Power Struggles and Succession Wars: Exceptional Acting, Absurd Storylines
Renowned Actors and Creators Flock to OTT Platforms for More Provocative and Entertaining Content
In the Netflix drama The Whirlwind, the Prime Minister attempts to assassinate the President using drugs, while the Deputy Prime Minister suffocates the President with a wet cloth. Released on June 28th, The Whirlwind features Seol Kyung-gu, a veteran actor known for his impressive box office hits, in his first OTT drama. The series, written by renowned TV drama writer Park Kyung-soo, delivers exceptional dialogue and acting. However, its unprecedentedly absurd political plot twists have left viewers in disbelief.
On July 3rd, Disney+ released Red Swan, joining the ranks of highly provocative dramas. Promoted with phrases like “lethal” and “dopamine,” the series follows the unrealistic story of a chaebol daughter-in-law facing assassination threats and bombings due to inheritance disputes, compounded by an affair.
The OTT Shift: Talented Actors and Creators Moving Online
With the film industry struggling and TV dramas on the decline, talented actors and creators are increasingly turning to OTT platforms. However, the rapid and provocative nature of these OTT dramas often results in outrageous plot developments. Critics argue that while focusing on entertainment value, these dramas often lack depth and meaningful messages.
The Whirlwind boasts an impressive cast, including Seol Kyung-gu, Kim Hee-ae, and Kim Mi-sook. Writer Park Kyung-soo, known for his “Power Trilogy” (The Chaser, Empire of Gold, Punch), has always been praised for his societal critique and writing skills. Expectations were high for his OTT debut. The drama’s strengths are clear: high immersion, exceptional dialogue, and memorable lines like “This is my national cemetery” and “I’m leaving for the sake of those who remain,” delivered by Seol Kyung-gu’s character, Park Dong-ho. Director Kim Yong-wan emphasized the importance of preserving the literary quality of the script.
However, the storyline often strains credibility, appearing more focused on delivering dopamine hits than maintaining coherence. The Prime Minister’s assassination of the President to eradicate corruption and ultimately committing suicide after achieving his goal stretches believability. Netflix heavily promoted the “presidential assassination” aspect. The intense rivalry between Park Dong-ho and Deputy Prime Minister Jung Soo-jin (Kim Hee-ae) involves constant blackmail and spying, reaching soap-opera levels of absurdity. Similarities between the fictional characters and real-life presidents have also sparked online discussions.
Mixed Reviews: Provocative but Shallow?
Drama critic Yoon Seok-jin from Chungnam National University notes that while The Whirlwind compels viewers with its high-stakes revenge plot, the narrative lacks depth and coherence. This raises concerns about the ability of such entertainment-focused dramas to effectively convey the writer’s deeper messages.
While The Whirlwind centers on political power struggles, Red Swan features actors Kim Ha-neul, Jung Ji-hoon (Rain), and Yoon Je-moon in a chaebol-themed drama. Emphasizing “dopamine,” the series follows chaebol daughter-in-law Wan-soo (Kim Ha-neul), who faces life-threatening inheritance disputes involving shootings and car bombings. Wan-soo’s husband has a mistress, and she develops a mutual awareness with her bodyguard (Jung Ji-hoon).
OTT dramas’ fast-paced and provocative content is optimized for binge-watching audiences. Producers face a dilemma: any slowdown risks losing viewers. However, viewers often criticize such dramas for leaving nothing substantial behind. Concerns are also rising that the concentration of capital and talent in OTT dramas might stifle the diversity of drama genres. With a decline in TV one-act dramas focused on artistic value, there are fears about the future of nurturing talented creators. Questions remain about the long-term success of highly provocative dramas. The Whirlwind topped the charts in Korea (according to FlixPatrol) and ranked in the top ten in over ten Asian countries.
Conclusion
The migration of talented actors and creators to OTT platforms has resulted in highly entertaining yet often absurd dramas. While these series captivate viewers with fast-paced and provocative storylines, they also face criticism for lacking depth and coherence. As the trend continues, the balance between entertainment and meaningful storytelling remains a crucial challenge for OTT dramas.
Reference: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/023/0003844074?sid=103
