Stranger (2017–2020) User Reviews

Stranger

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 17 June 2021]

The first season of this Korean drama opens with Prosecutor Hwang Shi Mok discovering the body of a murdered man. The case will see him working with policewoman Lieutenant Han Yeo Jin. They are very different characters; thanks to an operation when he was a teenager Shi Mok has reduced emotions. There is an early suspect but questions are soon raised about his guilt as evidence emerges suggesting the victim had been involved in corruption. The case draws attention to tensions between the police and the prosecution service.

The second season opens with two students drowning at a beach where the closure notices had been taken down. Those who took the notices down are quickly apprehended but they have contacts in high places and are soon released; Shi Mok is on the case. Once again he finds himself working with Han Yeo Jin as both are seconded to a group examining the relative powers of the police and prosecution service. Both sides are keen to show the other in a poor light so look into wrong doing in the other service. Tensions further mount when a prosecutor disappears; evidence suggests kidnapping or worse.

I really enjoyed this series. It doesn't waste time with needless exposition concerning the rivalry between police and prosecution; it treats the viewers as intelligent enough to pick it up as the story progresses. The cases in both seasons are interesting and the main characters are fun to watch. Cho Seung-woo does an outstanding job as Hwang Shi Mok but Bae Doona steals just about every scene she appears in, as she manages to produce laughs with the subtlest of gestures, without every becoming a comedy character. The rest of the cast are impressive too. Overall I'd certainly recommend this.

These comments are based on watching the series in Korean with English subtitles.

One of the very best

[Atrey_Doury · 9/10 · 14 August 2017]

Season 1

I can count on the fingers of my one hand the series that I could consider at par or better than this. On every count it is an absolute winner. I have always believed that a true thriller is more cerebral than physical. The action happens by way of intellectual warfare than actual gunfights and muscled maniacs showing us all kind of choreographed war dances. This series is absolutely such a production, but make no mistake it neither lags nor allows your attention to waiver. Towards the end narrative could have been tighter and it could have gone in another direction. But perhaps that just comes down to personal preferences and cultural perspectives. All in all a highly recommended thriller and hands - down a shoo - in to my personal all time favourites. Kudos to the production team as well as the actors.

Excellent!

Season 2

I have kept my review of Season 1 as is. As far as season 2 is concerned, it does not possess the intensity, the menace (yes there was nuanced menace underlying the first season that gave it such intensity), and the powerhouse performances from the supporting cast. Season 2 is slow burn and meanders a bit during the middle. But it is still good and I enjoyed it. If you compare second season to the first season it does not hold candle to it. But as a standalone it is an enjoyable watch. It has meaningful suspense, it has character development, good performances and a plot with some merit. It lacks in direction. I felt the director sat on the wall about what kind of series he wanted. He got confused and he passed on that confusion to the viewers. This gives the second season periods when we are confused WTH is the season going. Production was as usual top - notch.

Good enough. Hope third season would be better!

Season 1 - Rating 9 Season 2 - Rating 6

Forest of Secrets / Stranger - Another S. Korean suspense hit!

[thegulls1 · 9/10 · 30 December 2017]

I keep hearing that South Korea is the emerging giant in producing great TV series in a variety of formats: comedy, fantasy, spy-intrigue or (in this case) police-mystery. Mercifully, this one ends after 16 episodes - I say that, since, once you get hooked on these series, nothing else scheduled in your life happens. You are glued to the set as the mystery deepens and unfolds (I watched a 20-parter in 2016, and after 20.9 episodes, the good guy -- on his way with a ring to marry the girl he fell in love with in episode 3-- gets picked off by a sniper. Aaaauuuughhhh!. Meantime, my car was repossessed, and my wife ran off to join the circus. But, what great series!

