Watch Punch

Punch is a South Korean drama television series that aired on SBS from October 20, 2014 to January 13, 2015. The show stars Kim Rae-won, Kim Ah-joong, Jo Jae-hyun, and Ryu Hye-young in lead roles. The show was written by Park Kyung-soo and directed by Lee Myung-woo. The show received critical acclaim for its portrayal of medical ethics, political corruption, and familial relationships.

The show centers around a brilliant prosecutor named Park Jung-hwan, played by Kim Rae-won, who is diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. The diagnosis leaves him with only a few months to live, leaving him with the difficult task of finding a successor to take over his work and care for his family. As the story progresses, we see Park struggling to balance his professional and personal life, as he prepares to face his inevitable death. Along the way, we witness the turmoil of his family life, including his estranged wife, their teenage daughter and his two younger siblings.

Park's diagnosis sets the stage for the show's central conflict, which is over the 'Barrow case'. The case involves a corrupt politician who has been accused of taking bribes. Park starts investigating the case, and his investigations lead him down a dangerous path. He must navigate the murky world of political corruption while fighting his debilitating illness. The show is an exploration of how the Barrow case affects the lives of Park and his family members.

One of the most significant themes of Punch is the portrayal of political corruption. The show makes a bold statement about the corrupt nature of politics in South Korea. It bridges the gap between the legal system and politics, particularly in the high office. The show also dives deep into the corrupt nature of the pharmaceutical industry, which is one of the significant themes of the show.

Punch is notable for its realistic portrayal of the medical industry. The show depicts the harsh realities of the medical industry and the struggle of patients. The portrayal of Park's illness is realistic, and it showed how devastating a diagnosis of a life-changing illness can be for a professional who depends on their intelligence and quick wit to survive. The angst that comes with being a patient and feeling helpless, the constant fighting between the medical, legal and the patient's support system, is all captured in an authentic and vital way.

Moreover, Punch is an excellent showcase of complex familial relationships. The show presents a nuanced and realistic portrayal of familial dynamics, including heartbreak and reconciliation. The show tells us about the lead character's younger brother, who is a teacher, but struggles to make ends meet. The character is portrayed as quietly desperate, and often bitter regarding his existence. He also has a chip on his shoulder regarding his elder brother's success and intelligence. The show presents the estranged relationship between the lead character, Park, and his wife. Their relationship was fraught with tension, and the fact that the two are both lawyers makes it even more interesting.

The show's cinematography is exceptional, making this drama very visually appealing. The show also boasts an entertaining and well-chosen soundtrack helping to build the storyline's right tone and emotional resonance. The show was carefully and well executed by the director and production team, making it a visually stunning experience.

In conclusion, Punch is a brilliant legal thriller drama series, and it is one of the best dramas that South Korean television has produced. It is a heart-wrenching and well-executed drama that is compelling to watch from beginning to end. With this show, the writing is deeply personal and eloquent, addressing the harsh realities of life and some of the less than desirable attributes of human nature. Through its portrayal of the medical and legal system, political corruption, and familial relationships, Punch proves to be an exceptional drama, depicting the harsh realities of life, and the struggles of navigating through challenging times.

Punch is a series that ran for 1 seasons (19 episodes) between December 16, 2014 and on SBS