South Korea · Drama · 2021
D.P.
Binge Brief
- A tight six-episode season built around two deserter-pursuit soldiers, adapted from Kim Bo-tong's own webtoon.
- Praised by South Korean veterans for its accuracy, the series helped push military hazing into public conversation.
- Season 2 continues the story in a separate record on this site.
Synopsis
D.P. follows Private Ahn Jun-ho, a new recruit whose sharp eye for detail gets him assigned to the army's Deserter Pursuit unit. His first case, alongside Sergeant Park Sung-woo, runs into unexpected complications, and once he is paired with the free-spirited Corporal Han Ho-yeol, the two spend the rest of the season leaving base to track down soldiers who have gone AWOL.
Each mission moves the story into a different corner of Korean society: a stakeout near a subway station, an undercover job that has the pair befriending a deserter's girlfriend to get information, and a nighttime chase after an enlistee who escapes during a spell of relentless hazing. The investigation into recruit Cho Suk-bong's treatment, and the buried reasons behind Sergeant Hwang Jang-soo's own discharge, turn the search for individual deserters into a wider look at bullying and rank abuse inside the military. The final case starts as a routine pursuit and turns into a manhunt for an armed man at large.
D.P. is adapted from Kim Bo-tong's webtoon D.P: Dog's Day, with Kim co-writing the screenplay alongside director Han Jun-hee. It premiered on Netflix on August 27, 2021, with all six episodes released the same day; a second season followed on July 28, 2023 and is covered as its own record on this site. South Korean veterans praised the series for its accurate depiction of service life, and it helped push military hazing and mental health support into wider public conversation.
D.P. cast
Best scenes
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Suk-Bong's Emotional Breakdown (Episode 6)
A heart-wrenching climax where Suk-Bong confronts his tormentor, highlighting the devastating effects of military bullying. -
Jun-Ho and Ho-Yeol's Bromance Moments
Their camaraderie provides emotional depth and occasional comic relief amidst the intense narrative. -
Interrogation Room Confrontation
A tense scene where Jun-Ho challenges military authority, showcasing his moral compass and the show's critique of institutional flaws. -
Deserter's Escape Sequence
A gripping chase that combines action with the emotional turmoil of a soldier pushed to the edge. -
Final Scene with Jun-Ho Walking Away
A symbolic moment reflecting his internal conflict and the overarching theme of personal conscience versus duty.
Filming locations
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Seoul's Urban Landscapes
The city's streets and alleys provide a realistic backdrop for the deserter pursuits. -
Military Training Grounds
Authentic military facilities were used to depict the rigorous training and hierarchical structure. -
Busan's Coastal Areas
Scenes shot in Busan add a contrasting serene environment to the intense storyline. -
Traditional Korean Neighborhoods
These settings highlight the personal lives and backgrounds of deserters, adding cultural depth. -
Remote Countryside Locations
Used to depict the isolation and desperation of soldiers on the run.
Visual design and costumes
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Authentic Military Uniforms
Costumes accurately represent the South Korean military attire, enhancing realism. -
Deserters' Civilian Clothes
Wardrobe choices reflect the psychological states and backgrounds of each deserter. -
Use of Color Palettes
Muted tones dominate, emphasizing the bleakness of military life and the gravity of desertion. -
Attention to Detail in Props
Military insignias, badges, and equipment are meticulously designed for authenticity. -
Contrast Between Military and Civilian Worlds
Visual design effectively differentiates the structured military environment from the chaotic civilian life.
Themes and messages
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Critique of Military Hierarchy and Bullying
The series exposes the dark side of military life, including hazing and abuse of power. -
Moral Ambiguity and Personal Conscience
Characters grapple with ethical dilemmas, questioning orders versus personal beliefs. -
Psychological Impact of Military Service
Highlights the mental health struggles faced by soldiers, including PTSD and depression. -
Societal Pressure and Expectations
Explores how societal norms and expectations can lead individuals to extreme actions. -
Empathy and Understanding
Encourages viewers to understand the personal stories behind each deserter, fostering empathy.
Interesting facts
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Based on a Webtoon
The series is adapted from the webtoon "D.P Dog's Day" by Kim Bo-tong, who also co-wrote the screenplay. -
Realistic Portrayal Praised by Veterans
Many South Korean veterans have commended the show's accurate depiction of military life. -
International Recognition
D.P. has received acclaim worldwide, highlighting issues within the South Korean military to a global audience. -
Season 2 Released in 2023
The second season continues to delve deeper into the complexities of military desertion and institutional flaws. -
Increased Awareness and Dialogue
The series has sparked conversations about military reform and mental health support for soldiers.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Man Holding Flowers Private Ahn Jun-ho's sharp eye earns him a spot in the Deserter Pursuit unit, and his first mission with Sergeant Park Sung-woo runs into unexpected complications. | 2021-08-27 | Aired | |
| 2 | Daydream Discharged from the hospital, Corporal Han Ho-yeol returns to base and partners with Jun-ho to track down a soldier hiding near a subway station. | 2021-08-27 | Aired | |
| 3 | That Woman The pair goes undercover during a break in the case, trying to gather information by befriending a deserter's girlfriend. | 2021-08-27 | Aired | |
| 4 | The Monty Hall Problem Relentless hazing changes recruit Cho Suk-bong's once easygoing personality, and another soldier escapes the base overnight. | 2021-08-27 | Aired | |
| 5 | Military Dog Suk-bong is pushed past his limit as the investigation uncovers the circumstances behind Sergeant Hwang Jang-soo's own discharge. | 2021-08-27 | Aired | |
| 6 | Onlookers A routine chase after a deserter turns into a manhunt for an armed man at large. | 2021-08-27 | Aired |
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