Gangnam B-Side Episodes 1-2: A Dark Dive into Seoul's Underworld with Ji Chang-wook's Stellar Performance

The Dark Reality Behind Gangnam's Glittering Facade
Gangnam B-Side, a gritty crime thriller set in Seoul's most affluent district, takes viewers on a journey through the underbelly of South Korean society. The series, which began airing in late 2024 and has now completed its run, presents a stark contrast between the glamorous image of Gangnam and its shadowy criminal networks. The first two episodes establish a complex narrative centered around drug trafficking, exploitation, and corruption that permeates all levels of society.
The drama is particularly notable for being inspired by real events. Writer Joo Won-gyu reportedly spent six months working as a call driver in Gangnam while searching for a runaway teenager who had disappeared into the club scene. This real-world research adds an unsettling authenticity to the show's portrayal of Gangnam's criminal ecosystem.
A Stellar Cast Bringing Complex Characters to Life
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by Jo Woo-jin as Detective Kang Dong-woo and Ji Chang-wook as the mysterious broker Yoon Gil-ho. Jo portrays a righteous detective who, despite being surrounded by corrupt colleagues, maintains his moral compass and determination to solve cases properly. His character is further complicated by personal struggles, including a daughter who attempted suicide after being bullied.
Ji Chang-wook delivers a particularly compelling performance as Yoon Gil-ho, a broker with murky motivations. Known primarily for his handsome appearance in previous roles, Ji demonstrates remarkable range in this series, completely immersing himself in the character. Fans and critics alike have praised his ability to portray Gil-ho's complexity, with many commenting that this role showcases his talents as a serious actor rather than just a pretty face.
The supporting cast includes Ha Yoon-kyung as Prosecutor Min Seo-jin, Kim Hyeong-seo as Jae-hee, and other talented actors who bring depth to their respective roles. The chemistry between the cast members creates a believable world where each character's motivations and actions feel authentic within the dark narrative.

Episode 1: Setting the Stage for a Complex Crime Thriller
The series opens with Detective Dong-woo proving his worth by pursuing a corrupt fellow officer named Jang-Ho. This incident from three years earlier establishes Dong-woo's character as someone willing to risk his career to uphold justice. Following this case, he transfers to a quieter countryside position to investigate corruption within his own department.
The main storyline begins with the disappearance of Jung-Hwa, a young woman working for Gil-ho. We're introduced to Gangnam's underground scene, where Gil-ho runs a business involving 'call girls.' When Jung-Hwa's friend Jenny is chased by thugs looking for information about someone named 'Psyche' who supplies drugs to celebrities and idols, the plot thickens.
Jung-Hwa is eventually taken to a luxury hotel by Psyche, where she encounters wealthy men, including a K-pop idol named Joon-Seo. The episode takes a dark turn when Gil-ho discovers Jung-Hwa's body in a jacuzzi, surrounded by evidence of drug use. Rather than covering up the crime, he moves her body to a subway station, presumably so the police will investigate.
Meanwhile, we learn that Dong-woo's daughter, who is hospitalized for anxiety, is best friends with Jenny, creating a personal connection to the case for our detective protagonist.
Episode 2: Escalating Tensions and Dangerous Alliances
The second episode intensifies the conflict as Dong-woo confronts Gil-ho about Jung-Hwa's death. Their conversation reveals a history between them from three years ago and mentions the 'Gangnam Trading Company,' which appears to be a major player in the drug business.
As Dong-woo investigates on his own, he enlists the help of Jang-ho, who is involved in Gangnam's sex and alcohol trade. Though initially hostile, Jang-ho is blackmailed into helping Dong-woo locate Gil-ho, who has gone underground after shutting down his operations.
Meanwhile, Gil-ho meets with Psyche, who offers him money from Joon-seo in exchange for delivering Jae-hee. Gil-ho requests a direct meeting with Joon-seo, setting up what turns out to be a trap. In a shocking development, Joon-seo murders Gang-su, the CEO of Gangnam Trading Company, and declares himself the new leader.
Prosecutor Seo-jin discovers that Gil-ho left Jung-Hwa's body at the train station and begins searching for him, facing resistance from Major Crimes and Prosecutor Tak, who seem eager to pin everything on Gil-ho without further investigation.
The episode culminates in a tense car chase after Gil-ho fights off thugs at Yeoksam Station. Dong-woo intercepts and protects Gil-ho from arrest, leading to a standoff where Dong-woo and another officer point guns at each other. The episode ends with Gil-ho jumping off a bridge into water, leaving his fate uncertain.

Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews with Praise for Acting
Critical reception of the first two episodes has been mixed but generally positive. While some viewers found the initial episodes somewhat formulaic and confusing, many praised the strong performances, particularly from Ji Chang-wook and Jo Woo-jin.
According to OTT platform ranking site 'Flix Patrol,' by November 17, 2024, the show had reached #1 in several Asian markets including South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong on Disney+. It also ranked #2 in Japan and #3 in Greece and Malta, indicating strong international appeal.
On domestic OTT platform search engine Kinolights, the series maintained a respectable rating of 3.8 out of 5.0, while on IMDb, it scored 7.4, reflecting generally favorable reviews. The show's realistic portrayal of Gangnam's dark side resonated with many viewers who appreciated its unflinching look at corruption and exploitation.
Viewer Reactions: From Enthusiastic Praise to Constructive Criticism
Viewer reactions to the first two episodes varied widely. Many fans expressed enthusiasm for Ji Chang-wook's performance, with comments like 'Ji Chang-wook was awesome as always' and 'Ji Chang-wook is truly a hottie.' Others appreciated the show's realistic portrayal of Gangnam's darker aspects, noting that the drama 'feels like watching the current era' and praising how it exposed the 'real world of power, desire and self-interest.'
Some viewers were particularly impressed by the action sequences, especially Ji Chang-wook's fight scenes, which he reportedly performed without a stunt double. His handling of a short sword was described as 'smooth and agile' and 'very impressive.'
However, not all feedback was positive. Some viewers found the first episode 'convoluted and confusing,' making it 'somewhat boring.' Others felt the dialogue relied too heavily on clichés, and some compared it unfavorably to other similar dramas, asking 'Aren't there too many similar dramas?'
A common criticism was the lack of standout or memorable scenes despite the quality acting and solid script. As one review noted, 'The actors' high-level performances and solid script are all good, but there are no memorable scenes that could be called highlights.'
The Cultural Impact: Reflecting Real-Life Issues in Gangnam
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Gangnam B-Side is its connection to real-life issues in South Korean society. The show draws parallels to actual scandals that have rocked the entertainment industry and exposed corruption in Gangnam's nightlife scene.
Some viewers explicitly connected the show to the infamous Burning Sun scandal, which exposed drug trafficking, sexual assault, and police corruption linked to nightclubs in Gangnam. Comments like 'The problem is that this drama was motivated by things that happened and are happening in Gangnam' reflect the show's relevance to contemporary social issues.
By addressing these real-world problems through fiction, Gangnam B-Side contributes to ongoing conversations about power, exploitation, and justice in South Korean society. The show doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals caught in systems of exploitation, nor does it hesitate to implicate powerful institutions like the police and prosecution in maintaining these systems.
As the series progressed beyond its initial episodes, it continued to explore these themes, offering viewers not just entertainment but also a critical lens through which to view one of Seoul's most famous districts and the darker realities that exist beneath its glittering surface.
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