Gangnam B-Side Episode 8 Review: Entertaining But a Bit Too Perfect

In episode 7 of Gangnam B-Side, both Dong-woo and Gil-ho arrive at the destination where the “party” is going to take place, which includes Ye-seo. As Dong-woo tries to save his daughter from getting murdered, Gil-ho is kidnapped by K’s men to be taught a lesson. But will he be able to get his revenge for Jae-hee’s death?

Gangnam B-Side Episode 8 Recap

After the events of the last episode, Gil-ho is taken to the club where the big shots are meeting and he is able to escape while Seo-jin realises that she has been played. She now watches on in horror as the unsuspecting women are given this unknown drug and used as lab rats without their consent and is unable to do anything about it. Ye-seo is also left completely shocked at what is happening while Hak-gu discusses on the other side about the effects of the drug and its antibody. Unfortunately, one of the girls dies in front of everyone, leaving everyone else extremely scared.

In spite of this, they carry on with injecting all the women with the drug. As Ye-seo’s turn comes up next, Seo-jin comes up with an idea to stop them and give Dong-woo some time, which, thankfully, works. Outside, Dong-woo and Gil-ho realise that they are at the same place and he fills Gil-ho in on the contents of Jae-hee’s video before getting into a violent fight with the guards. Gil-ho eventually saves him before the guards kill him off.

As an absolute boss move, Dong-woo sends the video to everyone in the room, leaving them distressed. In response, Ju-il tears the contract and asks Hak-gu to get rid of Dong-woo before they can discuss business. Unfortunately, Hak-gu gets Ju-il killed right on the spot. As Seo0jin comes to terms with what just happened, Gil-ho and Dong-woo try to wade against the sea of thugs to get to Hak-gu. In the end, however, Gil-ho lets Dong-woo go forward and chooses to stay back to fight K.

In the bloodbath that ensues, K beats Gil-ho up brutally but he is able to get the last laugh. Meanwhile, it turns out that Hak-gu knows Ye-seo’s real identity and has simply been toying with everyone around him. As Dong-woo reaches the room, Hak-gu is waiting for him holding the syringe full of drugs that he proceeds to push into Ye-seo to teach her father a lesson. In a race against time, Seo-jin and Dong-woo try to save Ye-seo and thanks to Seo-jin’s quick thinking, they are able to save her.

Afterwards, Dong-woo runs after Hak-gu and is able to stop him just in time. After beating him to a pulp, Dong-woo deliberates whether or not to shoot him but Gil-ho does the job instead. He is finally able to get his revenge as he reminisces about his time with Jae-hee while Dong-woo comforts his tearful daughter.

Some time later, Dong-woo and Ye-seo visit Jung-hwa and Jae-hee’s graves and shed a tear over her lost friend. Meanwhile, Jae-hee’s video makes headlines as everyone in it is arrested. Seo-jin becomes a star witness and agrees to cooperate fully with the investigation while agreeing with her part in the scandal. Meanwhile, it turns out that Gil-ho has become a vigilante, busting into clubs, getting rid of these harmful drugs and beating up the owners. Although Dong-woo sees him in the sea of people, he chooses to turn a blind eye.

Gangnam B-Side Episode 8 Review

See, the thing with this series is that it kind of feels hot and cold throughout the episode, leaving us very confused about our feelings in the end. The Gangnam B-Side finale isn’t without its fair share of bloodshed and action, but it feels rushed and underexplored. Although it’s quite entertaining, the finale feels a bit too neat and convenient and without much weight to it. I wish we had explored more of Gil-ho and Jae-hee’s relationship and there was some more introspection on prostitution and its horrifying ramifications. The series, as a whole, feels too perfect sometimes which doesn’t gel with the themes that are shown.

That being said, if you’re looking for a short, sweet watch with bursts of action and a fantastic cast, this drama might be right up your ally.

Also Read: All Gangnam B-Side Reviews