Don't get misled by the synopsis, since this kdrama offers a lot more for your money than a mere kidnap story. It's so far been in parts a mixture of touching human drama mixed with "boy's-own" stuff, that's guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Very recommendable, as far as the first six episodes go - and here's hoping that the story and plot continue to surprise and outsmart the viewer's expectations. The lead character, Meong-Joon Kim definitely puts one in mind of the 1980s roles played by actors such as Bruce Willis, the sort of person who's just a born survivor, or, as we often like to say, a "Die Hard".
12 Reviews
The genius child and a caring man child.
chand-suhas16 April 2024
Kim Myung-joon is desperate to save his ill daughter who is in need of a surgery and Kim Myung-joon desperate for money to pay for the surgery. His ex-wife Seo Hye-eun, suggests him to kidnap Choi Roo-hee who is a 11 year old girl and daughter to rich parents. As he clumsily tries to be a kidnapper, he finds Roo-hee appear infront of his car and collapsing. Taking her to his home, he realizes she has amnesia and assumes him to be her father. To make things worse, Roo-hee's parents are found murdered thus forcing Kim Myung-joon to go on the run with Roo-hee who just happens to be a genius child. How does he protect the girl while a bigger conspiracy gets unveiled around her parents murder, forms rest of the story.
With 12 episodes, Jeon Yu-na as Choi Roo-hee is the star of the show and the bonding she shares with Yoon Kye-sang as Kim Myung-joon remains the highlight throughout. It is their story that captivates the viewers while the murder mystery and the bigger conspiracy is the usual K-drama with a bunch of honest cops led by the promising Park Sung-hoon as detective Park Sang-yoon. While the initial 4 episodes succeeds in making us root for the two main characters, it also succeeds in establishing the narrative firmly for the mystery to unveil.
The final episode is a brave choice with pitting the antagonist against the girl and the episode is entirely driven by emotions. The show had plenty of chases and fight scenes but to go with a proper dramatic take for the last episode was a good choice and the performances stand out. The humor is well executed whereas the heart touching moments keep coming at the right time. Driven by standout performances and a engaging story, The Kidnapping Day despite it's minor flaws, makes up for a worthy watch.
With 12 episodes, Jeon Yu-na as Choi Roo-hee is the star of the show and the bonding she shares with Yoon Kye-sang as Kim Myung-joon remains the highlight throughout. It is their story that captivates the viewers while the murder mystery and the bigger conspiracy is the usual K-drama with a bunch of honest cops led by the promising Park Sung-hoon as detective Park Sang-yoon. While the initial 4 episodes succeeds in making us root for the two main characters, it also succeeds in establishing the narrative firmly for the mystery to unveil.
The final episode is a brave choice with pitting the antagonist against the girl and the episode is entirely driven by emotions. The show had plenty of chases and fight scenes but to go with a proper dramatic take for the last episode was a good choice and the performances stand out. The humor is well executed whereas the heart touching moments keep coming at the right time. Driven by standout performances and a engaging story, The Kidnapping Day despite it's minor flaws, makes up for a worthy watch.
Onion layers
dumsumdumfai30 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
First episode did not lrave a good impression at all. Slow plotting, and character development. And only 2 of the main characters tried to carry the load. If you get past this, it's only uphill.
And the initial IMDb tags had comedy on it. Which is not true at all. Not funny. But a full fledged mystery thriller.
It seems with each episode, an important new character or critical piece of information will show up. And the plot slowly becomes more complex, layered, and interdependence builds. Not everyone, however, will show their hand.
There are things that are a bit too obvious, cliche. The pendant, the overzealous cop, the despicable villain, and the hospital escape plan. Still, overall it feels a bit longer and less refined. Could cut 2-3 episodes.
The strange thing is if the audience don't wait till episode 4, where one key thing is disclosed, they will miss a good show. Is that the intention not the director and producers ???
And the initial IMDb tags had comedy on it. Which is not true at all. Not funny. But a full fledged mystery thriller.
It seems with each episode, an important new character or critical piece of information will show up. And the plot slowly becomes more complex, layered, and interdependence builds. Not everyone, however, will show their hand.
There are things that are a bit too obvious, cliche. The pendant, the overzealous cop, the despicable villain, and the hospital escape plan. Still, overall it feels a bit longer and less refined. Could cut 2-3 episodes.
The strange thing is if the audience don't wait till episode 4, where one key thing is disclosed, they will miss a good show. Is that the intention not the director and producers ???
It's worth watching. There are many good messages in this drama.
