The South Korean military drama, DP Season 2 released recently on Netflix. The series which gained high praise for its first season made a strong comeback as it once again shed light on the trials faced by enlistees during their mandatory call of duty. The show’s ability to tap into various aspects of the enlistment process and challenges faced by young recruits makes for a gripping watch.
Spread across six episodes, DP Season 2 has lead stars including Jung Hae-in as Ahn Jun-ho, Koo Kyo-hwan as Han Ho-yeol, Kim Sung-kyun as Park Beom-gu and Son Suk-ku as Im Ji-sup reprising their roles. While the lead cast continues to remain impressive, the second season also gives us some top-notch performances from the supporting cast, particularly from actor Bae Na-ra who is introduced as deserter Jang Sung-min in the third episode. Titled Curtain Call, it’s among the most emotionally heavy episodes of the season.
As we see Jun-ho and Ho-yeol chasing a new set of military deserters this season, they are faced with some harsh realities while trying to get a hold of one of the most notorious deserters who has been on the run for over five years. Jang Sung-min’s tale as an escapee becomes a moving tale of the effect of societal perception and the price one ends up paying for following their dreams.
Why does Jang Sung-min Desert the Army in DP Season 2?
In a flashback sequence, as a performing arts student, Jang Sung-min seeks to play the role of Nina in an adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. His demand however is met with severe mocking and bullying by his seniors, all for wanting to play a female character. Sadly, the artist never finds a space to truly be himself and things only take a turn for the worse after joining the military. After being harassed with homophobic slurs and being targeted for his expressive, artistic persona, Sung-min ends up deserting the army. In the hopes of finally bringing the character Nina to life, he seeks a new identity to follow his dreams.
Also Read: DP Season 2 Review: South Korean Military Drama is Unsettling As More Deserters Are Handled Severely
The Tragic Tale of Nina
For Anton Chekov’s Nina, the theatre holds a special place as the performing arts offer her the ability to escape the bonds of her traditional household. Harbouring similar feelings, Bae Na-ra’s Sung-min finds himself in a freer and happier space when he performs as Nina. Leading a dual life while trying to stay under the radar after deserting the military, the character is seen working at a factory by day and as a performer by night.
The portrayal of this challenging period is further elevated by the moving musical number, Wig In A Box, performed in a heartwrenching manner by Bae Na-ra. The representation of feelings of loneliness and the struggle of keeping the dream alive even when the world may turn its back on you receive an apt representation in Curtain Call.
A Devastating Third Act
The lasting impact of scars from the past is deep and the dire consequences it can have is achingly explored further in what can be called Nina’s third act. After receiving an opportunity to perform overseas in the very role that he always dreamt of, Sung-min is unable to foresee it to fruition due to his past trauma. Despite taking the necessary steps, including forging a new passport to escape the country, an airport glitch sends him into a downward spiral.
A mere misunderstanding with the staff causes him to flee the airport. On his way out, he endures an injury that ends up being fatal. When Jun-ho and Ho-yeol find him collapsed on the side of a bridge, it’s a heartbreaking moment. It serves as a moment of reflection, the weight of following one’s passion shouldn’t have to be this tragic. The irreparable cost of the culture of abuse lays bare with Nina’s sacrifice.
Whether it’s the extraordinary performance by Bae Na-ra or the sharp social commentary that this story makes, the after-effects of this episode are certainly gut-wrenching.
DP Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.
Tell us your thoughts about the new season in the comments below.
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A very well written article. The episode was definitely one of the most thought provoking pieces of media I’ve ever seen, directed in such a way that it makes you think about some of the abominable things humans can do to each other.