If you think you've seen it all in kidnapping stories, open your heart to 'The Day of the Kidnapping', a Korean drama that boldly challenges the crime-mystery genre by blending comedy and heartwarming drama seamlessly. The story begins when a down-and-out father decides to kidnap a genius girl to get money for his daughter's treatment, only to find that the girl's parents have been murdered and she has amnesia. He is forced to play the role of her 'father' by default. This series is not just a murder mystery but also delves into the relationship between two mismatched individuals who unexpectedly form a family.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers for the Ending)
Kim Myung-jun (Yoon Kye-sang) is a desperate father whose daughter is seriously ill and lacks treatment funds. He plans to kidnap the genius girl Choi Ro-hee (Yuna) for ransom, but the plan falls apart when Ro-hee walks into his car and loses consciousness. Upon waking, she remembers nothing, so Myung-jun reluctantly poses as her father. Meanwhile, he tries to contact Ro-hee's parents for ransom but finds them murdered in their home. Fearing being accused of murder, Myung-jun flees with Ro-hee and starts a life in hiding. However, Ro-hee, with her high IQ, begins to catch on to the truth Myung-jun is trying to hide. The series unfolds with the complex murder mystery while developing a warm and humorous fake father-daughter relationship.
Acting and Characters
Yoon Kye-sang delivers an impressive performance as Kim Myung-jun. He conveys confusion, vulnerability, and the earnest effort to be a 'father' despite starting with bad intentions. His acting makes the audience sympathize with and root for a flawed but good-hearted character. Yuna as Ro-hee is equally outstanding; she naturally portrays the intelligence and innocence of a young girl. The chemistry between them is the heart of the story, making us forget they aren't real father and daughter. Supporting actors like Park Sung-hoon as Detective Park Sang-yoon and Kim Shin-rock as Officer Seo Hye-eun also enhance the murder investigation's intensity.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Kim Jae-hyun (from 365: Repeat the Year) masterfully balances the emotional tones of the series, switching between comedy, drama, and suspense without feeling jarring. The cinematography uses warm tones for family scenes and cool tones for investigation scenes, effectively creating distinct atmospheres. The score by Lee Ji-yeon enhances the emotions, especially the main theme, which is both sweet and melancholic.
Editorial Analysis
What sets 'The Day of the Kidnapping' apart is its questioning of what 'family' means. Myung-jun, a stranger, cares for Ro-hee better than her deceased biological parents. The series also reflects societal pressures that drive the poor to wrongdoing, and Ro-hee's genius problem-solving brings smiles in dark times. Moreover, the murder investigation is complex enough to keep viewers guessing without boredom.
Verdict
'The Day of the Kidnapping' is a must-watch for fans of investigative dramas mixed with family stories, without excessive violence. It warms the heart and brings laughter simultaneously. The lead performances are outstanding, guaranteeing you'll be hooked, crying and smiling together.
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👍 Pros
- +Warm and believable chemistry between leads
- +Perfect blend of comedy, drama, and mystery
- +Complex murder plot that keeps you hooked
👎 Cons
- −Some pacing issues in certain parts
- −Some supporting characters lack depth
Top Cast
FAQ
The series airs on ENA in Korea and streams on Viu in Thailand.
It has 12 episodes, each about 60-70 minutes long.
Yes, it is adapted from the novel of the same name by author Jung Hae-yeon.
The ending wraps up the story well, with hope and emotion, but you'll have to watch to find out who is behind everything.
