The jTBC disaster drama, "D-Day" premiered on September 18. The medical series opened slowly before leading viewers into a non-stop thrill ride with the introduction of a debilitating earthquake.
"D-Day" combines hair-raising hospital scenes that evoke the emotional complexity of "Yong Pal" with high budget computer-generated graphics that resemble films like "The Tower."
Kim Young Kwang stars as Lee Hae Sung, a skilled physician who places a higher value on the lives of patients than the rules and regulations of the hospital where he works. His personality harkens to Kim Tae Hyun in "Yong Pal," in that he disregards the notion of treating wealthy VIP patients differently than those who are poor or needy. Unlike Tae Hyun, he is placed in a precarious position and transferred to a different hospital, when he disregards the orders of the hospital chief.
Before disaster strikes, Hae Sung has a difficult encounter with Jung Ddol Mi, a physician intern, whose fear of mistakes hinders her ability to perform necessary medical tasks. Ddol Mi is portrayed by Jung So Min, who imparts the hesitancy of her iconic "Playful Kiss" role into her latest turn as a fledgling physician.
Hak Seok Jin is Han Woo Jin, the poster-child for the top hospital, where Hae Sung used to work. His image is emblazoned on billboards and he serves as the model physician for Korea. Ddol Mi idolizes Seok Jin, but her impression of him is clouded by his reaction to victims who arrive from the first earthquake.
The citizens of Korea remain in the dark about the natural disaster that hit the country, until a reporter who covered Hae Sung begins to investigate the incident.
"D-Day" airs on jTBC on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:40 p.m. KST.
Here are four other reasons to watch the new jTBC drama, "D-Day."
1. "D-Day" offers an alternative to predictable K-Drama plots.
"D-Day" has romantic plots but the heart of the series is its interpretation of a terrifying natural disaster that strikes the heart of Seoul.
2. The action sequences and computer graphics are on-par with top Korean movies.
Skyscrapers, cranes, and subways are transformed into deadly vehicles of carnage through CGI in action sequences throughout the series.
3. Kim Young Kwang and Jung So Min have stellar chemistry.
Kim Young Kwang and Jung So Min have believable chemistry, as doctors who are struggling to save the citizens of Korea.
4. The full extent of the disaster has yet to be revealed.
While it appears that an earthquake is causing the bulk of the damage, the technicolor sky in the second episode hints at a more sinister event that is headed for the characters of "D-Day."
5."D-Day" features a stellar cast that is a mix of film stars and seasoned entertainers.
Cha In Pyo takes a break from the big screen to take on "D-Day." Kim Sang Ho, who was brilliant in "City Hunter," portrays a feisty fire chief in the series. INFINITE's Lee Seung Yeol transcends his romantic comedy role to take on the halls of the tumultuous hospital.
