reason or the other. Having finally gotten back on track with earning enough to make ends meet, he notices that he is just wasting his days living the same life as his parents.

Saint Chapo

[Park_Min · 6/10 · 12 March 2024]

The plot unfolded with a good mix of suspense and intrigue, throwing in enough attractive elements to grip you in, however, it's not exactly breaking new ground thematically, it did a decent job for laying down a serviceable short story despite its rough start. I appreciate having the entire plot based outside of Korea, it was nice breaking out of some tired cliches in the Korean drug world. Although the drama didn't mess up the ending but they went for the generic and safe route. The drama had a decent selection of cast but Hwang Jung Min stole the spotlight as usual. Always makes me wish to see him taking more drama roles.

Fantasy land

[xyzreplica · 1/10 · 19 September 2022]

I've seen other reviewers call this fantasy land and I have to agree.

For one, they have a scene where they explain what language is spoken in suriname. They say most people speak English but some speak Chinese or Dutch or whatever. This is wrong. Suriname has it's own language. The writers don't even know this.🤣

Then they have a scene inside this big church with a korean pastor giving a sermon inside a massive china town setting. Again, which country is this supposed to be? Lmao

The entire show is also clearly filmed in a different country. Whereas Narcos feels very authentic with native music and language, this show is the polar opposite.

Takes a while to get good

[stevenmortonuk · 6/10 · 18 September 2022]

This is a pretty common setup for a tv drama and this doesn't bring anything new to the table.

The first episode sets everything up, but the middle episodes get a bit slow. However, the show's worth watching for the last two episodes which are pretty good. There's a particularly good scene in the second last episode.

The acting is good. There are a lot of famous Korean actors in this show, so if you like Korean movies, you'll probably recognize them.

Is this a true story? Probably not. Apparently the guy who claimed this happened to him makes some unbelievable claims that closely resemble movies.

However, is it worth watching? If you like this kind of genre, yes.

As good as Narcos and even better in some aspects

[phd_travel · 10/10 · 11 December 2022]

I loved the first 3 seasons of Narcos and didn't think anything could match it but this superb series did match it. Well made and exciting from start to finish and because a civilian central character point of view is involved it is even scarier. The twists and turns have a true story believability. The director does a great job keeping things clear and not confusing. The actors are terrific too. The actor playing the pastor Hwang is fantastic sprouting all his religious words amidst his crimes. Totally convincing false prophet. Some from Suriname might dislike this show but it's a true story, although there are some liberties with the way events played out the premise is true. The location filming in the Dominican Republic gives this an authentic feel.

This is a must watch. Even wish the series had been longer than 6 episodes.