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Prime Video has added to its impressive collection of Korean dramas with its latest premiere. love in disguise. It is based on a web novel by authors Lee A-yeon and Ryu Do-ha. Don’t you know why I’m a woman?This series offers more than your typical office romantic comedy. It revolves around a murder case pursued by detective Kang Jae-hee (Seol In-ah). He goes undercover as the male secretary of prime suspect Yoon Yi-jun (Im Si-wan).. With the first episode now streaming and the remaining 11 episodes streaming weekly on Prime Video, K-drama fans will be hooked to watch this humorous character with hidden depths.
Opening Shot: On a stormy night in a high-rise building in Seoul, a man walks in on Yoon Yi-jun, who is standing over an unresponsive woman. It seems like he is tightening the belt that is strangling her.
gist: Yoon Yi-jun (Im Si-wan) is the managing director of Taekang Group, the largest conglomerate in Korea, taking over from the ailing Chairman Yoon Tae-sik (Choi Jin-ho). However, just when Lee Joon’s succession seemed to have been completed, a mysterious argument with one of his secretaries, Han Eun-young (Jung Yu-min), led to her murder, and Lee Joon’s DNA at the scene made him the prime suspect. Lee Joon is generally uncooperative with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and thanks to his wealthy conglomerate status and skilled lawyer best friend Kim Si-hyun (Kim Jeong-hyun), Lee Joon gets his charges dismissed and his crimes appear to be wiped from the internet.
None of this fits with the Mobile Crime Investigation Team assigned to the case. While the police chief (Ahn Sang-woo) demands that the case be dropped because of the prime suspect, team leader Park Bong-i (Kim In-kwon), Sergeant Jeong Wan-gu (Kim Ki-bang), Inspector Kim Seok-jin (Nam Hae-joon), and detective Kang Jae-hee (Seol In-ah) are reluctant to stop the investigation. This case could go a long way in legitimizing an underfunded and disrespected department, but it has a lot to lose by investigating such a high-profile suspect.
When the team learns that the victim has a secret second phone containing key evidence, tomboyish Jae-hee volunteers to use her manly attitude, martial arts training, and experience as a former member of the South Korean special forces to become closer to Lee Joon’s new secretary. Since most people already assume she is a man when she is herself, Jae-hee believes she can acquire this male-only location and trick Lee Joon into giving up information. But when the ever-observant Lee Joon appears to catch up, he and Jae-hee must confront betrayal, budding emotions, and their own personal demons during a high-stakes investigation.
What show comes to mind? love in disguise Feels reminiscent of a romantic K-drama with cross-dressing characters coffee prince, love in the moonlightand capture the kingIt contains some of the action and thrills of K dramas such as: healer, K2and lawless lawyer.
Our Take: The first episode offers a lot to draw you in and keep you hooked from the jump. love in disguise It balances quirky humor, interesting characters, and compelling mystery, supported by strong performances from the entire cast, a great mix of genres, and hints of LGBTQ+ themes. Sure, there are some silly moments, but melodrama is part of the fun, and the show seems to reflect K-drama tropes and viewer expectations, adding another layer of originality and entertainment.
Seol In-ah plays the instantly appealing lead role of Kang Jae-hee, a refreshingly refreshing woman who marches to the beat of her own drum in terms of gender expression and personality in a world that places certain expectations on women’s roles in society. Her courageous spirit and genuine bonds with her family and friends contrast interestingly with Yoon Yi-jun’s (Im Si-wan) apparent vulnerability hidden behind his beautiful and stern exterior. The unlikely duo draws you in from their tumultuous first meeting and forms a unique bond that’s worth your investment. love in disguise This is a must-see series for K-drama fans looking for an enjoyable, fast-paced, and dynamic viewing experience.
Performance worth watching: Seol In-ah played the role of fierce detective Kang Jae-hee and gave an attractive performance. Not only does she physically commit to the fight sequences and slapstick comedy, but she also gives Jae-hee an emotional depth and likeability that immediately puts you on her side.
Parting Scene: On Jae-hee’s first day as secretary, Lee Joon pulls Jae-hee close, takes off his spy glasses and says, “You’re a criminal.” Jaehee wonders if his cover has already been blown.
Our Calling: With a hopeful start, love in disguise It looks like it will delight viewers with exciting action, touching romance, and an interesting character at the center of it all. If you’re a fan of unique Korean dramas, give this a chance and stream it!
Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian whose work covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.