[비즈한국] ‘No Way Out: The Roulette’ is intriguing in many ways. Watching the unrepentant heinous criminals in the drama or the flock of people ready to do anything out of greed for money leaves one feeling both bitter and enraged. At the same time, the thrill of seeing talented actors undergo such distinct transformations makes for a visceral viewing experience. This is why there is hope for a second season of Disney+’s ‘No Way Out,’ which released its final 7th and 8th episodes on August 21.
In truth, the premise of ‘No Way Out’ isn't particularly fresh. Kim Gook-ho (played by Yoo Jae-myung), a heinous criminal who brings to mind real-life child rapist Cho Doo-soon, is released after serving 13 years in prison. Already notorious nationwide, he becomes even more famous when an individual dubbed "Masked Man" places a 20 billion won bounty on him via an internet broadcast. As the reality sets in that a massive sum of 20 billion won can be earned by killing Kim Gook-ho in any way possible, the number of people targeting him grows, as do the people forced to protect him, such as police officer Baek Joong-sik (played by Cho Jin-woong). Will Kim Gook-ho be able to survive the 20 billion won bounty on his head? And who will be the one to kill him?
The concept of private retaliation or punishment against perpetrators who were not properly dealt with by the justice system is a common trope these days. Representative examples include ‘Taxi Driver,’ which has reached its second season, as well as ‘The Killing Vote’ and ‘Vigilante.’ ‘No Way Out’ also depicts a mysterious figure known as the "Masked Man" placing high bounties to punish heinous criminals who have either escaped legal judgment or received sentences that fall short of public sentiment. However, the irony lies in the fact that rather than meting out justice personally, the "Masked Man" uses a massive amount of money to incite the public; while they ostensibly cry out for "justice," in reality, they are driven by greed to commit yet another crime.
What made ‘No Way Out’ compelling was how it injected vivid human desires into the familiar format of a private retaliation story. The story weaves together various characters: Baek Joong-sik, who falls into a dilemma after stumbling upon a 1 billion won bounty from the "Masked Man" when he was on the verge of bankruptcy due to investment fraud; Yoon Chang-jae (played by Lee Kwang-soo), who threatens Baek after his ear-severing "payment" is stolen; Hosan Mayor Ahn Myung-ja (played by Yum Jung-ah), who tries to use Kim Gook-ho to salvage her political career; lawyer Lee Sang-bong (played by Kim Mu-yeol), who approaches Kim for his own success; and Kim Gook-ho’s wife Seo Yoon-ju (played by Choi Hee-jin) and his son Seo Dong-ha (played by Sung Yu-bin), who have been scarred by him for life.
What truly shines amidst this tangle of desires and interests is the acting. Yoo Jae-myung, who plays the shameless and unrepentant villain Kim Gook-ho, stands at the forefront. Effortlessly pulling off a character far different from Jeon Sang-doo in the currently released film ‘Land of Happiness,’ he has ascended to the top of the list of actors who have sparked "legendary final role" discussions. Yum Jung-ah, who is active across the board in the Netflix film ‘Cross’ and the variety show ‘Sister's Direct Farm,’ is also breathtaking as politician Ahn Myung-ja. She captures both the comedic moments and the ugly, unpleasant true face of a politician with raw intensity. And what of Lee Kwang-soo, more familiar for his variety show work than his primary acting career? The venom radiating from his bloodshot eyes feels like it might pierce right through the screen.
With Kim Mu-yeol’s portrayal of the smarmy realist Lee Sang-bong and Choi Hee-jin’s performance as a woman filled with unfathomable resentment, ‘No Way Out’ is a work that derives great pleasure from seeing familiar actors in unfamiliar roles. Also impressive is the grandmother who, fueled by revenge, displays killer-level action as she throws herself at Kim Gook-ho like a moth to a flame. The appearance of Taiwanese actor Greg Hsu, considered an "icon of first love," as the killer "Mr. Smile," is another element that excites fans.
So, what fate meets Kim Gook-ho? What is the identity of the "Masked Man" ordering his death? Perhaps in ‘No Way Out,’ Kim Gook-ho’s ultimate end or the identity of the "Masked Man" are not the most important factors. More significant are the gaps between the lax judgment of the judiciary and public sentiment, the agony of secondary victims caused by various reasons, and the contemplation of how far humans will succumb when faced with massive sums of money—all of which fill the breathless narrative of the drama.
The popularity of private retaliation dramas is likely to continue, as they punish unrepentant perpetrators and provide at least a modicum of solace to victims living in endless suffering. It wouldn’t be surprising if ‘No Way Out,’ with its whirlwind plot and stellar performances, returned for a second season featuring another heinous criminal. Of course, a hint of bitterness remains: just how long will such private retaliation stories remain popular, and how unfortunate is the reality of a land where these works continue to resonate?
Who is the writer Jung Soo-jin?
After working at several magazines covering film, travel, and popular culture, I have written many articles. I don't want to fall behind on trends, but I’ve become an old soul who predicts every obvious cliché in a drama while watching it. As I drift through the vast OTT world trying to regain my edge, my current wish is for an integrated OTT subscription plan.