Netflix is set to release its newest Korean original series, “The Whirlwind,” on Friday. This eagerly anticipated political thriller promises to be a compelling watch, with its gripping storyline and stellar performances by accomplished actors Sul Kyung-gu and Kim Hee-ae.
The show follows the story of Prime Minister Park Dong-ho, portrayed by Sul Kyung-gu, as he finds himself on the verge of losing all he has worked for after urging the corrupt president to resign. Determined to reshape the political landscape, he contemplates drastic measures, including the assassination of the president. However, he encounters opposition in the form of the ambitious Deputy Prime Minister Jeong Su-jin, played by Kim Hee-ae, who has her own motivations for thwarting his plans. The intense power struggle between the two characters is set to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
During a recent press conference in Dongdaemun District, Seoul, the director of the upcoming series shared some insightful details about the show. Kim Yong-wan, known for his work on the 2020 occult thriller series “The Cursed,” revealed that the new series aims to deliver an immersive and intense storyline, featuring a diverse array of captivating characters. The show is set to chronicle the transformative journey of an individual who becomes ensnared in his own convictions, ultimately succumbing to a darker nature while grappling with the consequences of his past decisions.
Notably, Kim Yong-wan has joined forces with esteemed scriptwriter Park Kyung-su, the creative mind behind the compelling political series “The Chaser” (2012), to bring this drama to life. Park Kyung-su shed light on the inspiration behind the series, expressing how the narrative serves as a means of addressing his frustration with the current state of society.
“In crafting this story, I sought to address the stifling nature of our reality. The pervasive influence of the past has obscured our vision for the future,” the writer explained. “While the present may seem disheartening and constrained, I believe in the inherent capacity of individuals to effect positive change. Yet, I also recognize the futility of expecting a miraculous savior to rescue us from adversity. This is precisely why I embarked on creating this series – to mirror the complexities of real life.”
Park explains that the upcoming series will center around the journey of a self-destructive character completely immersed in his own unwavering beliefs. “My intention is to showcase the unraveling of an individual rather than focusing on authority figures. The reason behind a person’s downfall is their pursuit of an unattainable aspiration,” Park emphasized. “I am drawn to those who reject assistance until the very end and opt to succumb to their circumstances. Every character I create embodies this essence… and Park Dong-ho in this series is no exception to this portrayal.”
Actor Sul is taking on his first series in about 30 years and has revealed that he incorporated his own fantasy into his character. Sul describes his character, Park Dong-ho, as “recklessly bold and an excellent strategist at the same time. He is determined to act on his beliefs to the very end.” Sul sees Park Dong-ho as an innovative reformer, a fictional character that one might wish for in the political scene, and therefore portrayed him with hope and imagination, expressing his desire for such a person to exist in reality.