In this case, 'Stranger' (as named on Netflix) follows the trials of Prosecutors Huo-Jin (Bae Doona, who appears to be the Sandra Bulloch of Korean miniseries) and Huang (Jo Suang-Hoo) as they investigate a few murders and attempted murders of police accomplices and 'ladies-in-waiting' - and, eventually, a pretty young prosecutor, who seems to have a bit of a crush on Huang. Higher-ups seem to be behind the crimes, and the script certainly gives the impression that the Korean culture is dominated by title, authority and political favors on the part of elitists in the Police Force and business. Huang, though, is relentless and strictly business. He has a personality defect that causes a lack of empathy or emotion. So, he shares only what he needs to, and in as few words as possible. I haven't quite finished the series, but I don't expect to see him in a passionate affair with any of the available female characters. He has the charm & appeal of a pack of tin foil--a cross between Spock and Monk. He's smart, though and the higher-ups are terrified he will finally tumble onto their nefarious secrets.

Music and sets are delightful, characters are rich and continually developed, and the cinematography is brilliant and imaginative. New twists unfold every episode, keeping you compelled to keep watching.. 9/10 - Enjoy!

Best Korean TV Drama in Years

[Windsun33 · 10/10 · 29 July 2017]

I have to confess that I am a k-drama addict, but that said, this is by far one of the best Korean TV dramas ever - surpassing not just the usual run of Asian dramas, but also most US TV dramas.

This show is from a new writer, her first TV script. I think it will not her last. The main star for me is Bae Doona, who I first came across in "Sense 8". The show is absent many of the far too common k-drama tropes that make so many of them seem rather silly - like dozens of totally incompetent cops, the stupid sidekick that is supposed to be funny but seldom is, and several others. A very tightly written script with almost no "WTF?" moments.

Charged, Exciting and Gratifying

[akritisingh02 · 10/10 · 29 July 2017]

Rarely do some creative content come that deliver a truly gratifying experience and I wouldn't be wrong to say that Stranger/Forest of Secrets is part of that consortium.

Writing/Cinematography/Editing: These three form a fragile pyramid that some dramas aren't able to fully comprehend and implement but Stranger isn't like that. The composition of the above three is such that the story progresses seamlessly. The only thing abrupt would be your own heartbeat, ha ha. The screenplay pools you in, like a magnet, from the first episode itself, binding you inside its sly labyrinth of deft writing.

Characters: aren't fictitious, and by that I mean the characters are portrayed in such a crude fashion wherein you wouldn't fully like or dislike either one, they are in a sense, truly human like and not far-fetched. They all have their faults and strengths, they're not necessarily bad or good. I'm not saying you won't form favorites, of course, we all love our protagonist Hwang Si-mog, he is someone who's so elemental, you can't forget him. Every actor has traveled so deep into their characters, watching their work unfold is really engaging. Personally, after first seeing Jo Seung-woo in Inside Men, I have grown such a liking to him, I can't explain. He's just brilliant.

Music: the composition is such that it is subtle yet striking at the same time, complementing the arrangement of scenes in the drama in an aesthetically satisfying manner. The music sets the mood so perfectly, it really is pleasurable.

I have never written reviews about a drama/film/song and whatnot before but upon completion of this Drama, I felt compelled to say a little, at least something about it. I want more and more people to appreciate what has been given to us in the form of this Drama. A political, psychological, legal thriller that is bound to be memorable. Needless to say, Stranger has now become my utmost favorite Korean-drama I have ever watched. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT HESITATE TO WATCH THIS. I wanted to write an essay on this but I guess I'll stick to a precis, I hope my words were enough to impel you to start watching this.

Lastly, be prepared to question morals, motives, ethics and torment your brain contemplating what will get thrown at you in the next episode, brace for heart-wrenching, nerve-racking moments, because this drama will, most certainly, take you on a ride, you won't forget. Enjoy!

My rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Best Korean drama in years!

[itanastanojkovic · 10/10 · 4 October 2017]

I have more than hope for all the best in the future for the writer of this drama! My favorite was Bae Doona, but that is a personal reference, all of the acting cast did splendidly, they delivered their roles magnificently and the script was majestic! I watch at least 3 k-dramas per month, and this is... one of the best, if not the best drama I've seen so far! I kept wondering throughout the series if the script was made by a Korean person, because it lacks all of the washed out clichés, the story is excellently thought through, characters are deep and the point itself explores the corruption, and the bad deeds done by very influential people who occupy high places within a country. Forest of Secrets set a new bar for dramas, and I really hope we'll get the chance to see something else from the author soon!

