Watch Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff is a South Korean political thriller series that follows the life of Jang Tae-jun, an ambitious and intelligent chief of staff of a prominent politician in Korea's National Assembly. The show premiered on JTBC in 2019 and starred top actors such as Lee Jung-jae, Shin Min-a, and Dong-jun Kim.

The show revolves around the murky world of Korean politics and exposes the corrupt and treacherous nature of those who hold power in the country. Jang Tae-jun, the protagonist, is a master strategist who uses his cunning and intellect to manipulate the political game, often treading dangerous and illegal paths to achieve his goals.

The character of Jang Tae-jun is played by Lee Jung-jae, who delivers a mesmerizing performance as the relentless leader who stops at nothing to achieve his political ambitions. The restless energy of his character is well portrayed in every scene and is supported by a strong script that highlights the vulnerabilities of the human psyche in the face of hunger for power.

The show also explores the personal lives of the characters while deftly intertwining their personal struggles with their professional ones. In this vein, the character of Kang Sun-young, played by Shin Min-a, a capable first-term lawmaker, comes to the fore. She displays her mettle by standing up against the corrupt entanglements around her while dealing with her own moral dilemmas that arise from the politics that surrounds her.

Dong-jun Kim, who played the role of Han Do-kyung, the senior aide to a parliamentarian, was instrumental in portraying the struggles and dilemmas of working in a political system that is fraught with corruption. His portrayal of the character, hardened by his experience of being sidelined and outmaneuvered in a vicious system, is one of the highlights of the show.

A key aspect of the series is the tension and intrigue that deftly underpins the larger political machinations that shape the country's destiny. The show portrays how the politicians, bureaucrats, and their handlers work hand in glove to ensure that their objectives are met. The show highlights the nepotism, power plays, and pressurized politics that exist in the country's highest circles.

The attention to detail and the nuanced portrayal of the characters make the show a fascinating watch. Every character has a story which is relatable, and their motivations are understandable, albeit with a dose of cynicism. With every episode, the show keeps the audience guessing, and the unpredictability ramping up the urge to watch till the end.

The show's compelling portrayal of the human psyche stripped of pretense propels viewers to watch on. Each episode leaves a lasting impact on the audience, and the intrigue and the tension that the show builds up throughout never let the audience's attention wane. The pacing is spot-on, with each episode choreographed, so it never feels either too long or too short.

In conclusion, Chief of Staff is a must-watch if you are looking for a high-intensity political thriller with an amazing cast, an incredible script, and a tense, unpredictable narrative. The show's portrayal of a corrupt political system and the cost of maneuvering within such a system is an eye-opener, albeit one that can leave you reeling. With excellent performances, realistic characters, and a gripping storyline, Chief of Staff is easily one of the most exciting political dramas out there.

Chief of Staff is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between June 14, 2019 and on jTBC