You Are All Surrounded

You Are All Surrounded is a fast-paced, thrilling South Korean television series that aired on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) in 2014, running for twenty episodes. Directed by Yoo In-shik and written by Lee Jung-sun, the show lures audiences into the intricate labyrinth of police functioning, bringing to light its highs and lows through the eyes of resilient rookies and seasoned investigators.

Set in the bustling cityscape of Gangnam, Seoul, the plot unfolds around four new recruits joining the violent crimes unit, each carrying a unique backstory that eventually intertwines at the police station, guiding the series forward. The rookies, despite their inexperience and naivety, exhibit incredible smarts, bravery, and resilience, clashing and colluding with the well-experienced seniors weaving a captivating story of conflict, camaraderie, and growth.

Eun Dae-gu, played by Lee Seung-gi, is an intellectual rookie with a mysterious past and an agenda of his own. Eun is characterized by an IQ of 150, a flawlessly functioning smartphone that he uses to his advantage, and an icy demeanour offset by an underlying yearning for justice. His counterpart, Seo Pan-suk, portrayed by Cha Seung-won, is an experienced veteran detesting the idea of nurturing rookies while battling his personal tragedies.

Along with Eun Dae-gu, the new recruit cohort includes Eo Soo-sun (Go Ara), Park Tae-il (Ahn Jae-hyun), and Ji Gook (Park Jung-min). Eo Soo-sun, the only female among the new recruits, is a hot-blooded and stubborn woman with a steadfast honour code. Park Tae-il, a handsome and suave young man, surprisingly drops a medical career to join the force. On the other hand, Ji Gook is a friendly and fortuitous guy, often serving as the comic relief amid the tense scenes.

The show charts the journey of these rookies and their relationship with their seniors, illustrating how they navigate their way through dark alleys of their profession and life, grappling with deadly criminals, political pressures, and their insecurities. The series envelops under its umbrella themes of corruption, crime, romance, friendship, revenge, justice, and most importantly, personal growth of each character.

Apart from the elaborate character compositions and plotlines, You Are All Surrounded provides a visually satisfying experience with its high-quality cinematography, capturing the essence of Seoul's metropolitan vibrancy, gritty crime scenes, and the tense, bustling atmosphere of a police station.

What further sets You Are All Surrounded apart is its skilled blend of different genres. While fundamentally it is a crime drama, the screenplay brilliantly infuses elements of comedy, thriller, action, and romance. This multi-genre approach creates an engaging narrative, making the audiences laugh, cry, gasp, and cheer along with the characters.

The impeccable performances by the ensemble cast add another layer of authenticity to the narrative. The palpable chemistry among the actors, particularly between the rookies and the seasoned cop, provides dramatic intensity that keeps viewers engrossed. Moreover, despite having multiple strands, the narrative never loses its focus, balancing the personal lives of the characters against the backdrop of their demanding profession.

In its essence, You Are All Surrounded does not bank solely on the adrenaline that a typical police drama generates. Instead, it delivers an emotionally gripping narrative that touches upon the vulnerability and strength of its characters, investing in building complex, relatable personalities. It delves into how they juggle their professional duties with personal struggles, and in the process, grow as individuals.

You Are All Surrounded, thus, offers an exhilarating journey through the lives of new police officers and their veteran supervisor, showing how they fight crime and corruption while dealing with their personal demons. With its well-paced narrative, commendable performances, and a deft blend of different genres, the show offers an engaging watch for fans of Korean dramas and police procedurals alike.