Gangnam B-Side Episodes 3-4: Unveiling the Dark Underbelly of Seoul's Glamorous District

## The Deepening Mystery Behind Gangnam's Glittering Facade

Gangnam B-Side continues to peel back the layers of Seoul's most prestigious district in its third and fourth episodes, diving deeper into the complex web of corruption, crime, and revenge that drives the narrative. These episodes significantly expand on the character relationships established in the premiere, particularly the bond between Yoon Gil-ho (Ji Chang Wook) and Jae Hee (BIBI), while simultaneously ramping up the tension with shocking developments and brutal confrontations.

The episodes begin with the police discovering Gil-ho's blade near CEO Lee Gang-su's corpse, immediately shifting the focus of the investigation. Meanwhile, Detective Dong-woo (Jo Woo-jin) and Prosecutor Min Seo-jin (Ha Yoon-kyung) find themselves increasingly entangled in the case, with their moral compasses being tested at every turn. As the narrative progresses, we witness the intricate dance between law enforcement, criminals, and those caught in between, all set against the backdrop of Gangnam's seedy underbelly.

## The Gil-ho and Jae Hee Connection: More Than Meets the Eye

One of the most compelling aspects of episodes 3 and 4 is the revelation of the backstory between Gil-ho and Jae Hee. The cold-blooded Gil-ho displays a rare soft spot for Jae Hee, and these episodes finally explain why. Their first meeting occurred when Jae Hee, already hardened by a harsh world, ended up at the shop where Gil-ho worked. Recognizing something of himself in her, Gil-ho began to warm up to Jae Hee, and their connection deepened over time.

The death of the shop's owner, Madam Baek, proved to be a pivotal moment in their relationship. Left with nowhere to go, Jae Hee suggested they continue sticking together, asking Gil-ho, "Can't we just keep going like this? You can protect us." This touching moment reveals that their relationship transcends the typical pimp-prostitute dynamic often portrayed in crime dramas. Instead, they form a kind of surrogate family, bound by shared trauma and mutual protection.

This humanizing element adds depth to Gil-ho's character, showing that despite his violent tendencies and criminal activities, he possesses a functioning heart. The transition from chaperone to pimp was one of necessity rather than choice, highlighting the moral compromises people make when faced with limited options in a cruel world.

## The Colosseum: Gangnam's Underground Fight Club

Episode 4 introduces viewers to one of the most disturbing aspects of Gangnam's criminal underworld: The Colosseum. This aptly-named venue serves as a stage for expensive exploitation, where wealthy patrons pay fortunes to watch all manner of unsavory events, including vicious deathmatches.

Noh Joon-seo (Jung Ga-ram), continuing his role as the show's immediate antagonist, lures Gil-ho to this underground fighting ring. The ensuing fight sequences are impressively choreographed, with Ji Chang Wook reportedly insisting on performing his own stunts rather than using a double. His control of the short sword is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating both the actor's commitment to the role and the production's dedication to creating authentic action scenes.

The Colosseum sequences serve as more than just action set pieces; they represent the ultimate expression of the power dynamics at play in Gangnam. The wealthy elite literally gamble on the lives of those beneath them, treating violence and death as entertainment. This metaphor for the exploitation inherent in Gangnam's social hierarchy is heavy-handed but effective, driving home the series' critique of wealth inequality and corruption.

## Parallels to the Burning Sun Scandal

It's impossible to discuss Gangnam B-Side without acknowledging its clear parallels to the infamous Burning Sun scandal that rocked South Korea in 2018. The series depicts scenes that strongly evoke this real-life case: a large nightclub in Gangnam where numerous people consume drugs, well-known celebrities hosting lavish club events, and club management maintaining close relationships with corrupt police officers.

Director Park Noo-ri addressed these similarities in an interview, stating: "From the script development stage, I knew we couldn't avoid these comparisons. Rather than artificially trying to avoid them, I decided to simply show reality. However, I tried not to portray these incidents too explicitly. If we focused too much on the sensational aspects, it could hurt people who were affected by these events. So instead of emphasizing entertainment value, I tried to show these scenes with minimal footage."

This approach lends the series an air of authenticity and social relevance that elevates it beyond typical crime dramas. By drawing inspiration from real events while being careful not to exploit them, Gangnam B-Side offers a thoughtful commentary on the dark realities that can exist behind glamorous facades.

