The Worst of Evil
The Worst of Evil
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The Worst of Evil

"In 1990s Gangnam, they ran the streets."

8.4
Yr 2023
Rt 58m
Status Ended
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

Set in the 1980s, a husband and wife, both detectives, infiltrate a massive criminal organization responsible for the illegal drug trade between Korea, China, and Japan.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 75 /100

The Worst of Evil received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its dark tone, high-stakes tension, and the central performances of Ji Chang-wook and Wi Ha-joon. Many reviewers highlighted the complex dynamic between the leads and noted that the show delivers an emotionally impactful story. Outlets such as But Why Tho? hailed it as one of the standout dramas of the year, while The Review Geek applauded its emotionally resonant ending that makes audiences root for morally gray characters.

However, critical response was not without reservations. Several reviewers felt the narrative relied heavily on familiar gangster tropes and suffered from pacing issues. South China Morning Post observed a midseason lull caused by romantic subplots before finding its footing again, while NME criticized the show for being a somewhat one-dimensional take on the undercover cop genre despite its strong start. Overall, it is viewed as an engaging and stylish crime thriller that excels primarily through its cast and atmosphere.

“one of the strongest dramas of 2023”

“Brilliant K-drama leaves fans in tears with its ending”

“a pretty one-dimensional undercover cop K-drama”

“Ji Chang-wook, Wi Ha-Joon shine in this crime pulp drama”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Disney Plus
UK • CA
Hulu
US
Why fans love it

The 1990s setting provides a grit that defines the pacing of this criminal underworld investigation. Rather than relying on high-tech surveillance, the drama focuses on the psychological toll of deep-cover work across the borders of Korea, China, and Japan. The tension rests on the shifting allegiances within the drug trade and the strain placed on a marriage when both partners are forced to navigate the same dangerous organization.

Ji Chang-wook anchors a narrative that strips away common genre polish in favor of raw interactions between detectives and high-level criminals. The proximity of the primary investigators to the targeted drug lord turns the operation into a volatile game of proximity and personal risk. Every decision within the syndicate carries consequences, creating a clinical look at how drug smuggling dismantles the lives of those trying to destroy it from the inside.

Production Board

Crew

Stunt Coordinator
Costume Design
Writer
Director of Photography
Signal Match

Similarity

Where The Worst of Evil overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

detective drug dealer drug smuggling investigation organized crime drug trade drug lord 1990s seoul, south korea
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 27, 2023
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
58 minutes
Origin
KR
TMDB Votes
87