The First Responders is a new thriller K-drama series directed by Shin Kyung Soo and written by Min Ji Eun. The series stars Kim Rae-won as Jin Ho-gae, Son Ho-jun as Bong Do-jin and Gong Seung-yeon as Song Seol. The rest of the cast includes Jung Jin-woo, Lee Jung-hu, Ji Woo, Jung Sang-hoon, Kang Gi-doong, Son Ji-yoon, Woo Mi-hwa, Seo Hyun-chul, Lee Hwa-jung and more.
The first season premiered on SBS TV on November 12, 2022, and airs every Friday and Saturday at 10 pm KST, while the second season is scheduled for release in the second half of 2023. So far, three episodes have been released with a total runtime of one hour each. The First Responders takes over SBS’s Friday-Saturday 10 PM KST timeslot previously occupied by One Dollar Lawyer.
Disney+ Hotstar describes the series as:
A police station and a fire station adjoing each other COORPERATE IN COMBINING CRIME AND FIRE IN THE MOST BRUTAL AND TRAGIC CASES.
-The First Responders Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers-
The first episode of the thriller drama started strong. Straight away, we are introduced to Jin Ho-gae, a short-tempered and stubborn police officer who follows his own rules rather than becoming a government puppet. He is given the nickname “Jindo Dog” because once he bites, it is hard for him to let go. He is quick on his feet and a fast problem solver who follows unconventional ways to get what he wants.
The First Responders mainly follows criminal cases that seem impossible to solve and rescue, but they can succeed with teamwork and efficiency. Even if they cannot save each victim, they try their best to bring justice to them. Bong Do-jin and Song Seol, along with Jin Ho-gae, work together to solve impossible cases.
The development of the plot so far has been consistent. Each episode differs from the others in terms of the themes they delve into. Crimes against women are the main theme surrounding the series, which can also co-relate to the similar situations that the women of South Korea face every day.
Furthermore, the series also explores corruption among the bureaucrats of the government. It is seen that Jin Ho Gae is the son of a powerful chief prosecutor who is involved in some questionable situation and tries to involve his son in it as well, but Jin has cut ties with him.
Even if the plot is predictable, as countless series with similar themes have been in the industry for a long time, it will still keep the audience invested due to the unique cases that are also relatable in recent times. Crimes have become so intricate that the police must think like criminals to solve them. That is what the director is trying to convey.
Amazing performances from the actors have carried the plot so far. The mesmerizing background score and the alluring OSTs of the series further elevate the story, and the audience will keep returning for more. The locations where the drama was filmed also give us an overview of the simple life being led by South Koreans.
With a quick pace and zero filler introduction, the story-telling process of the series has been satisfactory so far.
The First Responders Episode 1-3: Final Thoughts
So far, the series will keep the audience intrigued with their distinctive cases and unconventional methods to solve them. The stellar performances of the actors in relatable characters displaying raw emotions will keep the viewers hooked. The director has also managed to keep the series light-hearted with certain comedic scenes.
The First Responders is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
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