Two honest and passionate people, a prosecutor and a cop, take the burden to untangle an apparently impossible network of corruption and crime

[eleantonelli · 10/10 · 21 September 2017]

The story and characters were absolutely amazing!!! Shi Mok Hwang and Yeo Jin Han have soon become among my favourite characters ever and I already miss them. I really hope there will be a follow up of their story. The series is a great chance to understand Korean culture and it can compete with the best series around the world. The whole plot and reconstruction is very realistic and all the cast is superb, all characters very detailed and true, it's one of the best series/movie I ever seen. It gives addiction! I look forward Shi Mok to come back to Seoul and to lieutenant Han!

Wow this show marvellous

[desaiharsh32 · 10/10 · 3 August 2020]

After watching Parasite, i had this thing to watch a Korean Tv series and guess what. I'm hooked to this one. It is really amazing, fan of breaking bad, the wire, better call saul, Mindhunter, True directives and many more like that will be hooked to this. Trust it's hidden gem on internet. The cinematography, acting, screenplay everything is amazing. I'm really happy that I'm getting to know Korean culture little little from this movie and series.

Outstanding screen play

[gopal-56484 · 10/10 · 13 April 2020]

I used to watch lots of crime thrillers. But I assure you this one by far one of the best I have seen. Most of the directors of crime thrillers will underestimate the viewers capacity and irritate us with their screenplay. The director of series didn't made that mistake. Till the very end, we could not able to guess the murderer or the motive behind it. Acting is outstanding. Hats off to the entire team for such brilliant production.

K-Drama Crime

[polsixe · 7/10 · 12 February 2018]

A deeply layered crime procedural in the K-drama style. Hwang Shi-mok is a brilliant but emotionally crippled prosecutor in the Western Seoul District. A gangster is murdered then the trail starts to lead to joy girls and higher ups, maybe his boss, co-workers, the cops, government officials? Everyone has a story or two and could be a suspect, slowly, too slowly but K-Drama right? the evidence is uncovered, corruption goes high. Some twists and turns, a cliffhager of sorts each episode; a lot of short convos in office settings, similar to the Joseon era costume dramas. Similar to the palace roman-a-clefs these stories need a schemer; full of furtive looks, quick excuses and plotting. Joon-hyeok Lee gets the thankless task here as Seo Dong-Jae; his character becomes more than wearisome by Ep 8, all "drats foiled again" facial tics. The rest are fine pros also, Seung-woo Cho as the lead has to play it straight, Doona Bae is a perky cop.

Corruption, Mystery, Intrigue..."Stranger" Has It All!

[spasek · 10/10 · 28 March 2021]

There is nothing so beautiful as an intricate plot so deftly woven that it is literally a work of art. And there is nothing that compliments a masterful plot like deep and intelligent characters.

"Stranger" is one of the best series I've ever seen. And I've been watching shows for over 45 years. When I began Season 1, I was instantly hooked, and I found myself binge-watching the series.

The story has so many plot twists and turns that I doubt that even the most savy viewer will be able to figure it all out. It centers around what seems to be, a fairly standard murder. Hwang Shi Mok is, what would be our equivalent of an assistand district attorney, knows the victim, and takes it upon himself to investigate.

Shi Mok is like watching a master detective at work. He's like a Korean Sherlock Holmes. He is not only able to piece together events, but he does so in a way that makes you think of a master jigsaw puzzler who is able to put the 3000 pieces together within a short span of time. Shi Mok is smart, intelligent, and also calm and cool under fire. Why? Because he has a unique characteristic: he lacks empathy. Due to violent outbursts as a child, he had a surgical procedure done that literally prevents him from having such outbursts anymore. Therefore, to most of his colleagues and even strangers, he appears cold and aloof.

Shi Mok's sole partner in his investigation is Lieutenant Han Yeo Jin (Bae Doona). Bae Doona quickly became one of my favorite Korean actresses. She also successfully brings us a very intelligent and driven detective who is as determined to get to the truth as Shi Mok is. Of course, she has trouble figuring out why Shi Mok comes across as such a quirky fellow, but she soon develops tremendous respect for him and his ability to speak his mind (which he always does!).