## The Cat-and-Mouse Game Between Law and Crime

Episodes 3 and 4 significantly develop the investigative aspects of the story, with Dong-woo and Seo-jin finding themselves increasingly at odds with the corrupt systems they work within. Seo-jin begins to question her previous perceptions after Dong-woo insists that Officer Yun was trying to frame Gil-ho for murder. Her meeting with Joon-seo, who directs her to a secret chat app used by everyone in the business, further deepens her suspicions.

Meanwhile, Dong-woo reveals his personal connection to the case: Jae Hee is a close friend of his daughter, having saved her from bullies. This revelation adds another layer to his determination to find Jae Hee and bring down the criminal network that threatens her.

The episodes effectively portray the challenges faced by honest law enforcement officers in a system corrupted by money and power. When Seo-jin suggests to her boss that they should try finding the real culprit rather than pinning the murder case on Gil-ho, she is immediately shut down by Chief Prosecutor Tak, highlighting how institutional corruption protects the wealthy and powerful while sacrificing the vulnerable.

## Viewer Reactions: Mixed but Trending Positive

Audience reactions to episodes 3 and 4 have been generally positive, with many viewers praising the deepening plot and character development. On Reddit, fans expressed particular appreciation for the improved performance of Ji Chang Wook in these episodes, with one user commenting, "JCW's performance improves significantly in episodes 3 and 4." Another viewer described episode 4 as "incredibly intense," noting that "just when it seemed like everything was coming to a satisfying conclusion, it took a surprising turn!"

Critics have been somewhat more divided. Some reviewers praised the episodes for ramping up the suspense with intense depictions of the criminal underworld, while others felt that the story was becoming overcrowded with too many subplots and exaggerated sequences. The introduction of the underground fight club and multiple unresolved murders was seen by some as creating a spectacle that ultimately loses focus.

Several reviewers noted that important plot points, such as the deaths of Lee Gang Su and Officer Yu Jun, were glossed over too quickly. Additionally, some felt that Officer Min Seo Jin's pleas for support from higher-ups disappeared almost instantly, creating inconsistencies in the narrative flow.

Despite these criticisms, most agree that the action sequences are thrilling and engaging, with Ji Chang Wook's performance being particularly praised. As one IMDb reviewer noted, "His control of the short sword is so smooth and agile that it is very impressive."

## Technical Aspects: Cinematography and Pacing

From a technical standpoint, episodes 3 and 4 maintain the gritty, atmospheric cinematography established in the premiere. The contrast between the glittering, neon-lit clubs and the dark, shadowy corners where violence erupts creates a visual representation of the show's central theme: the stark difference between Gangnam's polished exterior and its corrupt interior.

However, some viewers and critics have pointed to pacing issues in these episodes. One reviewer noted, "The problem with this series is that it's too slow. Every episode I wait for this to get more complicated and for the runtime to get tighter, but the series showcases the most mundane things with extremely little information per episode." This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that the show was stretching what could have been the story of one episode into three.

Despite these concerns, the episodes do succeed in building tension through carefully constructed scenes and strategic revelations. The cliffhanger ending of episode 4, which leaves viewers wondering about the identity of a mysterious character who appears in the final moments, effectively hooks the audience for the next installment.

## Final Thoughts: A Flawed but Compelling Crime Drama

Episodes 3 and 4 of Gangnam B-Side represent a significant development in the series' narrative, deepening both the character relationships and the central mystery. While not without flaws – including pacing issues and occasionally overcrowded plotting – these episodes successfully build on the foundation laid by the premiere, offering viewers a compelling glimpse into the dark side of one of Seoul's most famous districts.

The series continues to distinguish itself through its unflinching portrayal of corruption, exploitation, and violence, all while maintaining a focus on the human elements that drive the story. The complex relationship between Gil-ho and Jae Hee adds emotional depth to what could otherwise be a straightforward crime thriller, while the parallels to real-life scandals lend the show a sense of relevance and urgency.

As the series approaches its midpoint, it has established itself as a gritty, thought-provoking drama that isn't afraid to tackle difficult subjects. Whether it can maintain this momentum and successfully resolve its numerous plot threads remains to be seen, but episodes 3 and 4 certainly leave viewers eager to find out what happens next in the shadowy world beneath Gangnam's glittering surface.