Currently Watching: Golden Cross

met mysecretsoul, mei 21, 2014

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Currently watching:

Golden Cross

Golden Cross is a cerebral revenge thriller from the writers of Gakistal. It airs on KBS twice a week, Wednesday and Thursday. This guide can be considered spoiler-free, as most information contained within can be gleaned from the first episode.

This spring season has turned out to be an intense one in South Korea. That statement is meant literally, of course. So many of the currently airing set appear to be thrillers, crime dramas, or some odd mixture with another trend (the inclusion of various professional jobs). We've met North Korean doctor -spies, amnesiac lawyers with mesmerizing voices, long lost lovers masquerading as EMTs, classical music instructors embroiled in secret love affairs with their students— ah! It’s almost overwhelming, isn't it?

As someone who is watching many recent dramas all at once, I can attest to that. So much is airing right now! How to choose without being saddled with something you might not finish? If you’re in those shoes (or worse my overflowing ones), let me introduce you to Golden Cross. Of the many I have taken on, this is the series I wait for most eagerly. Even being largely unfamiliar with the cast. And if I’m honest, it’s performed against expectation; I had no hopes for this one, and so far it’s proven more than worthy.

While Golden Cross isn't the elusive romantic comedy some of us are desperately seeking, it does seem to be shaping into an excellent thriller. And if we have to ride into this turbulent climate, why not go with the best?

Want to know more?

Summary

Known only as “Golden Cross,” a secret society manipulates the ebb and flow of the Korean economy. Their members are comprised of the elite, that top 0.001% whose wealth and influence allows them almost unlimited power. Our journey begins when one of their number, Seo Dong Ha, and his protege, Michael Jang, plot a lucrative (yet illegal) sale of Hannim bank. As part of the plan, Seo selects an employee for use as a cats-paw in his scheme. His choice? Kang Ju Wan, a decent man whose history and struggling finances suggests his suitability for the shady task.

While Kang weighs morality against material stability and the future of his family, Michael adds a variable into the mix; he “casts” Kang’s impressionable daughter Ha Yoon as an unknowing pawn in this financial game—something of which not even mentor Seo is made aware. During the vicious course of events, Ha Yoon is brutally murdered and her father charged with the crime. This is when our hero enters the picture, the ordinary brother and son left reeling in the aftermath. Will he, Do Yoon, merely accept the situation and disappear into the dark future that looms ahead? Or ordinary and helpless as he is, might Do Yoon instead equip himself with the truth and deal justice to those whom the law cannot touch?

Clarification and Snippets

~In other summaries, I have noticed mentions of romance. While that may still be a possibility, in the event that a couple should form it will not have played out as described.

~Golden Cross delights in logical and thrilling development, so most events move toward such expansion. This manifests itself in slow emotional connection for the viewer, but this is alleviated quickly as time goes on.

~Viewers are dropped directly into the action, relationships and all. That means no expository dialogue or spoon-feeding. You’re left to fend for yourself, which requires a bit of attention.

~While this series might appear like a common revenge thriller, it’s remarkably refreshing. For instance, Do Yoon is given no powerful connection or mentor; his story begins right away, which leaves him no time to wander off for several years and return rich and connected. This adds an interesting theme of poor versus the rich, but keeps the big bads grounded in humanity despite their “secret society” status.

~Each episode has ended on a breathtaking cliffhanger. The effect continues to work wonders, without ever leaving a hackneyed feeling.

~As requested by the main PD, idols were barred from the main cast. His hope was for full audience immersion, relying more on powerful performances than instant recognition.

~Please be aware of sexual themes and violence. Several potentially triggering scenes exist in the first episode. I wouldn’t want anyone to be hurt by wandering in without prior notice.

Whom does it concern?

Portrayed by handsome Kim Kang Woo

It takes a little while to warm to Do Yoon. So much of the action occurs before we truly meet him, and so our “post-prologue” introduction sees him grieving. We are made to understand how deeply he loves his family (sister Ha Yoon most of all), though of late things have been shaky with his father. Do Yoon is determined to take responsibility for the financial well being of his parents and sister, wholeheartedly giving into the only profession he believes will make that possible: law. But though it seems like a largely unwanted path, Do Yoon exhibits great heart and determination, as well as a strong sense of justice. Perfect for an upcoming prosecutor, right?

Kim Kang Woo exhibits his great talent in the role, showcasing a believable figure. Once the script allows us to get to know Do Yoon a little, we even see some charisma.

Portrayed by lovely Lee Si Young

Yi Re might seem like a walking drama cliche. Not only is she the daughter of the enemy, but she shares in his riches, flaunts a beautiful appearance, and enjoys good reputation. Yet unlike dozens of similar characters, she has not been defined by wild fashion choices (she’s a prosecutor, after all) or by her status as a possible love interest. While attraction may or may not be present in her connection with Do Yoon, their relationship to this point has been mostly friendly and respectful. When we get to know her, Yi Re seems a good enough person and a fine prosecutor; it’s just that when it comes to her beloved father things aren't that simple…

Lee Si Young shows a gentle presence, doing what the role demands of her and a bit more. However, it’s hard to discount that she looks a little young for such an important prosecutor.

Portrayed by versatile Uhm Ki Joon

Michael is the wild card of Golden Cross, and an oddity as far as characters go in this genre. He would almost be gleefully evil if he represented the villains on his own. However, Michael never directly aims his machinations at the protagonist; in fact, he often schemes on his own, targeting whomever would benefit him most. This behavior occasionally helps Do Yoon and company, though Michael himself could care less about collateral. Interestingly, he seems to enjoy anime culture as well as video games.

Uhm Ki Joon is a delight and reason enough to watch this drama. His portrayal of Michael lends itself to mystery as well as disturbing darkness. My first encounter with him was in The Virus, and I must say he’s totally unrecognizable here. Versatile indeed.

Portrayed by elegant Han Eun Jeong

Like Michael, Sa Ra represents something of an unknown factor. Fitting then, that she should be aligned with him—or is she? Our first encounter with her suggests little worth noticing. How often have we seen the sexy and elegant secretary types, smuggled into the plot just because? Yet in this case, Sa Ra might play a more important part than expected. There’s probably more to her than meets the eye....

Han Eun Jeong possesses a striking appearance, and her scenes with Uhm Ki Joon fascinate. The dynamic between them is not to be missed.

Portrayed almost too well by Jung Bo Suk

You can count the good things about Seo Dong Ha on one finger: he loves his daughter, Yi Re. Otherwise, he’s the epitome of two-faced. This character is much more than a mindless evil, however; the reasons one has to despise this character are born from a very human place. This is not your friendly neighborhood villain, listening to classical music while he twirls a curly mustache. Indeed, his baser attributes can be explained by lust and disappointed pride, greed and arrogance. What he does is wrong, but he’d be a despicable person no matter where you met him—and unfortunately, you might hear about people like him on the news every day.

I feel guilty but my knee-jerk reaction to writing this section was to write how much I hate this man. But of course, I mean Seo Dong Ha, not Jung Bo Suk. This actor has the sweetest face imaginable; doesn't he just look like a gentle father? Yet he somehow manages to exude a loathsome aura despite such an innocent look.