“Awaken” ~ Is It Day or Night or White Night?

[cmoneyspinner]

“Awaken” is a Korean drama series released in 2020, has 16 episodes, and can be categorized as Action, Science Fiction (Sci-Fi), Psychological Thriller and Suspense, Crime and Mystery. ♦ The Day of Tragedy In “Awaken”, an incident referred to as “The Day of Tragedy” is regarding a tragic event in a small town. Something happened in White Night Village and supposedly everyone, including children in an orphanage, died. At least, it was reported that there were no survivors. Somehow the man in charge of the orphanage still lived. Twenty-six years later serial murders begin occurring. A special crime unit has been formed and they are investigating serial murders. A news reporter is receiving clues before the murders occur. But the murders still happen and the reporter uses every opportunity to bash the police for being incompetent. Do Jung-Woo heads up the unit in the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. He recruited Kong Hye-Won and the other team members. Do Jung-Woo says, that whenever a unit has the “special” in the name,

 

[Samantha Who?]

I truly adored "Awaken"! The blend of action, science fiction, and psychological thriller elements kept me on the edge of my seat for all 16 episodes. Namkoong Min plays Do Jung-Woo, a charismatic character whose leadership in the special criminal team is both motivating and intense. The mystery surrounding White Night Village and the orphanage tragedy captivated me from the start. The suspense was nicely balanced against the growing narrative, making each episode more compelling than the last. This series surely merits the outstanding ratings it has garnered across many platforms. I definitely suggest it to anyone who appreciates a well-written mystery with complex psychological elements.

 

[Kay]

The psychological thriller and mystery elements kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. The recurring question of whether it's day or night was a brilliant metaphor for the blurred lines between good and evil. The show did a fantastic job of making you question the motives and backgrounds of each character, especially Do Jung-Woo and Jamie Leighton. The plot twists were well-timed, keeping the suspense alive. I particularly appreciated how the backstory of "The Day of Tragedy" was slowly unveiled, adding depth to the present-day investigation. Overall, it's a highly recommended watch for anyone who enjoys intricate storytelling and complex characters.

 

[Princess Zakiya]

While "Awaken" had an interesting premise, I found some aspects of the show to be a bit far-fetched. The connection between the past and present murders was intriguing, but the inclusion of a former FBI agent felt somewhat forced. Additionally, the predictability of certain plot points took away from the overall suspense. That said, the show did excel in its character development and atmospheric tension. Do Jung-Woo was a compelling protagonist, and the show's exploration of moral ambiguity was thought-provoking. It’s a decent watch, but not without its flaws.

 

[SYPHAX]

Honestly, I don't get the hype around "Awaken". The plot felt convoluted and trying too hard to be clever. The constant back-and-forth between past and present was more confusing than intriguing. The characters, especially Do Jung-Woo, were too stereotypical for my taste—the brooding detective with a mysterious past is a trope that's been done to death. The inclusion of a former FBI agent felt like a desperate attempt to appeal to international audiences. I also found the supposed twists to be predictable and not as shocking as they were meant to be. Overall, I think this drama is overrated and not worth the time.

 

[Sarsuela]

The cast of "Awaken" is what really sells it for me. Namkoong Min is a powerhouse actor, and I loved him in "Doctor Prisoner." Putting him up against a former FBI profiler? Sounds like a battle of wits waiting to happen. But wait, there's more! Seol Hyun brings some fresh energy to the mix, and Lee Chung-Ah is always fantastic. This trio could solve any mystery, as long as they can work together! Definitely adding this to my watchlist based on the characters alone.