It’s another South Korean serial-killer drama! (How there can be SO many variations of this one specific storyline??) I already have a show of this type on my drama plate and I was NOT going to be tempted into starting another. But, Yoon Shi Yoon had other plans for me, LOL! Positive commentary from my fellow K-bestie, coupled with some giggle-worthy screencaps on Twitter and my resolve totally crumbled! Keep reading to see if you should check out Psychopath Diary too.
Synopsis
Yook Dong Sik (Yoon Shi Yoon) works at a brokerage company. He has a timid personality and he can’t even get angry at the people who look down upon him. One day, he witnesses a murder. He accidentally picks up a diary belonging to killer, who is a serial murderer. The diary has a log of his murders. Yook Dong Sik flees with the diary, but he is accidentally hit by Police Officer Shim Bo Kyung’s (Jung In Sun) car. Yook Dong Sik loses his memory because of the accident. Due to the diary in his possession, Yook Dong Sik mistakenly believes he is a serial killer. Since that moment, he begins to change. Shim Bo Kyung, who got involved with Yook Dong Sik, decides to catch the serial killer.
Meanwhile, Seo In Woo (Park Sung Hoon) works as director at the brokerage company where Yook Dong Sik works. He is heartless and a psychopath serial killer. He has lost the diary in which he detailed his crimes. He now feels insecure. (AsianWiki)
Characters
Admittedly, I’ve only seen Yoon Shi Yoon in a couple of previous dramas, but his ability to transform into his roles really impressed me. He does that yet again in Psychopath Diary. I’m really engaged in his portrayal of Yook Dong Sik, pre and post amnesia. The internal dialogue as he grapples with embracing his supposed serial-killer persona is oddly entertaining and gratifying. Who knew that thinking you were a ruthless murderer would actually help improve your life’s circumstances?! (Side note: I love his hair – he’s so adorable!)
I was delighted to discover that Jung In Sun was playing the role of Officer Shim Bo Kyung! She is quite entertaining, as her character wrestles with her own kind of inner dialogue. Due to her father’s circumstances, she feels it’s important to play it safe on the job. However, her inner gumshoe won’t stay silent, prodding her to connect the clues and solve the mystery before her. I’m looking forward to her and Dong Sik teaming up later on down the road!
Rounding out the main leads is Park Sung Hoon. His role as the actual serial killer, Seo In Woo, has been gruesome, yet minimal thus far. Most of what we do know about him has been garnered from Dong Sik’s reading of his diary. Sung Hoon definitely has the creepy, cold, soulless stares down. But for now, his character feels rather one-dimensional.
Plot
The first episode very concisely set the stage – backstory and players all in place. Obviously, for our characters, solving the mystery of who the real killer is, is the endgame. But for the viewers, the real story will be the growth and transformation of those involved. And so far, that has been done with equal doses of poignancy and humor.
Final Thoughts
Yook Dong Sik’s personality and situation really struck a chord with me. And watching how his life is affected by the belief that he is a serial killer. . . It’s really quite fascinating, from a psychological standpoint! This drama has earned a solid spot on my currently watching list. I’m anxiously awaiting next week’s episodes!
How about you drama fans – are you curious? Have you already given Psychopath Diary a try? Share in the comments below!
화이팅!
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