Whirlwind (2024)

A very well done, substantial, self-critical, thought-provoking Korean-style political drama.

In “The Whirlwind,” the old masters of Korean film and television use their strong aura to demonstrate what it means to truly want to represent transparency and democracy in South Korea 2024. Even after several decades of 'real' democracy, the political apparatus still feels like a vice in the hands of a few in a backroom and every idiosyncratic move inevitably leads to pain. Here we see the top-class veterans Sol Kyung-gu and Kim Hee-ae and a few more in a Netflix production that has substance and intensity and decisively highlights a major dilemma within the South Korean political scene. A great script with characters who are not just black or white, but full of shades of gray.

2024, as I said. Unfortunately, the struggle to act politically honestly, or to curb corruption and illegal influence by the Jaebeol conglomerates, obviously still is a Sisyphean mission... But there is this longing in the country – a desire that politics will at some point be done by responsible, accountable citizens and not manipulated by this 1 percent of the Jaebeol elite, using the system for their own benefit. ((On the other hand, as a mass, that is all too easily manipulated by misleading information the (in theory powerful) people ultimately doesn´t impress as a source of hope... Sobering. Unfortunately.)) Obviously it is difficult to change the sluggish but powerful apparatus. However, the more scandalous conditions and dynamics are clearly communicated through the media, the more the shiny elite may become disenchanted (as in "The Whirlwind"). And perhaps - the more this happens - at some point the general public will no longer be so easily swayed and deceived. Perhaps, slowly but surely, the number of those, who dare to oppose the whims of the so-called elite, no matter the cost, is against all odds growing. And maybe more and more will follow over time. This is, where “The Whirlwind” is coming from...

In 2024, South Korean politics is no longer just a male affair. Nevertheless, the world of decision-makers is still a world of cliques, and if one person is not willing, then force will be chosen. The pattern seems to be the same forever.
And yet. In this KDrama we are dealing with a protagonist, who doesn't care about all the headwinds. He isn´t impressed. He doesn't want to be bought and is resisting temptation. He might become a role model, yet he is driven by his own interest. He cares about the cause, the idea, his political values, and he risks everything for it. The end - the good, honest one - justifies the means. And suddenly an upstanding citizen also attracts others, too. He embodies a longing, stands for a hope that is truly shared by many - even those who have learned to function well within the corrupt apparatus. Where there is a will, there may be a path, but it can be rocky, swampy and, in some places, hopeless. Once again a brave David has faced off against a complacent Goliath. And if he's not careful, even our ambitious David may imperceptibly stray from the right path on his way to an honest goal. Because in fact, not every means justifies its noble end... When it comes to a world of responsible citizens who are equal before the law, then it is at the same time and first and foremost about accountability and about taking (lawful) responsibility for one's own actions. In all consequence. This equally applies to everyone, too. Uncompromising. Without exception...

So, overall I consider “The Whirlwind” a very well done, substantial, self-critical, thought-provoking Korean-style political drama.

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A perfect drama

I was always looking forward this drama and I was scared I might not like it but now it’s my favorite. So much unexpected and shocking plot twists, especially the end… They just never stopped and never failed to shock me. Even if you don’t like politics they manage to keep you glued to your seat with the storyline. The acting of the whole cast, especially Sul Kyung-gu and Kim Hee-ae was beyond outstanding, not to mention the writing. This is the type of drama, and netflix original we needed already! Even the ending, which I usually hate in dramas was written well and finished the story perfectly. It broke my heart to pieces and I respect both the actors and the writer for managing to make me feel a whirlwind of emotions, for both characters.



Side note, this had such a pretty cinematography and visuals it was so nice to look at!

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A Political Masterpiece

One of the best dramas of the year! If you're unsure about watching it, just go ahead and watch at least two episodes—you won't be disappointed. This drama was incredibly well done, with acting, pacing, and scheming by the actors all on point.

If you have even a slight interest in politics, it's a feast for you. Don't miss it! The references to the Bible are just analogies, nothing more (and I'm saying this as a non-Christian). Some people are overreacting to these references, but the characters aren't trying to convert anyone. They are simply drawing comparisons to explain political scenarios.This is one of the best dramas about today's world and modern politics.

My rating: 9.5/10

P.S. The ending was perfect (though I won't say it's happy, sad, or neutral, as none of those options apply here).

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Acting battle between Sul Kyung-gu and Kim Hee-ae

"The Whirlwind" is a gripping political thriller that masterfully intertwines complex characters and relentless plot twists. It follows the intense power struggle between Prime Minister Park Dong-ho and Deputy Prime Minister Jeong Su-jin, each maneuvering through corruption, manipulation, and vendettas.

The series excels in character development, portraying grey figures whose motivations blur the lines between good and evil. The pacing keeps viewers on edge, with each episode delivering new surprises and strategic battles. The show's strength lies in its ability to maintain suspense while exploring themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of power.

With a dramatic and satisfying conclusion, "The Whirlwind" leaves a lasting impression.

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Such a good drama

I had been waiting for this drama ever since it was announced and when I finally watched it today, I can tell you it did not disappoint. It was so good that as soon as I came home from work, I watched it beginning to end all in one sitting. Thanks to its relatively short watch time, it does not bore you, it instead leaves you yearning for more. The cast and their acting is phenomenal in this drama. When you watch this drama, it makes you feel split on whether a particular person is actually rotten or not. My only discrepancy was that I wished it has been longer and made the sufferings even more fleshed out. But that's just my nitpick, the ending is satisfying as hell. Such a well crafted drama, and it looks so good as well. Beautiful just beautiful.

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The best modern political kdrama ever made

The whole production value is just too mindblowing, the depth of the storyline is incredibly insane and the level of scale is unimaginable, it's leaving you speechless over and over again literally after every plot twist. This will go down as the best modern political kdrama ever made in history and it's soaring past others by a very huge leap, almost monumental for any kdrama scene. The screenplay has extremely precise execution of political strategies and intelligence battles, every single threat design is carefully handled based on logical consideration that fits seamlessly into multiple environmental factors and connections, like a perfect art of war. Acting performances are needless to say, they're best in class and definitely the strongest hold of this drama, it's like watching real politicians strive against each other in reality, a total reflection of modern politics in today's world.

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