(TW: Mentions of Abuse, DV, Suicide and also spoilers ahead)

I’m not usually into thrillers, but this one intrigued me so I gave it a try. Sharing my thoughts after finishing it.

The story starts by giving us the POVs of the two main friends: Eunsu and Huisu, and I think those early episodes really help explain where each character’s motives come from. • Eunsu grew up witnessing domestic violence from her father towards her mother. She stayed silent because she assumed things would eventually settle down when everyone got older, but the cycle didn’t stop. Also seeing her coworker take her own life after suffering DV was another breaking point. When the Chinese market owner casually mentions “Why not kill the husband instead?”, it essentially plants the seed.

• Huisu’s POV is equally heartbreaking. She’s used as a literal punching bag by her husband and even had to give up being an author. What made it worse was how her husband’s mother, someone who publicly advocates against DV, was fully aware of the abuse taking place and did nothing. The sister, who is a cop, was also aware and still protected the husband. So even if Huisu tried to report the abuse, she was trapped. The entire system around her just reinforced her helplessness. I think it also shows the power dynamic of the husband’s family showing their like corruptive motives. 

I was actually surprised at how early the husband was killed. I honestly thought it would be in later episodes but it happened really fast and it was very satisfying honestly.

Then the later episodes of the drama are more about the aftermat of the murder and the involvement of the husband’s doppleganger who is the man from the Chinese market who temporarily impersonates the husband to avoid suspicion. At first, he agrees to help because he wants money for his sick son. But halfway through, his character suddenly shifts and he becomes a threat. The motivation for that switch felt a bit abrupt to me, and that part of the plot lost me for a moment.

Then another shift as well came when the sister stepped in after noticing the suspicious activity of the doppleganger and also trying to cover up her brother’s crimes of being a fraud and of course his abuse to his wife. The way she figures out the truth felt a little chaotic, but the payoff of seeing both her and the mother face consequences was extremely satisfying.

Overall, I really liked the drama. Despite how heavy the themes were, I appreciated that it ended on a hopeful note. Eunsu and Huisu starting over together in Vietnam (with the Chinese market guy helping them) was a relief to see. After everything they survived, they deserved that new beginning.

But I guess one thing I could say is that maybe there should be a little more depth added on the doppleganger as well as the Chinese Market Owner Guy as well.

But this drama is a must-watch I recommend!!