One Ordinary Day: When Life Turns Upside Down on a Drunken Night – A Series Reflecting Injustice in the Justice System

When the life of an ordinary college student turns upside down overnight after being accused of a murder he didn't commit, that's the starting point of the Korean drama One Ordinary Day, starring top actor Kim Soo-hyun and veteran Cha Seung-won. The series is adapted from the British series Criminal Justice (2008) and recreated in an intense and emotional Korean style.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

The story follows Kim Hyun-soo (Kim Soo-hyun), a young student living a simple life. One day, he meets a mysterious woman and decides to drink with her at her home. The next morning, he wakes up to find the woman brutally murdered, and he becomes the prime suspect. All evidence points to him, leading to his arrest and a struggle within a justice system full of bias and social pressure.

Lawyer Shin Joong-han (Cha Seung-won), a low-tier attorney handling minor cases, steps in to help Hyun-soo for some reason. Although Joong-han seems unskilled, he becomes Hyun-soo's only hope to prove his innocence. The series immerses us in a twisted justice process, substandard investigations, and the fight for survival of an innocent young man.

Acting and Characters

Kim Soo-hyun as Kim Hyun-soo convincingly portrays the emotions of someone in shock and fear. His transition from a confident young man to a desperate prisoner is well-executed, especially in scenes where he faces violence in prison. Cha Seung-won as lawyer Joong-han is equally impressive, playing a seemingly sluggish lawyer with hidden sharpness, making the character charming and engaging.

Supporting actors like Kim Sung-kyu (as Do Ji-tae), a prisoner who helps Hyun-soo, add flavor to the story. Kim Shin-rok as the determined female prosecutor effectively portrays the harsh system. Every character plays a crucial role in driving the narrative and reflecting different societal perspectives.

Direction, Cinematography, and Music

Director Kwon Il-soo uses realistic and tense storytelling techniques. Prison scenes are darkly lit, conveying despair, while interrogation rooms use cold tones to create discomfort. The score by Kim Tae-seong perfectly enhances the tense atmosphere, especially in scenes where Hyun-soo faces crucial decisions.

The editing is concise, effectively cutting between past and present, allowing viewers to understand the complexities without confusion. Overall production quality is high, befitting a work from a top studio like Studio Dragon.

Editorial Analysis

What makes One Ordinary Day stand out is not just its thrilling plot but its critique of South Korea's criminal justice system. The series highlights how bias from police, prosecutors, and media can destroy an innocent person's life overnight. Issues like forced confessions, detention without clear evidence, and hasty trials are real societal problems.

Additionally, the series questions the meaning of 'justice' through lawyer Joong-han, who, despite appearing incompetent, has ideals and determination. The pacing is unhurried, gradually allowing viewers to reflect. Although some episodes may be slow, overall it's a compelling and thought-provoking series.

Verdict

If you're looking for a series that is both entertaining and meaningful, 'One Ordinary Day' is the answer. The outstanding performances of Kim Soo-hyun and Cha Seung-won, along with sharp writing, make this series one of the most memorable works of 2021. Despite some slow pacing, overall it's a worthwhile viewing experience.