Netflix’s DP Review: Tough Missions, Painful Reality!

DP Review: D.P., aka DP, a South Korean thriller series, is now out on Netflix. The six-episode series stars Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun and Son Seok-koo. Helmed by Han Jun-hee, the director has penned the series with Kim Bo-tong, which is based on D.P: Dog Days by Kim Bo-tong.

– Mild Spoilers –

DP Review

Netflix’s D.P. series is based on the military men of South Korea. In the series, Ahn Jun-ho (played by Jung Hae-in) and Corporal Han Ho-yul (Koo Kyo-hwan) are a part of the DP unit (Deserter Pursuit). Together, Ahn and Han have been given missions to find out the military personnel who have deserted during their service. Among the enlisted soldiers, only the members of Deserted Pursuit get the chance to stay out of the camp.

Ahn Jun-ho, a timid and introverted man, is introduced in the first episode. We get a look into his civilian life, as well as his rigorous military training and the cruelty of some of his superiors. Jun-ho comes from a lower-middle-class family, and his mother is barely scraping by. One might ask why Jun-ho is so quiet or nonchalant about his superiors’ harsh treatment of him. Unfortunately, Jun-ho’s father was abusive, and he is used to being mistreated. 

His D.P. senior Han Ho-yul, on the other hand, is free-spirited, outspoken, and has a good sense of humour. When the duo goes out to find these deserters, they are taken aback by the reasons for their colleagues’ desertion.  The series also focuses on how those in positions of leadership abuse their power, mistreat/bully recruits, and make the army work even during their leaves.

There’s tremendous drama, action, and brutality in those six episodes of J Jung Hae-in and Koo Kyo-hwan’s Netflix series DP. I believe the creators could have reduced the suspense in the final two episodes and made it a five-episode series instead. It was overly long, leading the vital point to be overshadowed by the exaggerated narration.

Also Read: Decoding DP Season 2 Episode 3: The Tragedy of Bae Na-ra’s Nina

When it comes to the performances, Jung Hae-in and Koo Kyo-hwan do an excellent job. Hae-in didn’t have many lines as Ahn Jun-ho, but his expressions and body language eloquently showed the agony, anxiety, and rage. It’s a joy to witness Koo Kyo-hwan in the role of Han Ho-yul. His character’s wit contributes to cutting down the tension sometimes. However, there are moments when Kyo-hwan becomes furious or disturbed, and he nails them as well. The rest of the cast was equally impressive.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the new Netflix K-drama series is worth watching as it highlights the painful reality of the enlistees. Two brave guys are on a tough and crucial mission. It helps to witness the suffering that army men go through, which isn’t always caused by the enemy. It’s sometimes their own people.

DP series is now streaming on Netflix.

Also Read: DP Season 2 Review: South Korean Military Drama is Unsettling As More Deserters Are Handled Severely