It isn't often that I bring up the theme music for a show, but this one reminds me of Hans Zimmer's Batman score a bit! It's catchy, and it seems to sum up all of the excitement and intrigue that this series provides!

The plot is expertly crafted and multi-layered. Much like an onion, once one layer is exposed, there is another. This forces Shi mok and Yeo Jin to wonder just how far and how deep the conspiracy goes.

The British series "Line of Duty" is a show about police corruption. This show not only takes it much farther, but this story is far more taut and exciting! I cannot emphasize enough just how much credit the writers should be given. It's not easy to put something like this together. "Stranger" is nothing short of a being an absolute masterpiece! Master mystery writers like Agatha Christie would be proud!

**I was so excited when Season 2 came out, and even more excited to find out that there is a Season 3 on its way!**

Would get a better rating if subtitled better

[Nick1000 · 7/10 · 16 September 2020]

I gave this a chance after seeing the rating and because Doona Bae was the best part of Sense8. It is entertaining, at least in part, due to the insight into Korean culture and deference to authority as seen in the interactions between ranks and in particular the news conferences which would have the presenter laughed off the podium in most western countries.

The BIG problem with this series is the subtitling - Sometimes you have just microseconds to read before it's gone.

Tedious and Convoluted

[shanksinha-386-249652 · 3/10 · 24 April 2022]

Slow and tedious storyline with minimal character development and pretentious plotline keeps this in familiar K drama territory. The characters try to present themselves as more smart than the writing allows them to be and plot complexities are self fulfilling and ultimately amount to nothing. The male lead is a stoic character, very much in fashion in K Dramas, and the female lead (an actress of some international recognition) comes as an automaton instead of a strong female character. Ultimately nothing much happens and the ending leaves the viewer wary. Season 2 is more of the same with a little bit more product placements and equally unsatisfying. Long sections of episodes can be fast forwarded (recommended) and will take nothing away from the overall experience. Dialogues are rudimentary and amateurish for the subject matter. At the conclusion, there is no understanding of why the characters do what they do and frankly one doesn't care either.

Not a single Dull Moment

[asthab · 10/10 · 14 February 2018]

First of all, I loved the background music - its gripping. It a very well written and executed how, with good story line and acting. You wont know anything until the very end, and keep doubting every character.

Its a decently paced show, and you wont find one boring moment - amidst all revelations, blame games and well, causalities! Also gives you a sneakk peak into the power game in South Korea.

Give it a try if you like suspense thrillers. You wont be disappointed!

Noodles served with corruption

[thespookybuz · 9/10 · 5 August 2017]

Just finished this superb Korean drama in a three-day binge. There are many things to review to be fair, but I'll be brief...

The overall story regards mass political and corporate corruption, cover-ups and backstabbing. However, the story opens with something less subtle: murder.

But it is how this initial murder then spirals into a plethora of lies, greed and downright nastiness that is absorbing to watch. The plot is never still, but not rushed. The characters are always fleshed out, but most have something to hide. The cinematography is on point but seductive. And the music... wow, it is brilliant (even though parts of the main theme reminded me of The Da Vinci Code bizarrely).

What we have here is not explosions and car chases. I found it to be character- and plot-driven brilliance with some fantastic acting. Enjoy the story, enjoy the twists, enjoy the red herrings. And enjoy the soju and noodles!

9 out of 10. Highly recommended.

Fast-paced suspense drama with excellent music

[prashanth-25669 · 10/10 · 8 July 2017]

The poster of this show caught my eye on Netflix as it had Doona Bae in it. Excellent story-telling techniques combined with the background score makes it a must-watch show, even if you do not understand the language (Netflix has excellent subtitles for this).

The plot is intriguing and unpredictable. The only other show I've watched which is comparable to this one is Death Note, which was an anime.

16 hours is not enough.

