D.P.

DP stands for 'Deserter Pursuit', a military police unit in the South Korean army responsible for nabbed armed forces personnel who escape from their posts without permission. In Netflix's D.P. we dive into this somewhat unexplored gear of the military and see its workings through the eyes of the show's main characters. Adapted from the 2015 webtoon of the same name by Kim Bo-Tong, D.P is a military drama shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the enlisted men, known as 'deserters', who abandon their posts.

Jung Hae In brilliantly plays the role of An Joon-ho, a young man with a complicated past joining the army as a conscript soldier. In the beginning, Joon-ho is a quiet soldier who does his job, when he's quickly singled out by Han Ho-yul, a corporal portrayed by Koo Kyo Hwan, who invites him to join the D.P. team. Initially hesitant, Joon-ho soon finds himself drawn to the unit’s mission and its somewhat eccentric team member who resonates with his own inner journey.

The narrative navigates the meticulous process the D.P unit employs in their search for deserters. It explores the emotional, psychological, and physical strain on conscript soldiers and their desperate responses to such extremities. It lays bare the bullying, abuse, and dehumanizing conditions some individuals endure.

Alongside its main characters, the series uses the stories of the deserters to mirror the deeper societal issues. Every deserter has a story, and each story is a multi-faceted exploration of the complex tapestry of human emotions. The narrative threads that run through the series combine experiences and themes such as familial relationships, mental health, and social inequality, amongst others.

Koo Kyo Hwan depicts corporal Han Ho-yul, a wiry, witted soldier with a knack for finding deserters, with a performance full of charm and intrigue. In contrast to the quiet and serious Joon-Ho, Ho-Yul's relaxed nature allows for diversity in their dynamic and exhibits his best in the worst situations, making him a crucial part of the D.P team.

In the same vein, Kim Sung-kyun, who plays sergeant Park Beom-gu, and Son Seok-koo, who portrays first lieutenant Im Ji-seob, add depth to the narrative. Sergeant Park is a tough and stern but has a well-meaning instructor, a military veteran with a story of his own, while Im Ji-seob adds a layer of complexity with his mysterious motives.

Another exciting part of the series is Won Ji-an's character, Lee Da-yeon, a smart, strong, and independent woman with a troubled past. Although being a side character, she leaves an indelible mark from her dramatic introduction onwards. Her performance provides viewers with a fresh perspective that elevates the drama to another level.

At its core, the series serves as a critique of the conscription system without directly attacking it. The screenplay is expertly balanced and effortlessly transitions between lighter, humorous moments and darker, more profound scenarios. Despite its distinctly Korean military setting, the universal themes of human resilience, empathy, and friendship possess a magnetic durability that appeals to the wider international audience. It’s not about praising or even rebuking any system or ideology; rather, it subtly nudges you to ponder about the circumstances and choices faced by everyday people in extraordinary situations.

On the production end, the makers deserve applause for delivering an honest, affecting, and high-quality drama. From the cinematography that perfectly captures the tense environment to well-written dialogue that keeps viewers engaged, everything about D.P is top-notch. The attention to detail, even in minor aspects, clearly depicts their dedication to providing a carefully woven narrative.

Netflix's D.P., a series revolving around deserters amongst army conscripts and the team charged with bringing them back, is a compelling story about the human condition. This hard-hitting and emotionally resonant series touches upon relevant issues and shows us a new perspective on the military life of conscript soldiers. It’s a raw and unfiltered portrayal of human interaction and survival, set against the backdrop of responsibility, fulfilling duties, and finding purpose and meaning in life. Each of the characters, their stories, struggles, and progression, beautifully intertwine to create a narrative so captivating and deeply moving, leaving audiences asking for more.