21
35
7
WandereR
Borneo
The Uncanny Heroes
The Uncanny Counter tells the story of a crew of demon hunters who protect regular folks from malevolent spirits. These selfless and intrepid individuals, called Counters, have been bestowed with supernatural powers by the high council of the spiritual realm of Yung and are each partnered with a spiritual being who mentors and guides their every action in investigating and combating paranormal threats on Earth.
Helmed by director-screenwriter Yoo Seon Dong, who is no stranger to the supernatural/ horror genre with previous works such as Vampire Prosecutor 2, Arahan, and Musudan. He currently directs the popular action-comedy Bad and Crazy. Adapted from the first season of the webtoon Amazing Rumour (경이로운 소문) by Jang Yi (장이) based on the screenplay by Yeo Ji Na (ep. 1-12), Kim Sae Bom (ep.14-16) and director Yoo Seon Dong himself for one episode (ep. 13). There was much speculation regarding the change in screenwriters during the drama’s run, the result of which may have impacted the fluctuations in the viewership ratings and audience feedback particularly towards episode 13. Nonetheless the director and original screenwriter Yeo Ji Na are slated to return for the sequel season, scheduled to be released in 2022. Kim Woo-geun served as music director and had composed the opening theme for the title sequence.
The Uncanny Counter has the distinction of being the highest rated OCN production in terms of viewership ratings, in the history of the TV channel (at the time of writing). In addition, actress Yeom Hye Ran won best supporting actress at the 57th Baeksang for her supporting role here. Originally planned for 12 episodes, 4 additional episodes were added due to the explosion in popularity of the drama, which also resulted in the drama being re-broadcasted by sister channel TVN as well as selected for distribution by Netflix upon the conclusion of its initial television broadcast. The sequel, The Uncanny Counter 2, will be based on the serialized second season of the webtoon which was recently published in June 2021. Principal photography took place mainly in Gyeonggi-do, with Neowiz Pangyo Tower and Haenggung Mansion cafe used as the filming locations for Taeshin Group HQ and Eonni’s Noodles restaurant respectively. The communications earpiece used by the Counters are Samsung Galaxy Buds series wireless earphones in mystic white.
What I Absolutely Loved
The premise of the drama, the overarching story, the interweaving plotlines, the respective character arcs and the fusion of diverse elements. Being an action packed supernatural mystery with themes of slice-of-life, melodrama, politics, chaebols, police investigation and corruption, this is one of the most enjoyable dramas that I’ve watched in recent memory. Although I have not read the webtoon, the basis of the setting is not overly complicated to comprehend. The concept of demons/ evil spirits, the heavenly/ spiritual realm and emergence of superpowered beings are presented in a coherent and straightforward manner within the context of multiple POV characters as well as complex plotlines that converge in due course.
The pace of the storytelling is brisk and engaging while the action and dialogue segments are balanced in proportion. I was never bored or confused throughout the entire series. Despite the original idea of fighting demons isn’t uniquely groundbreaking, how this drama distinguishes itself from others of the same genre is quite innovative. Think Ghostbusters and Taxi Driver with a tad of Bad Guys and Sell Your Haunted House, and perhaps even a wee bit of Karate Kid.
In terms of the production quality, I truly have to commend the action choreography and application of “wire-fu”. This may not be a wuxia but there’s a healthy amount of physics-defying stunts - breathtaking at times and a whole lot of fun most of the time. I noticed a combination of MMA moves and parkour stunts infused in the sequences as well, which adds to the variety for good measure. However, a forewarning for the squeamish - this drama contains a fair amount of blood and gore. The horror aspect isn’t nearly as terrifying or brutal as the depiction of violence, which can be disturbing for viewers who do not appreciate the sight of blood and brutality. The special effects are well rendered, particularly for the pyrotechnics involved, as well as the visual effects and CGI for certain “magical scenes” and the colourful “territorial shifts” that form part of the Counters’ unique abilities.
The well written main characters and the fantastic cast who brought them to life. When the source material is so intricately developed, it simply makes the worldbuilding that much easier to envision and execute. The characterisation is very nicely conceived which adds depth to the storytelling, dimensions to the plot and endear them to viewers in ways that enrich the whole production.
My second time seeing Cho Byeong Kyu immediately after Hot Stove League, I must first comment on his youthfulness. Portraying a highschool teenager here at the age of 25, he completely pulls it off, with or without the perm. Then there’s the acting. He showcases a lot more of his range in his role as the ML So Mun where he is undoubtedly the MVP of the show. Yeom Hye Ran is worthy of her Baeksang award because of her touching performance as the motherly Chu Mae Ok. Yoo Joon Sang and Kim Se Jeong round off the members of the Counters as Ga Mo Tak and Do Ha Na respectively. Each of them provides a compelling depiction of the gamut of emotions in their character development from the traumatic backstories to the present day where the entire team exudes so much camaraderie on display that they are simply a joy to behold.