[mick-oseanachain · 10/10 · 9 March 2019]

I think I have a pretty healthy detachment from the fiction I enjoy, but now that I've watched all 16 hours of "Stranger," I'm experiencing separation depression! This tightly constructed drama was so much better than any of the usual American police procedurals, that I couldn't stop watching. Doona Bae's Lieutenant Han is a model of the wise woman professional in a career dominated by knuckleheaded males, but not so cliche since many of the male characters were portrayed as comfortable with her authority and respectful of her superior sleuthing. Seung-Woo Cho's junior prosecutor has a fascinating mental quirk that Cho plays with subtlety. You can't help but sympathize with him even when he's at his least empathetic. The unbelievable becomes believable as the motives and methods behind the crimes are revealed, and the overarching theme of pervasive corruption in democratic capitalist society is relatable to an American audience. It's going to be a while before I get over the end of this series, but there was a suggestion in episode 15 of Seung-Woo Cho's character getting a 10-month assignment in the USA, travelling from state to state. That's a series I really want to see, provided the writers of Stranger make the trip with him.

Simply awesome

[msorik · 10/10 · 25 September 2020]

So just saw S2E216 and what can I say...the suspense was until the end and the supporting cast once again came toe-to-toe with the leads. Rarely can a show master that and still let you know who the leads are. I am really left speechless bc it managed to conjure humors, hubris, mystery, unrequited love (well we shall see), loyalty, and just so many other things. But the true beauty of this show is that EACH episode is packed nicely. Everything seen and heard is necessary so you do t get bogged down with 'the meaningless'. Please make a season 3 and 4 ...have to pause couple times to catch the names bc it's in Korean and subtitles swing by a bit fast (Netflix) but what a show. Love the leads and supporting cast is as superb. Not as contrived as Scandinavian mysteries or brutal just a good series to watch...

Outstanding !!!

[charmainez · 10/10 · 6 October 2020]

I just finished watching part 2 . This whole series was just fantastic. I so hope that they just keep making more . The actors & actresses are superb , the scripts are so well written , the directors & producers did a fantastic job . I rewatched the 1st season when season 2 came out on Netflix , & now I just finished the 2nd . I enjoyed it so much , & being someone who doesn't speak any asian languages at all it was a bit difficult for me to keep track of who was who when they were talking about someone I couldn't remember the face that went with the name ... lol ... sooo even so I getting ready to rewatch the whole 2 seasons again . lol It was just that great . I hope whomever is contemplating watching it , will . Please do a season 3 😊

Season 1 was gr8

[shahoodfarooq-86832 · 7/10 · 22 June 2022]

Season 2 was a complete different show, didn't like 1 bit. On the other hand season 1 was amazing worth the watch will give s1 a solid 9 but season was just too boring 4/10.

The Key of Success

[dumsumdumfai · 9/10 · 31 July 2017]

I am still 1/2 an episode away from the ending of the show, yet I'm lamenting, savouring the demise of this very, very good show.

No, the show is not perfect, but darn close. Here, I will neither lead off nor delve into what I see are the minor short comings but instead try to elaborate on the secret of this show's success.

The story revolves around how a prosecutor unearths the details and convoluted dealings that is behind an initial murder of a shady character.

One of the key element of the story is that this prosecutor has a unique physical (and thus related emotional) flaw. This flaw allows him to be almost devoid of emotions, but brilliant (almost to a fault) at deductive reasoning, theories correlation, and stone-cold, unrelenting, unapologetic, and unflinching resolve. This character flaw also provide the storyline with one of the most explosive yet unusual, non- action based climax (1 of 2 near the ending). For this, the audience is the scapegoat in soaking up all the tension in between. This character trait, I believe is absolutely necessary, to serve both the seriousness of the subject matter, and the 'burden' of the plot.

This leads to another great component of the show and that is the overall tone. The constant pressure, mystery, event after event (constructed in great detail) that unfolds seemingly backs the 'good' guys into a tight corner. All this done in a serious, nonchalant, no extra fat, point to point, manner. While there is only just a small, right amount,of understated comic relief. This goes against most other formulaic Korean detective show of over the top funny characters.

