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'Squad 38' is a thrilling crime-comedy series about a tax officer and a con man teaming up to swindle corrupt tax evaders—sharp, smart, and surprisingly heartfelt.

Squad 38: Fraud, Justice & Second Chances Introduction Squad 38 aired on OCN from June 17 to August 6, 2016, delivers an adrenaline-fueled mix of crime, comedy, and redemption. When Baek Sung-il (Ma Dong-seok), a tax officer obsessed with collecting from corrupt evaders, partners with Yang Jeong-do (Seo In-guk), a charismatic con artist, they form an unconventional task force that scams scammers. It's a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with legal loopholes and moral gray zones. Overview Title: Squad 38 (38 사기동대) Year: 2016 Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama Main Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Seo In-guk, Choi Soo-young Episodes: 16 Runtime: Approx. 65 minutes per episode Network: OCN Streaming Platforms: Viki Overall Story Baek Sung-il (Ma Dong-seok) is a determined civil servant in the Tax Collection Bureau, driven by a rigid sense of justice—especially against chronic tax evaders. Though honorable, he's frustrated by legal limitations that allow the r...

Discover the captivating world of 'One the Woman,' a Korean drama blending comedy, mystery, and romance, available on Viki and Amazon Prime Video.

Offscreen Realities: Why 'One the Woman' Is a Must-Watch on Viki and Amazon Prime Video

Offscreen Realities: Why 'One the Woman' Is a Must-Watch on Viki and Amazon Prime Video

Introduction

Imagine waking up one day to find your entire identity swapped with someone else's, plunging you into a world of luxury, deception, and hidden agendas. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a drama that masterfully intertwines humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, making it a standout in the realm of Korean television.


Overview

Title: One the Woman (원 더 우먼)

Year: 2021

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama, Action, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Law

Cast:

  • Lee Hanee as Jo Yeon-joo / Kang Mi-na
  • Lee Sang-yoon as Han Seung-wook
  • Jin Seo-yeon as Han Seong-hye
  • Lee Won-geun as Ahn Yoo-jun

Episode Count: 16

Runtime: Approximately 70 minutes per episode

Available on: Viki, Amazon Prime Video

Overall Story

Jo Yeon-joo, portrayed by Lee Hanee, is a tenacious prosecutor known for her unyielding pursuit of justice and her fearless demeanor. Her life takes an unexpected turn when, during an investigation, she is involved in a car accident that leaves her with amnesia. Upon regaining consciousness, she finds herself in the opulent world of Kang Mi-na, a woman who is her exact physical double.

Kang Mi-na, also played by Lee Hanee, is the youngest daughter of the Yumin Group and the second daughter-in-law of the Hanju Group. Despite her affluent background, Mi-na's life is far from enviable. Born out of wedlock, she is treated with disdain by both her biological family and her in-laws, relegated to a life of subservience and neglect.

As Yeon-joo navigates this unfamiliar and lavish environment, she begins to uncover the intricate web of secrets and power struggles that define the Hanju Group. Her assertive and forthright nature, starkly contrasting Mi-na's subdued persona, disrupts the established dynamics within the family, leading to both comedic and dramatic confrontations.

Amidst this turmoil, Han Seung-wook, played by Lee Sang-yoon, re-enters the scene. A third-generation chaebol and Mi-na's former lover, Seung-wook has returned to Korea to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding his father's death. His unexpected reunion with Yeon-joo, whom he believes to be Mi-na, rekindles old emotions and sets the stage for a complex interplay of romance and intrigue.

Adding to the complexity is Han Seong-hye, portrayed by Jin Seo-yeon, the eldest daughter of the Hanju Group. Ambitious and ruthless, Seong-hye is determined to consolidate her power within the family, viewing Mi-na as both a pawn and a threat in her strategic maneuvers.

As Yeon-joo delves deeper into Mi-na's life, she forms an alliance with Ahn Yoo-jun, played by Lee Won-geun, a fellow prosecutor and longtime friend. Together, they strive to unravel the truth behind the Hanju Group's facade, confronting corruption, betrayal, and their own evolving feelings along the way.