Of the supporting cast, Ahn Suk Hwan is superb as the supportive and comedic Choi Jang Mool, the financier. Lee Hong Nae’s stoic portrayal of Ji Chung Shin is very intriguing and fits well with the persona of the antagonist of the narrative. Choi Kwang Il is just as riveting to watch here as he was in Hometown, this time playing the mayor Shin Myeong Hwi. His versatility is truly remarkable and he is convincing whether as a politician or as the head of a chaebol. Moon Sook plays the elderly Wi Gen, the ML’s spiritual partner who radiates the warm and loving goodness of a halmeoni. I feel that she and ML share the most interesting partnership among the Counters and their respective partners. Not forgetting as well Kim Eun Soo and Lee Ji Won as Kim Woong Min and Im Joo Yeon, the ML’s childhood BFFs, who provided some of the more touching moments in the show.
What I Didn’t Appreciate As Much
Highschool bullying is abundantly featured in this drama. It’s not a theme that I particularly enjoy watching and it does feel excessive especially during the first half of the story. This is not the garden variety bullying but falls into the highly brutal and savage category. That said, I do understand the necessity of enduring such hardships as part of the ML’s character building. However the graphic nature of the depiction eventually becomes a little too disturbing to stomach.
As far as the side characters are concerned, I would have loved to see more development for Choi Yoon Young’s Kim Jung Young. She’s clearly a decent actress but her role here is somewhat subdued and rather one-dimensional. Lee Chan Hyung’s Kwon Soo Ho is quite fascinating but lacks significant screen time that the character perhaps merits.
Regarding the change in screenwriters with the director taking over the writing for episode 13 that resulted in the backlash by the majority of viewers, I can see their point. Certain events that transpire in that episode do not seem to make a lot of sense, which unfortunately represent a blip in what has been exemplary writing for the most part. Aside from one frustrating major scene, a couple of plot points simply do not quite provide the required satisfaction to their conclusions. Fortunately the remaining 3 episodes reverts to normal service and delivers a stirring finale that this production deserves.
Final Thoughts
The Uncanny Counter comes highly recommended by many and I absolutely concur. It is deserving of the plaudits for being one of the highlights of 2021’s offering of K-dramas. There is much to enjoy and even love about this OCN production. And the good news? Season 2 is coming so hopefully we will get more of the same quality in technical execution and storytelling.
Helmed by director-screenwriter Yoo Seon Dong, who is no stranger to the supernatural/ horror genre with previous works such as Vampire Prosecutor 2, Arahan, and Musudan. He currently directs the popular action-comedy Bad and Crazy. Adapted from the first season of the webtoon Amazing Rumour (경이로운 소문) by Jang Yi (장이) based on the screenplay by Yeo Ji Na (ep. 1-12), Kim Sae Bom (ep.14-16) and director Yoo Seon Dong himself for one episode (ep. 13). There was much speculation regarding the change in screenwriters during the drama’s run, the result of which may have impacted the fluctuations in the viewership ratings and audience feedback particularly towards episode 13. Nonetheless the director and original screenwriter Yeo Ji Na are slated to return for the sequel season, scheduled to be released in 2022. Kim Woo-geun served as music director and had composed the opening theme for the title sequence.
The Uncanny Counter has the distinction of being the highest rated OCN production in terms of viewership ratings, in the history of the TV channel (at the time of writing). In addition, actress Yeom Hye Ran won best supporting actress at the 57th Baeksang for her supporting role here. Originally planned for 12 episodes, 4 additional episodes were added due to the explosion in popularity of the drama, which also resulted in the drama being re-broadcasted by sister channel TVN as well as selected for distribution by Netflix upon the conclusion of its initial television broadcast. The sequel, The Uncanny Counter 2, will be based on the serialized second season of the webtoon which was recently published in June 2021. Principal photography took place mainly in Gyeonggi-do, with Neowiz Pangyo Tower and Haenggung Mansion cafe used as the filming locations for Taeshin Group HQ and Eonni’s Noodles restaurant respectively. The communications earpiece used by the Counters are Samsung Galaxy Buds series wireless earphones in mystic white.
What I Absolutely Loved
The premise of the drama, the overarching story, the interweaving plotlines, the respective character arcs and the fusion of diverse elements. Being an action packed supernatural mystery with themes of slice-of-life, melodrama, politics, chaebols, police investigation and corruption, this is one of the most enjoyable dramas that I’ve watched in recent memory. Although I have not read the webtoon, the basis of the setting is not overly complicated to comprehend. The concept of demons/ evil spirits, the heavenly/ spiritual realm and emergence of superpowered beings are presented in a coherent and straightforward manner within the context of multiple POV characters as well as complex plotlines that converge in due course.