A third key of success is the balance of characters. The balance of the female lead oppose to the male lead. Officer Han is just as tough, physically and mentally, has a sense of justice that pairs along with a sense of doubt. This does not mean she is weaker in any sense, but instead more human. A fine touch is how she likes to sketch and scribbles with a pencil. Also must be noted is subtle variation of characters in both the prosecution and police staff. The writing provides its characters with varying level of moral, ethical, and conscientious standards. Some people change, some don't.

Other elements that are not so common in K dramas. No clearly stated development of romantic relationships for the main leads. No prolong, repetition of pop-song heavy based, unnecessary flashbacks. No over sentimental gratuitous tug of the heart strings. No over stylized cinematography. No must see next episode ending to every episode. And there is no over the top, fantastic human feats, or earth shattering twist of the plot.

Lastly, but to a lesser extend is the reduced dependence on dialogue. But instead through use the camera angles and movement, specific thoughts and facial expressions of the characters to move the storyline along. This is especially so in the first few episodes. That means some information are not from given through the exchange of dialogue, not a directly feeding of the plot line to the viewer, but instead implied or visually taken care of.

And as the mystery slowly reveal itself, the audience is not taken for a ride but instead is going along for the ride, side by side with the task force. What a pleasure for us the audience to have this quality writing and what eyes for director and producer to trust the strength of this writing, too.

Chaotic and too long

[poinla37 · 7/10 · 12 November 2020]

Don't trust the reviews claiming it's "fast-paced". Yes, most of the scenes are, but some of the scenes are completely useless too (I love crime/mystery movies and tv shows as well as slow paced Asian movies). But what makes a good storytelling is that every scene counts and add a value to the story. Each episode is 1 hour long, it could have been 40 minutes with a brillant film making and film direction/storyboard. Also, the drama aspect is over present in a bad fashioned style to me. Also, Netflix translations are... pretty basic and sometimes lead to think that the characters are a bit dumb... All in all, it's a good TV show, but with too many stylish intent and overdoing the drama bit, guess it's the usual Korean way nowadays.

Why do you call it a thriller?

[czombosistvan · 4/10 · 27 November 2020]

It is an overdramatised soap opera, where the boring pace is supposed to create tension (it does not). This Korean Sherlock wannabe is just simply annoying who is supposed to be extra-super brilliant but in reality things just are keep moving in a truly convenient way for him. I cannot even make it until the end of the 'masterpiece' season one, but after reading so many reviews hailing this extra budget soap opera, just felt the need to write. How on earth can you praise acting when all the characters show their true faces in their very first scenes? And the great plot, oh my... just so many dumb 'twists' that felt embarrassing to watch. I am probably just not open to such stories, but overdoing while oversimplifying does not make a serie drama. The directing is especially horrible for me. In case the serie is shorter by half, may have been a decent sow, but the writer and the director wanted to make it epic that so much it smells sweat. Expected so much more from this

Perfect

[Raho77 · 10/10 · 12 December 2018]

This is the first time that I've seen a Korean tv-Serie which was a great and memorable crime drama.

It's about a prosecutor and a policewoman who work together to bring the truth of those with wealth and power into the light.

The script was well written. The cast is very good. The emotionless main character was performed by Cho Seung-Woo as a prosecutor who is a very talented actor. Doona Bae suits her role perfect as a policewomen.

Outstanding

[aisjs · 10/10 · 14 October 2018]

I am new to KDramas thanks to Netflix and am thrilled with the quality of (some) of them. I watched this because I was impressed with Seung-woo Cho in Life (Laipeau), where he (along with Lee Dong Wook and everyone else) was superb. I also know Doona Bae from Sense8. Its an excellent series, complex and gripping, and full of twists and turns which keep things interesting. The two leads work really well together, her warmth and humanity versus his aloofness. Brilliant characterisations and the same excellent acting I am beginning to see across many Kdramas ( in truth, the same actors too, as there seems to be a pool of actors reused across many series! - and why not, they are great). Nail-biting finish, which is an achievement after 16 long episodes. If you like serious intelligent crime series with good detective work and no silliness (which Kdramas tend towards), then this is for you. And theres lovely subtle humour too, stemming from the interaction between the two leads, who couldn't be more different.