Korean Job Discussion Forums

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

I haven't found time for this yet anyone out there seen it.

ryunatkorea · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Location: Sincheon, South Korea

If you are talking about the KPSI, I've seen it. It's pretty bad.
I wouldn't even rate that as cheap imitation. First, there is no production value.
The set looks like second hand props from mid-90's Sci-fi channel movies.
It looks as if they try to emulate snazzy futuristic over-the-top US CSI set.
But, they ended up with few random neon lights, 17" LCD panel monitor, and generic middle school chemistry set.
Not that this means US CSI is realistic (looks like bits of the TNG Enperprise), but they could have given more authentic look by copying Law & Order set (just a regular office).
Honestly, the whole thing could have been filmed in my old school's teacher's office and it would look more like a cop office. All the crime scenes takes place in one of these three places, bedroom, bathroom and alley. And, they look like the same bedroom, bathroom, and alley in every episode.
Second, most of the plot lacks depth. There are no plot twists, or amazing scientific breakthroughs to catch the criminal. Most of the episodes that I've seen could have been solved by blood/DNA/finger print matching or simply suspect and asking if he did it. It's so predictable, that you think there would be more, and you wait... only to be disappointed that you just wasted several minutes of your life (I've been fooled several times) Also, there is virtually no character development. Similar to Korean students, the main characters are streamlined in development. They catch bad guys just because they are cops and that's what they do. They show could have a whole new set of regular cast every episode, and no one would have known the difference.
Third, like all Korean dramas/prime time TV, the acting is horrible. They do as much acting as finger puppets. Too bad they can't get and high profile A/B-list guest stars like the US CSI, that would help liven it up.

If you are talking about Korean voice-over CSI, it's not too bad. Personally, I don't like dubbed shows, but the voice acting is so dry, it feel like I am listening to NPR or PBS documentary. It wasn't as flamboyant as Japanese dubbed Friends, so I liked it.

Blueberry · Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Location: Wonju

KPSI is awesome! It is the closest sensation to being baked I've had in Korea. Or rather it's a "so bad it's awesome" type show.

drdst122 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009

LoL! Sounds intriguing.

gangwonbound · Joined: 27 Apr 2009

They could use the UV light for the Kimchi stains...

ryunatkorea · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Location: Sincheon, South Korea

Frankly Mr Shankly · Joined: 13 Feb 2008

I can just imagine it. Report of a murder and sexual assault comes in, cut to scene of Korean cops sitting around station, smoking skinny ciggies, reading the paper and playing solitaire. Detective gets up and rounds up nearest weyguk, who is pronounced guilty. End of story.

Rory_Calhoun27 · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

a bit offtopic, but is there also a Koreanean version of "American Pie?" I saw a movie on cable, and one guy ****ed off into a pan, grilled the white goo, and then lathered a sandwich with it and gave it to his roomate.

Though i couldnt figure out who the Stifler character was.... no one really resonated at the Stifler in this one.

Speaking of strange Asian cinema, there was another on last night, but I only caught a bit- "NAKED WEAPON," about mata hari-type assassins. sort of a hodge-podge of Fight Club, The Joy Luck Club and Point of No Return. But well worth it from the little I saw.

ryunatkorea · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Location: Sincheon, South Korea

Rory_Calhoun27 · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

Maggie Q's best role, no doubt, Die Hard 4.0.... if only for the dialogue.... to paraphrase Bruce, "Oh, yeah... your girlfriend, cute Asian girl? She fell down an elevator shaft and had an SUV shoved up her ***."

harlowethrombey · Joined: 17 Mar 2009 Location: Seoul

Is it similar to Japan's 'Team Medical Dragon' (which I never saw but I tried to steal the poster)?

Sounds great. I might have to plug in my TV to catch the latest crime. Are there the usual 'CSI'type shots of vegas only in Korea with old men fishing by the river, the subway suicide doors opening and a rotating barber pole? Smile

ryunatkorea · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Location: Sincheon, South Korea

Not really... only camera work they emulate is the random surveillance-camera-esque angle shots. Sometimes they they have an out-of-focus potted plants in the foreground to give that hidden camera look. They are going for that nonchalant dynamic angle shots from the corners of the ceiling/floors. It's seemed like they filmed the whole thing with a $500 "handy cam. I don't recall any random shots of the city for setting transitions, like the US CSI. Overall, it has that typical Korean/Japanese primetime drama feel in production quality.