The pace of the storytelling is brisk and engaging while the action and dialogue segments are balanced in proportion. I was never bored or confused throughout the entire series. Despite the original idea of fighting demons isn’t uniquely groundbreaking, how this drama distinguishes itself from others of the same genre is quite innovative. Think Ghostbusters and Taxi Driver with a tad of Bad Guys and Sell Your Haunted House, and perhaps even a wee bit of Karate Kid.
In terms of the production quality, I truly have to commend the action choreography and application of “wire-fu”. This may not be a wuxia but there’s a healthy amount of physics-defying stunts - breathtaking at times and a whole lot of fun most of the time. I noticed a combination of MMA moves and parkour stunts infused in the sequences as well, which adds to the variety for good measure. However, a forewarning for the squeamish - this drama contains a fair amount of blood and gore. The horror aspect isn’t nearly as terrifying or brutal as the depiction of violence, which can be disturbing for viewers who do not appreciate the sight of blood and brutality. The special effects are well rendered, particularly for the pyrotechnics involved, as well as the visual effects and CGI for certain “magical scenes” and the colourful “territorial shifts” that form part of the Counters’ unique abilities.
The well written main characters and the fantastic cast who brought them to life. When the source material is so intricately developed, it simply makes the worldbuilding that much easier to envision and execute. The characterisation is very nicely conceived which adds depth to the storytelling, dimensions to the plot and endear them to viewers in ways that enrich the whole production.
My second time seeing Cho Byeong Kyu immediately after Hot Stove League, I must first comment on his youthfulness. Portraying a highschool teenager here at the age of 25, he completely pulls it off, with or without the perm. Then there’s the acting. He showcases a lot more of his range in his role as the ML So Mun where he is undoubtedly the MVP of the show. Yeom Hye Ran is worthy of her Baeksang award because of her touching performance as the motherly Chu Mae Ok. Yoo Joon Sang and Kim Se Jeong round off the members of the Counters as Ga Mo Tak and Do Ha Na respectively. Each of them provides a compelling depiction of the gamut of emotions in their character development from the traumatic backstories to the present day where the entire team exudes so much camaraderie on display that they are simply a joy to behold.
Of the supporting cast, Ahn Suk Hwan is superb as the supportive and comedic Choi Jang Mool, the financier. Lee Hong Nae’s stoic portrayal of Ji Chung Shin is very intriguing and fits well with the persona of the antagonist of the narrative. Choi Kwang Il is just as riveting to watch here as he was in Hometown, this time playing the mayor Shin Myeong Hwi. His versatility is truly remarkable and he is convincing whether as a politician or as the head of a chaebol. Moon Sook plays the elderly Wi Gen, the ML’s spiritual partner who radiates the warm and loving goodness of a halmeoni. I feel that she and ML share the most interesting partnership among the Counters and their respective partners. Not forgetting as well Kim Eun Soo and Lee Ji Won as Kim Woong Min and Im Joo Yeon, the ML’s childhood BFFs, who provided some of the more touching moments in the show.
What I Didn’t Appreciate As Much
Highschool bullying is abundantly featured in this drama. It’s not a theme that I particularly enjoy watching and it does feel excessive especially during the first half of the story. This is not the garden variety bullying but falls into the highly brutal and savage category. That said, I do understand the necessity of enduring such hardships as part of the ML’s character building. However the graphic nature of the depiction eventually becomes a little too disturbing to stomach.
As far as the side characters are concerned, I would have loved to see more development for Choi Yoon Young’s Kim Jung Young. She’s clearly a decent actress but her role here is somewhat subdued and rather one-dimensional. Lee Chan Hyung’s Kwon Soo Ho is quite fascinating but lacks significant screen time that the character perhaps merits.
Regarding the change in screenwriters with the director taking over the writing for episode 13 that resulted in the backlash by the majority of viewers, I can see their point. Certain events that transpire in that episode do not seem to make a lot of sense, which unfortunately represent a blip in what has been exemplary writing for the most part. Aside from one frustrating major scene, a couple of plot points simply do not quite provide the required satisfaction to their conclusions. Fortunately the remaining 3 episodes reverts to normal service and delivers a stirring finale that this production deserves.
Final Thoughts
The Uncanny Counter comes highly recommended by many and I absolutely concur. It is deserving of the plaudits for being one of the highlights of 2021’s offering of K-dramas. There is much to enjoy and even love about this OCN production. And the good news? Season 2 is coming so hopefully we will get more of the same quality in technical execution and storytelling.
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