The Square: Netflix Limited Series, So Ji-sub's Intense Action Noir

Actor So Ji-sub returns to action drama on Netflix after a long hiatus. The Square, which generated intense anticipation with the mere announcement of his appearance, is based on a noir masterpiece from the world of Naver webtoons. Known for his careful selection of projects, So Ji-sub's fans had high expectations for this drama. Though he possesses a unique charm that has earned him the nickname “So Ganjji,” his filmography in the action genre is relatively limited, making *Square* all the more special.

 

However, after the drama was released, it received criticism from many viewers for its excessive adaptation from the original work, which differed significantly from the initial expectations. The main criticism was that the core settings and narrative of the original work had been altered so much that it felt like a completely different work. Some viewers expressed disappointment, saying, “If this is the case, I don't understand why they used the title *The Square*.” Of course, for viewers who have not read the webtoon and are experiencing the drama for the first time, it may still be an intriguing work. However, given the original webtoon's strong fan base and widespread support, such adaptations appear to have caused significant disappointment among fans.

Nam Ki-joon, played by So Ji-sub in the drama, has a fiery personality. Once he sets his goal, he charges forward relentlessly, regardless of the obstacles in his way. His intensity is fully evident in his overwhelming strength, which is enough to destroy an entire organization on his own. Despite his position as a mid-level boss, his combat abilities are top-notch, and this unrealistic setting provides considerable entertainment value to the drama's action scenes. However, this extreme imbalance leaves something to be desired in terms of realism.

Nam Ki-joon has no ambition, only blind loyalty. In particular, he considers protecting Nam Ki-seok (played by Lee Joon-hyuk), whom he cherishes like his own brother, to be his top priority. In Seoul, where the drama is set, two giant organizations, Joo-woon and Bong-san, are fighting for power. In the past, to prevent further senseless bloodshed, Nam Ki-jun played a decisive role in establishing a non-aggression pact between the two organizations. He secured a ceasefire on the condition that his right-hand man, Nam Ki-seok, be left behind in Bongsan. Eleven years later, the dormant conflict resurfaces with the arrival of Goo Jun-mo (played by Gong Myung), the son of Bongsan's boss, marking the beginning of the drama's main storyline.

Koo Joon-mo is a character who causes trouble simply by using his background as the boss's son, without any notable abilities or achievements. In the midst of the non-aggression pact, he begins to shake up the status quo by eliminating Nam Ki-seok, who was previously off-limits. Nam Ki-jun feels suspicious about his brother's sudden death and begins to uncover the truth behind it. Furthermore, the revelation that Nam Ki-seok had expressed his intention to quit his job to Nam Ki-jun shortly before his death suggests that there is more to this than just a simple power struggle between organizations.

The drama follows Nam Ki-jun's desperate journey to avenge his brother by pursuing Gu Jun-mo. He unleashes relentless violence and destructive action against those who stand in his way, leaving a strong impression on viewers. As the episodes progress, the existence of a massive conspiracy that shakes not only Gu Jun-mo's personal evil deeds but also the entire Joo-won and Bong-san organizations begins to slowly unfold.

The brief appearances of special guest stars Cha Seung-won and Lee Joon-hyuk leave a bit of a void. Both actors played characters with the potential to play an important role in the flow of the drama and enrich the story. Nevertheless, So Ji-sub displays an overwhelming presence despite his physical condition, limping on one leg. His acting, which conveys the character's emotions and narrative through body language and eye contact alone, without many lines, still shines. This is probably the unique charm of So Ji-sub, who has been loved by the public for a long time.

After 11 long years, unexpected changes await Nam Ki-joon, who has reappeared in the world. The fact that this is a “limited series,” a characteristic of Korean dramas, is clearly stated from the beginning, and this may be the biggest appeal of the drama. With a total of seven episodes, the story is told in a short and concise manner, and it has received a heated response, ranking first on the Korean Netflix chart immediately after its release. Considering the attractive characters and the unresolved plot points, if a sequel is produced, we can expect an even more interesting story.