Highlight Moments / Key Episodes

  • Episode 1: Yeon-joo's accident and the shocking revelation of her new identity.
  • Episode 4: A tense family dinner where Yeon-joo, as Mi-na, challenges the Han family's authority.
  • Episode 7: Seung-wook's discovery of inconsistencies in Mi-na's behavior, leading to suspicions about her true identity.
  • Episode 10: A courtroom showdown where Yeon-joo confronts corrupt officials, showcasing her prosecutorial prowess.
  • Episode 13: The unveiling of a hidden alliance that shifts the power dynamics within the Hanju Group.
  • Episode 15: A heartfelt confession that brings clarity to the tangled relationships among the main characters.
  • Episode 16: The climactic resolution where justice is served, and the characters find closure in their personal journeys.

Memorable Lines

  • Episode 2: "If you want to survive in this family, you have to play by their rules." – A cautionary remark highlighting the Han family's cutthroat nature.
  • Episode 5: "Sometimes, pretending to be someone else is the only way to discover who you truly are." – Yeon-joo reflecting on her identity crisis.
  • Episode 8: "Love isn't about holding on; it's about letting go when the time is right." – Seung-wook expressing his internal conflict.
  • Episode 11: "Justice delayed is justice denied, but justice rushed is justice denied as well." – Ahn Yoo-jun discussing the complexities of the legal system.
  • Episode 14: "In a world full of masks, being genuine is the most rebellious act." – Yeon-joo embracing her true self.

Why It’s Special

  • Dual Role Mastery: Lee Hanee's portrayal of both Jo Yeon-joo and Kang Mi-na is a testament to her versatility, bringing depth and distinction to each character.
  • Genre Fusion: The drama seamlessly blends elements of comedy, mystery, and romance, offering a multifaceted viewing experience.
  • Strong Female Lead: Yeon-joo's assertive and empowered character challenges traditional gender roles, resonating with contemporary audiences.
  • Intricate Plot: The narrative is rich with twists and turns, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the unfolding story.
  • High Production Quality: From cinematography to costume design, the series boasts a polished and visually appealing presentation.

Popularity & Reception

"One the Woman" garnered significant attention during its broadcast, achieving impressive viewership ratings. The series finale reached a nationwide rating of 17.8%, marking a peak in its popularity. Critics praised the show's engaging storyline and Lee Hanee's standout performance, while audiences appreciated its blend of humor and suspense. The drama also sparked discussions on social media, with fans sharing their favorite moments and expressing admiration for the cast's chemistry.

Cast & Fun Facts

Lee Hanee, known for her dynamic acting skills, took on the challenging task of portraying two distinct characters in "One the Woman." Her ability to seamlessly switch between the assertive prosecutor Yeon-joo and the subdued heiress Mi-na showcased her range and depth as an actress. Prior to this role, Lee Hanee gained acclaim for her performance in "The Fiery Priest," further solidifying her status in the industry.

Lee Sang-yoon, who played Han Seung-wook, brought a nuanced portrayal of a chaebol grappling with personal loss and corporate intrigue. His previous works, including "Whisper" and "About Time," have demonstrated his ability to convey complex emotions, making him a fitting choice for this role.

Jin Seo-yeon, as the formidable Han Seong-hye, delivered a compelling performance that added layers to the narrative. Her background in action films like "Believer" contributed to the intensity she brought to the character, making Seong-hye a memorable antagonist.

Lee Won-geun, returning to the screen after his military service, portrayed Ahn Yoo-jun with a blend of sincerity and determination. His chemistry with Lee Hanee added depth to the storyline, providing both tension and moments of levity.

Behind the scenes, the cast shared a camaraderie that translated into on-screen chemistry. The script reading sessions were filled with laughter and mutual respect, setting a positive tone for the production. The director, Choi Hyeong-hun, known for his meticulous attention to detail, ensured that each scene was crafted to enhance the storytelling, contributing to the drama's overall success.

Conclusion / Warm Reminders

"One the Woman" offers a captivating blend of humor, mystery, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for fans of Korean dramas. The stellar performances, especially by Lee Hanee, and the intricate plotlines ensure an engaging viewing experience. Whether you're new to K-dramas or a seasoned viewer, this series promises entertainment and thought-provoking themes that resonate beyond the screen.


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#OneTheWoman #KoreanDrama #LeeHanee #LeeSangYoon #Viki #AmazonPrimeVideo #KDrama #RomanticComedy #MysteryDrama

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