Raracmutt14 September 2023
The Kidnapping Day is adapted from the popular Korean novel with the same title, using the black-comedy thriller genre. An amateur kidnapper who is willing to commit crimes to pay for his child's hospital bills, this drama will probably tell the story of a father's struggle for his child. A seemingly simple mistake sets off a chain of unexpected and tragic events, leaving these two characters in a complex moral and emotional dilemma. It's quite light to watch, even though it has the thriller, crime and comedy genres, but it doesn't seem to drain a lot of thought, although that doesn't mean it's not good, it's still recommended to watch because there are lots of implied moral messages that can be taken away.
Not boring but really enjoyed the content of this series of intelligent girls who kidnap innocent, kind hearts
Jamespieter23 September 2023
Is the series that I chose and watched, with the theme about a kind man who was forced to become a kidnapper who gave his whole life for the sake of a child he kidnapped. Instead of hurting her, the kidnapper really felt sorry for and cared about a girl named Ro Hee, a smart girl who was described as one of the youngest genius girls in Korea
Each episode displays interesting scenes, reasonable conflicts, light stories and real life. For those of you who like classic stories, please just watch it because this is my version of the best interesting series.
Not boring but really enjoyed the content of this series of intelligent girls who kidnap innocent, kind hearts.
Each episode displays interesting scenes, reasonable conflicts, light stories and real life. For those of you who like classic stories, please just watch it because this is my version of the best interesting series.
Not boring but really enjoyed the content of this series of intelligent girls who kidnap innocent, kind hearts.
Definitely Worth a Watch
siwarbouaziz22 September 2023
I usually tend to avoid this genre, but to my surprise, I found myself completely engrossed in it. As someone who often fast-forwards through many scenes while watching a K-drama, this specific series had an incredible ability to keep me hooked. I was so captivated that I even went back and rewatched several key moments. The overall experience was genuinely enjoyable, defying my expectations and making me appreciate this genre in a whole new light. The character development, storyline, and cinematography all contributed to its allure, and I'm delighted to recommend it to others who may have reservations about this type of show.
Definitely a binge-worthy K-series.
aganmark-8217720 October 2023
At first, I did not bother to check this series probably because of its title. I thought it was just a straightforward kidnapping plot.
Being an avid fan of crime (mystery), suspense & thriller genres (both in US and Korea), I went ahead and gave it a shot. It was the synopsis that somewhat got me, I find it interesting.
I love the build up of the story and how the characters were introduced in every scene. It may sound odd but you'll be rooting for the kidnapper (didn't expect this one). Else, what I love about this is the mystery part, looking for answers about who the real culprit is.
I just want to add, hands down to both lead actors, Kim Myeong-joon (Yoon Kye-sang) and Choi Ro-Hee (Yoo Na), super talented and natural.
Give this series a try and you'll find yourself juggling with emotions, like literally! Watch this together with your family and friends, no doubt they will surely enjoy it.
Being an avid fan of crime (mystery), suspense & thriller genres (both in US and Korea), I went ahead and gave it a shot. It was the synopsis that somewhat got me, I find it interesting.
I love the build up of the story and how the characters were introduced in every scene. It may sound odd but you'll be rooting for the kidnapper (didn't expect this one). Else, what I love about this is the mystery part, looking for answers about who the real culprit is.
I just want to add, hands down to both lead actors, Kim Myeong-joon (Yoon Kye-sang) and Choi Ro-Hee (Yoo Na), super talented and natural.
Give this series a try and you'll find yourself juggling with emotions, like literally! Watch this together with your family and friends, no doubt they will surely enjoy it.
Cartoonish, could have been great
clashjam8 November 2023
Such a disappointment! A super interesting premise that goes down the wrong road with poorly defined characters, cartoonish & unnecessary chase scenes & violence. Of course, in similar fashion to other shows (like Vagabond), characters can be stabbed, in car accidents and beaten to a pulp, but everyone instantly recovers. And at times characters can easily stay off the grid, that is unless someone (or the writer) needs to find them ASAP.
What saves this is the great performances of the two leads. Yu Na and Yoon Kye-sang.
Glad this was only 12 episodes and virtually all are 60 minutes. With so many great stories/compelling Korean drama's, check out the far more entertaining Reborn Rich or Start-Up for light weight, but wonderful shows.
What saves this is the great performances of the two leads. Yu Na and Yoon Kye-sang.
Glad this was only 12 episodes and virtually all are 60 minutes. With so many great stories/compelling Korean drama's, check out the far more entertaining Reborn Rich or Start-Up for light weight, but wonderful shows.
