The first four episodes of Nobody Knows are out, and I’m already having to talk myself down from ravenously binging each episode the second it airs and is subtitled. This is much easier said than done — and it’s not going well, by the way. In fact, I was so excited to begin the drama that I watched the first episode without subtitles…then went back and rewatched it after it was subbed. Yes, I’m aware I have a problem. What can I say? — I have a thing for excellent dramas, and Nobody Knows has already proven itself to be truly excellent. And I have a strong gut feeling it will only get better.
My anticipation for the drama was not in vain; it was met, and even greatly surpassed. (Which is saying a lot because in case it’s not clear, I could not wait for this to air; besides initially watching it before it was subtitled, I also have had its premiere air date written on my calendar for a good several months now. Again, I’m aware of my issues — or, at least those related to Asian drama-watching.)
Only minor spoilers ahead — at this point in the drama, there’s only so much that can be given away, but I still feel obligated to warn of their existence.
That will have to do as far as an intro goes because, honestly, I’m just really excited to start talking about the drama. And since I’m assuming most people who are reading this have read at least some sort of plot summary, I’ll skip that and jump right into it with what is hands-down my favorite relationship of the drama so far: Young Jin and Eun Ho.
Cha Young Jin (Kim Seo Hyung) is our main protagonist, a no-nonsense cop who has sworn to catch a serial murderer that killed her best friend when they were in high school. She is incredibly cool under pressure and can kick butt when she needs to. Ko Eun Ho (Ahn Ji Ho) is the kind-hearted and responsible latchkey kid who lives downstairs with his mother (and sometimes her current boyfriend — played by Jang Young Nam and Han Soo Hyun, respectively). Because of circumstances in his home life, Eun Ho seems to find more comfort and safety in Young Jin’s apartment than in his own and often spends time at her place even when she’s not there.
(right) Eun Ho
Their relationship is slightly unconventional, yet makes all the sense in the world because each is what the other needs/wants, but otherwise lacks. Without ever crossing the line, Young Jin treats Eun Ho with the maternal attention and love he doesn’t get from his own mom. Likewise, Eun Ho is a pillar of quiet strength and light in Young Jin’s ever-dark, ever-changing world. Neither character trusts others easily, yet each has let their guard down and put their trust in the other. They are at the same time a surrogate mother-son duo, and the best of friends.
Both Young Jin and Eun Ho are quiet, preferring to keep their emotions and thoughts to themselves. Perhaps because they’re similar in that sense, the two of them exchange as much (if not more) in glances as they do in speaking. The chemistry between both actors is fascinating to behold and the powerful and understated performances are indeed testaments to each actors’ abilities.
Teacher Lee Sun Woo (Ryu Deok Hwan) is a character I thought I wouldn’t care for at first because he initially appears apathetic toward his students. However — despite myself — I quickly grew to like him as I realized this isn’t because he doesn’t care, but rather because he cares deeply about them and is trying to distance himself because of an incident at his former school. He’s already proven himself a valuable ally to Young Jin, and he’s most definitely a trustworthy adult (whom I’m realizing are few and far between in our drama). He’s also apparently got a connection with the murder case Young Jin’s been working on since she was a teenager….Not sure what to expect from this, but just as with everything else in this drama so far, it will be interesting to watch play out.
Another character that I find especially interesting so far is Dong Myung, played by Yoon Chan Young. Honestly, we don’t know much about Dong Myung yet, but he’s clearly pivotal in whatever it is that happened to Eun Ho. Dong Myung is another quiet character who harbors a lot of secrets and most likely has extremely valuable insider knowledge as to the truth of what happened. He’s also already shown himself to be fearless, which unfortunately can be dangerous in a realm of wicked adults.
There are more awesome characters that I cannot wait to see fleshed out, but I’ll leave it here for now. Besides the amazing cast of characters (and fantastic storytelling, which I’ll get into in a minute), Nobody Knows is captivating viewers worldwide with its stunning cinematography…
…and gorgeous music. Part 1 of the OST is ‘Warmth’ by Sunwoo Jung-A. Here’s the YouTube link to SBS’s official music video for this song:
The OST’s Part 2 is ‘Happiness’ by SAAY. Again, here’s the SBS official music video to the song:
Nobody Knows not only boasts appealing visuals and an outstanding cast; the drama also stimulates your brain with superbly-written suspense and mystery. Long ago, Young Jin’s best friend becomes the next victim in a brutal serial murderer’s string of victims; in the present, her downstairs neighbor — sweet Eun Ho, who’s a good kid but has obviously gotten mixed up in something horrible — jumps off a building. Slowly but surely, we (along with Young Jin) are beginning to realize that the two cases are somehow linked, but we have much farther to go before the truth is revealed (which is fine by me because I’m hopelessly hooked on this drama).
In conclusion, Nobody Knows tells its story masterfully, blending family and school issues with the overarching mystery of the serial murder and the crime involving Eun Ho’s jump. You get characters you feel for and care about from their first moments onscreen (which only grows as you get to know more about them) — and you also get the intensity and thrill that comes along with the criminal cases. So it’s really the best of both worlds.
One thing’s for sure, when it comes to Eun Ho, you can bet Young Jin isn’t giving up without a fight. And heaven help whoever tries going up against this woman.
Nobody Knows is not being overhyped. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the next episodes air, and then leave you wanting more each and every time. That’s a promise I can make from firsthand experience. I can’t stress it enough; if you’re on the lookout for a new drama to sink your teeth into, check this one out as soon as you can. Just be ready to be taken along for the ride — with no turning back.
You’ve been warned.
Here’s the official trailer, which I strongly urge you to check out:
Thanks for reading!
Have you guys started the drama yet? Comment below and let me know what you think of it! Whether you agree or disagree with what I’ve written, all intelligent discussion is welcome!
Featured image source: programs.sbs.co.kr
musings of a dramaholic 