Good Boy review: Park Bo-gum-led K-drama is goofy, gutsy, and packed with potential
Athletes turned cops, an absurdly botched sting operation, a villain named Golden Bunny, and Park Bo-gum with the face of an angel and fists of fury—Good Boy arrives with a punchy premise.Directed by Shim Na-yeon (The Good Bad Mother, Beyond Evil), the Korean series kicks off with a high-octane 90-minute premiere that introduces a ragtag squad of former Olympic medallists recruited through a special program to join the police force. With medals in tow but credibility in question, these ex-athletes must prove themselves in a field where physical prowess isn't the only requirement—and where they're constantly undermined by their peers.advertisementAt the centre of this action-comedy is Yoon Dong-ju (Park Bo-gum), a boxing gold medallist whose unwavering idealism and doe-eyed sincerity quickly earn him the moniker of the 'good boy.' Demoted to rookie status and teamed up with wrestling veteran Min Joo-yeong (a hilarious Heo Sung-tae), Dong-ju is determined to do right—even if that means accidentally fumbling a major mission or getting winded mid-chase. Bo-gum, fresh off his stellar performance in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', strikes a brilliant balance between cheeky underdog and earnest hero. His comic timing lands without undercutting the character's heart, making Dong-ju instantly likeable.Then there's Kim So-hyun's Ji Han-na, an Olympic shooter now relegated to office errands—much to her frustration. Calm, composed and no-nonsense, she plays the perfect foil to Dong-ju's awkward crush, and her action scenes prove she's no desk officer. Rounding out the romantic triangle is Lee Sang-yi's Kim Jong-hyeon, her ex and a silver medallist who joins the internal audit team. Sang-yi, charming as ever, makes his entrance with flair, and when paired with Bo-gum, the two generate a competitive energy that's pure entertainment.Though not laugh-out-loud funny, the series leans into its absurd premise with a wink. The pilot's main plot is an undercover mission to capture criminals and polish the police department's tarnished image. The plot, hence, is both plot device and comic gold. From Joo-yeong missing a crucial moment because he's peeing, to Dong-ju struggling with his cardio, the show isn't afraid to poke fun at its heroes. But when the action kicks in, you better be ready for a well-executed punch. The action offers innovative fighting techniques, relying on hand-to-hand combat, fencing techniques, street chases to tense home invasions. advertisement
What 'Good Boy' gets especially right is the tone. There's enough camaraderie and character chemistry to keep the plot afloat, even when the pacing occasionally stumbles. It's not overly serious, but it's not slapstick either. It finds its footing in a sweet spot that is light on its feet, but ready to punch when needed.Despite just two episodes, the character arcs and innocence of them will compel you to root for this team of misfits. If future episodes double down on the kinetic energy and lean further into its fun, Good Boy might just be the action-comedy K-drama to watch this season.Good Boy is goofy, gutsy, and packed with potential. Come for Park Bo-gum's heartthrob heroics, stay for the action, the bromance, and the hope that this underdog squad finally gets their due.The review is based on the first two episodes.3.5 out of 5 stars to Good Boy. You May Also Like
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