The First Responders (2022-2023) ~ Hulu Original Korean Drama Series

“The First Responders” (2022-2023) is a Korean drama series categorized as Action, Thriller, Crime, and Mystery. It has 2 seasons, 12 episodes each.

Disney+/Hulu is streaming three (3) Korean dramas about public servants who risk their lives to serve the people. All are Hulu Original series. Two reviews have already been published via PopGeeks.

1. Rookie Cops (2022), Thriller, Action, Romance and Comedy (Rom-Com)
2. Han River Police (2023), Thriller, Crime and Mystery, Action, and Comedy

This is the 3^rd review. 

♦ The First Responders UNITE!

In “The First Responders” we look at the work that three (3) emergency responders perform and the risks and dangers they face. They work as police (Jin Ho-Gae), as firefighters (Bong Do-Jin), and as paramedics (Song Seol), and they work together. The rescue missions are intense and adrenaline-fueled.

The jobs of first responders are high-pressure jobs, but they also have a life! So sometimes in addition to pressure from work, they endure stress caused by personal struggles. This series tackles sensitive topics such as PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and the burnout, stress, mental and physical toll constant exposure to trauma takes on these workers.

The team works together, not just to rescue people but also when it comes to crime-solving. such as kidnapping, teen suicide, hit-and-run, insurance fraud, serial killings, arson, etc., along with corruption in the justice system.

Main Characters:

• Detective Jin Ho-Gae (played by Kim Rae-Won, “L.U.C.A.: The Beginning”)
• Firefighter Bong Do-Jin (played by Son Ho-Jun, “My Happy Ending”)
• Paramedic Song Seol (played by Gong Seung-Yeon, “My Only Love Song”, “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency”, “Are You Human?”)

Where to Watch

Viewership and Rating:

• IMDb: 8 out of 10 stars
• My Drama List: 8.7 out of 10 stars; 8.5 out of 10 stars for Season 2

My personal rating is 8 out of 10 stars.

Some reviewers thought this series did not get enough recognition. By contrast, those who did watch, thought that it was good enough to ask for a Season 3. I feel like Goldilocks in the fairy tale when she finally tasted the porridge that was “just right”.

“The First Responders” had just enough action, just enough variations in the storylines to make each episode interesting, and there was just enough chemistry between the three main characters who comprised the team of emergency responders to make you like them. You just want to pat them on the back for a job well done.

FUN FACTS:

One of the police investigators was nicknamed “Jindo dog”.  DID YOU KNOW?

• A jindo dog is an extremely intelligent and independent dog with great problem-solving skills and the ability to think for himself. Jindos have a calm, confident, thoughtful nature, never fearful or aggressive without reason. Jindos are one-person dogs, very loyal to their owner and family and often reserved with strangers.  (SOURCE: Korean Jindo Dog – Dog Breed Information)

.LINKS OF INTEREST:

• First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 – Unspoiled Review | kdramaandramen
• The First Responders Is A Seriously Underrated And Exciting Gem | hallyureviews
• Disney+ K-drama The First Responders: Kim Rae-won leads emergency rescue drama with thrilling plots, but flat characters | South China Morning Post

TRAILERS/TEASERS:

KDramaforyou. “THE FIRST RESPONDERS Trailer (November 2022 KDrama) || Kim Rae Won and Son Ho Jun Korean Drama.” YouTube Video. YouTube, October 14, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R65AOEjYpHM.