The Virus (2013)

I assumed, most people found this kind of drama boring, not interesting, scary, confusing. But, not for me. I took virology class, and this drama helped me to reviewed my lessons, as well as comparing it with what I learned (errr, sorry for sounded like a freak)..
Anyway, I started watching first, because it's from OCN. I admire OCN's drama. I mean, it's not mainstream. I really love Vampire Prosecutor (and now dying to watch the 3rd season), and finally I found another drama. And I was interested when I watch its trailer, and so, here I am.

Story: as I said before, it's unique. The virus idea is not-so-original though, since I've watched "L Change The World" which made me fell in love pretty hard. And since, the virus used is kinda look a like, I kinda disappointed actually. But I decided to focus at the story line. And indeed, the story line is interesting. Not only medical, but it involved political issues (which I assumed, also happens in reality as well). Not only that, I spotted a classic scientist's issue - ethics. I'm aware, that ethics always been a sensitive, but important issues. I'm glad that the scriptwriter actually included ethics issues in it - may take that as a moral of this drama. The details also pretty great and realistically made.

Acting: Uhm Ki Joon, no need to be questioned. His acting is terrific, he portrays smart and persistent Lee Myeong Hyeon really well. As for Hyun Woo, even though he only appeared in the first half of the drama, he left a pretty deep impression on his acting for me. Yubin, I'm kinda surprised to see her here. But her acting is pretty good (and I kinda startled to see that she........ *I'm not posting spoilers here. LOL*). Other casts are also great.

Music: nothing notably, really. There are barely any music throughout this dramas. Only opening and closing sequence (same song), and barely noticed instruments as insert songs. Nothing remarkable.

Rewatch Value: basically because I didn't rewatch my dramas. But in my opinion people wouldn't watch this show twice.

Overall, this drama is basically a medical, thriller, a bit gore (a few scenes containing bloods). In my personal opinion, this is a good way to test your knowledge about virus. The story is FAR from romance (moreover comedy). It's serious, dark, unexpected, but pretty realistic. But I do recommend this for those who interested in medical drama.

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I loved Virus! It's my favourite drama that I've seen so far. Given, I haven't seen many yet, it was great! The music fit really well for how much action was in the drama, and the acting was awesome. I really liked how everything flowed; especially since there were lots of twists in it that you may or may not have been able to anticipate.

I really wouldn't mind watching the entire series again, because it kept me on my toes a lot of the time. Maybe it's just me, but I love to find dramas that aren't sugar-coated and way too cutesy and actually have strong actors in it.

In short; I loved it!

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I started to watch it because of Uhm Ki Joon. I wanted to see him in action playing a good character. And I wasn't disappointed. But firstly about story. Despite the fact that it was just 10 episodes it was so intense I've bitten my nails! It was extremely exciting to uncover this mystery with other characters. This story was complex and so realistic without embellishments. I was so scared for characters and worried about them. I especially liked Kim In Chul. My heart sank for him.
As for acting it was really good. I enjoyed watching their playing. Uhm Ki Joon was great. His play is so perfect. He played with his eyes, his voice, his face. It was pleasure really. I also enjoyed Hyun Woo. His character spoke to me and I wanted to protect him so bad. I liked "foreigners". But I must admit it was kind of funny, when they speak English and Koreans speak Korean and there's no problem in understanding. And finally I enjoyed watching Woo Yong. I wish there was more of him. But alas.
As for music. It was modern, tense and dramatic. Just like the drama.
The drama is not without disadvantages but the story is good. The finale also is so dramatic I wanna cry but it's also sort of right.
My final verdict is that the drama is worth watching, it was good, interesting story with good acting. What not to like? A little logic would be ideal but one shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
And I hope for the second season. There are some unanswered questions.

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Wrote this review ages ago so might as well repost here. Well, just half. The rest would be in my blog since it'd be too long to put all here.

So the plot was about a deadly new flu virus hitting South Korea and the CDC team having to try racing against time to find a cure/vaccine to prevent more death from occurring to those infected. There are intricate conspiracies involved as later on the team; led by Squad Leader Lee Myeong Hyeon (Uhm Ki Joon), found out that the mutated virus was intentionally used/released in order for certain parties to gain profits from. Profits? Well, from the vaccine needed to counter the pandemic, of course. In a way, the drama shows how some would go too far in order to profit themselves at the expense of innocent lives. It does make one question the moral codes/ethical values involved.

Having said that, it's kinda sad that the series was only 10 episodes long. Because I would have wanted more, even if it's just the lesser scenes of the smaller fishes being punished. Still, the drama wrapped well... and the open ending kinda promised the possibility of a sequel. Hopefully. Because as long as the big boss was free out there... means that there are still more things for our heroes to fight for.

Personally, I find the ending (and overall plot) well written. And that last few scenes kinda give you an impression that it might be possible for the various flu pandemic to be staged intentionally by people who have the ability to create a more dangerous virus. As the times progress, there was that possibility after all. That in order to gain profit in the field of medicine, one creates a situation that may appear dire. After all, what uses a vaccine can be if there wasn't any virus? And considering they were aiming for a super-vaccine... a super virus must exist first before the use of it could be worth. So yea, a good series.

Frankly, it was an interesting thing... to see Uhm Ki Joon play a good guy. And I can see that this role was quite challenging to him as it required a lot of physical work. Very well done indeed~

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