"Punch(2014)" : Power, Politics, and Punch

Korean Drama "Punch"

If you're a fan of Korean dramas and you haven't seen "Punch" yet, you're missing out! This show is a thrilling ride filled with power, politics, and of course, plenty of punches. In this post, we'll give you a rundown of the plot, introduce you to the amazing cast, and share some of the most attractive points of this show. Plus, we'll give you some interesting facts you might not have known about "Punch"!


Plot Summary

"Punch" follows the story of Park Jung Hwan, A corrupt prosecutor who will stop at nothing to advance his career. However, when he is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he begins to regret his past and realizes that he doesn't have much time left to make a difference in the world. He uses his power and influence to bring down corrupt officials, but he soon finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal. 

As the plot unfolds, we see Jung Hwan's relationships with his family and colleagues become changed as he becomes more and more consumed with his mission. Along the way, he must also confront his own past and come to terms with the mistakes he's made. The main themes of the drama are justice and redemption. 


Main Cast

Punch-Poster


  • Kim Rae Won as Park Jung Hwan
  • Jo Jae Hyun as Lee Tae Joon
  • Kim A Joong as Shin Ha Kyung
  • Seo Ji Hye as Choi Yeon Jin

Kim Rae Won's portrayal of Park Jung Hwan is nothing short of amazing. He perfectly captures the character's complex mix of determination, vulnerability, and moral ambiguity. Jo Jae Hyun's performance as Lee Tae Joon, a corrupt politician and Jung Hwan's senior, is also outstanding. His villainous performance as the main villain trigger anger in the viewer.


Attraction Points

Intense storyline

"Punch" is the last drama in a trilogy of political dramas written by Park Kyung-soo. Like its predecessor, this drama has a gripping and intense storyline that keeps the audience engaged throughout the drama. His dramas mainly deal with power, politics, and corruption, the characters are multi-dimensional. 

  • The Chaser (2012)
  • Empire Of Gold (2013)
  • Punch (2014)

Exceptional performance

The main cast delivers outstanding performances that add to the drama's intensity and depth. Kim Rae-won's portrayal of the prosecutor, Park Jung-hwan, is particularly noteworthy, as he captures the character's inner turmoil and conflicts with nuance. The lead actors, Kim Rae Won and Jo Jae Hyun, both won acting awards at the SBS Acting Awards.


Realistic portrayal of the legal system

"Punch" presents a realistic portrayal of the legal system in Korea, with its intricate web of power dynamics and corruption. It sheds light on the challenges prosecutors face in seeking justice in such a system.




Ratings and Reviews

Despite its critical and audience acclaim, "Punch" didn't perform as well as some other Korean dramas in terms of ratings. However, the final episode had a viewership of about 15%, more than doubling from the first episode. Fans responded so enthusiastically online that a separate novelization was published. The drama was also dubbed in Japan and became a huge hit. 


Interesting Facts

  • "Punch" was directed by Lee Myung Woo, who also directed the hit drama "The Fiery Priest."
  • The drama is very similar to real-life events, specifically the arrest and conviction of former Korean president Park Geun-hye. However, there is no direct connection because the real-life events happened after the drama aired. 
  • The drama was produced in a time-sensitive manner, and in the end, there was a broadcast accident that caused the screen to freeze in the last episode. 

In conclusion, "Punch" is a well-crafted and captivating drama that explores the darker side of Korean politics and the pursuit of justice. It's still referred to as a well-made drama more than a decade later in Korea. With its dynamic plot, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre and those interested in Korean culture.