What is going on?
oldmacfarm3-549-60573315 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It just stops at episode 9, what is happening? Is there a season 2? Is there an episode 10? What is going on? There are previews but that is it. I want to see the rest of it. When will season two come out? I watched the whole thing and really enjoyed it and now I am frustrated with it. I don't understand the other reviews not mentioning this. I want a satisfying ending to this series please! Almost to many plot twists but very addicting to watch! I want to know more and save the girl. Almost to many bad guys to keep up with. I don't have any thing else to say, I just want a good ending to all of this...
Had potential
nasimzhosein-695-79474818 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The story had some mystery, comedy and some entertaining comradery, but lost it in the foolishness and immatureness of the lead actor. I get it that you are trying to impress the grandmothers of Korea but a least have some realistic concepts to the show. It's a great story of murder, kidnapping and resolve but along the way the silly scenes and unnecessary crying and shouting doesn't fit well with the theme. And this idea of starting 30years ago and then jumping ahead without any connection until the 6th episode is getting old.
Spoiler: Some really stupid scenes where the lead actor is stabbed and bleeding he manages to overcome the bad guy, but while injured decides to take the girl out of the car and walk across a bridge and collapse very illogical. Why not take the car leave the bad guy on the ground and get yourself to a hospital.
Next the police is pointing a gun at the bad guy but instead of shooting even to stop him, he doesn't and lets the bad guy take the gun from him. In what country is that a practiced law method?
For the Korean directors try to add some realistic logical reasoning to the shows so that it's a bit believable.
Intelligent viewers do watch these dramas not only the grandmothers of Korea.
Spoiler: Some really stupid scenes where the lead actor is stabbed and bleeding he manages to overcome the bad guy, but while injured decides to take the girl out of the car and walk across a bridge and collapse very illogical. Why not take the car leave the bad guy on the ground and get yourself to a hospital.
Next the police is pointing a gun at the bad guy but instead of shooting even to stop him, he doesn't and lets the bad guy take the gun from him. In what country is that a practiced law method?
For the Korean directors try to add some realistic logical reasoning to the shows so that it's a bit believable.
Intelligent viewers do watch these dramas not only the grandmothers of Korea.
Great Acting, Decent Story.
sspureurubin26 October 2023
I have to start this off by saying this show's prerequisite for success is the dynamic between the trope of Badass and Child (though Myeong-jun's personality is kinda like Jackie Chan.) and gotta say IT WORKED. I absolutely loved their dynamic once I got immersed past Ep 1. The story often uses commonly used but still effective plot points: kid with cancer and tsundere character. Hey, nothing pulls on the heartstrings more than a parent trying his best to save his kid.
IT IS a bit frustrating at times I have to admit especially mid season 1. Although the finale made up for it in the end, it is one of the best finales I have watched for a while, made me tear up.
All in all, the premise is not that unique, we have seen in all forms of media the trope of protector and the protectee (Walking Dead, Last of Us) but the decision to make Myeong-jun whacky and hilarious instead of the stoic, unemotional protector is excellent. Ro-hee as well, though her sometimes monotone delivery of dialogues is kinda "eh". But the actress could act when the script calls for it.
Great acting, decent story. They shouldnt make a Season 2 if they are thinking about it. It just ties up nicely even with the twist at the end.
IT IS a bit frustrating at times I have to admit especially mid season 1. Although the finale made up for it in the end, it is one of the best finales I have watched for a while, made me tear up.
All in all, the premise is not that unique, we have seen in all forms of media the trope of protector and the protectee (Walking Dead, Last of Us) but the decision to make Myeong-jun whacky and hilarious instead of the stoic, unemotional protector is excellent. Ro-hee as well, though her sometimes monotone delivery of dialogues is kinda "eh". But the actress could act when the script calls for it.
Great acting, decent story. They shouldnt make a Season 2 if they are thinking about it. It just ties up nicely even with the twist at the end.
Good Enough
PennyReviews14 January 2024
Korean Drama '' The Kidnapping Day '' is an intense thriller with a sensitive side.
The drama starts off quite strongly, with the pair of kidnapper-child being enjoyable to follow, as they start bonding and forming a somewhat family. Their relationship was also what kept things going when the drama started flaking as well.
Actually, towards the ending, the drama's twists were a bit over the top and, again, the strong duo were there to save the day, even if the rest of the characters were frustrating to follow.
The performances, finally, were all great by everyone in the cast.
So, overall, six out of ten.
The drama starts off quite strongly, with the pair of kidnapper-child being enjoyable to follow, as they start bonding and forming a somewhat family. Their relationship was also what kept things going when the drama started flaking as well.
Actually, towards the ending, the drama's twists were a bit over the top and, again, the strong duo were there to save the day, even if the rest of the characters were frustrating to follow.
The performances, finally, were all great by everyone in the cast.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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