Designated Survivor: 60 Days

The South Korean political drama, Designated Survivor: 60 Days is a tvN offering that was aired in 2019. The television series is an adaptation of an American series, Designated Survivor. The show, while holding on to the original premise, lends its unique South Korean perspective on politics and drama. The series introduces us to a world where an unexpected catastrophe abruptly reshapes the political landscape of the country.

The show begins with the tale of a somewhat unassuming and low-key Minister of Environment, Park Mu-jin. In startling circumstances, cultural nuances, and the workings of Korean politics, Park Mu-jin is thrust from his position into the presidency of South Korea following a sudden and brutal terrorist attack. This attack wipes out almost all government officials, including the President, during the president's State of the Union address, leaving Park Mu-jin as the highest-ranking government official alive. He becomes the 'Designated Survivor.'

The story of Designated Survivor: 60 Days is an exciting roller-coaster ride as it skillfully manages to delve into the political and personal journey of Park Mu-jin, who is embodied brilliantly by actor Ji Jin-hee. Park Mu-jin is a former professor of science who is more at home in the world of research and scholarship than in the challenging battlefield of politics. His character is soft-spoken, hesitant and seemingly meek, thereby challenging the typical depiction of powerful leaders in political dramas.

The series follows Park's wrestling with the intricacies and jargon of politics and international diplomacy, amidst the ongoing investigation into the terror attack. Within the premise, the show cleverly explores crucial areas of political life like power games, negotiation tactics, and political betrayals while keeping viewers engrossed in the suspense of who's behind the terrorist attack that led to the unprecedented political scenario.

More than just a political drama, Designated Survivor: 60 Days also presents a nuanced exploration of human character and resilience. The audience witnesses Park's transformation as he is forced into this unimaginably high-stakes role. The rather inexpressive Park slowly grows into his role, facing the country's numerous crises, and unraveling the mystery of the attack that put him in power.

What is unique about this show is that it isn't just about cliffhanger political drama or thrilling action. It's also about emotional exploration, about a man molded by circumstances, evaluating his ethics and apprehensions, trying to learn and master the art of politics and power, all under immense pressure.

Designated Survivor: 60 Days features a rich ensemble cast, with each character having their part to play in this thrilling yet terrifying political game. The performances of the actors, including Son Seok-koo as an NRF agent, and Kang Han-na as a fearless investigative journalist, need special mention for their commendable performances. They add more depth, tension, and dynamics in the puzzle that Park Mu-jin has to solve.

TVN’s direction, coupled with the Geun-hong Jeon's writing, does a fine job of presenting a script that has a nice balance between the nature of politics while also showing the personal struggles of an individual getting familiar with the world that is entirely foreign to him. The inclusion of multiple characters and subplots further enhances the narrative, infusing the necessary drama and suspense.

One of the popular shows in South Korea in 2019, Designated Survivor: 60 Days offers an emotional ride that brilliantly portrays the suspenseful and deeply human story of a 'reluctant president'. The drama sheds light on the underline that politics is not just about power, it’s about the people behind it, the choices they make, the sacrifices they have to endure, and the lives they change. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in political dramas with a rich blend of mystery, suspense, and empathetic human emotions.