
One Ordinary Day
One Ordinary Day is a gripping South Korean legal thriller that delves into the complexities of justice, survival, and morality. The series stars Kim Soo Hyun as Kim Hyun Soo, a college student whose ordinary life is shattered when he becomes the prime suspect in a brutal murder case. Hyun Soo’s life takes an unforeseen turn after a fateful night with a mysterious woman, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. As Hyun Soo navigates the harsh realities of the prison system, he finds an unexpected ally in Shin Joong Han, played by Cha Seung Won. Joong Han, a third-rate lawyer with little experience in high-profile cases, takes on Hyun Soo’s defense. Despite his unpolished methods, Joong Han’s tenacity and belief in Hyun Soo's innocence form the backbone of the narrative. The duo battles a biased legal system, public scrutiny, and mounting evidence that points to Hyun Soo’s guilt. The drama brilliantly captures the moral dilemmas and societal prejudices surrounding criminal justice. Hyun Soo’s transformation from a naive student to a survivor reflects the intense psychological and emotional toll of his situation. Alongside riveting courtroom battles, the series also explores Hyun Soo's interactions with inmates, particularly the enigmatic Do Ji Tae (played by Kim Sung Kyu) and the dangerous Park Doo Shik (played by Yang Kyung Won), adding layers of tension and complexity. Directed by Lee Myung Woo, "One Ordinary Day" is an adaptation of the acclaimed BBC series "Criminal Justice." The show offers a thought-provoking critique of the justice system while delivering edge-of-your-seat suspense. With stellar performances by its cast, a tightly woven plot, and a dark, atmospheric tone, this drama stands out as a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and legal dramas.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 어느 날
🌎 Also Known As: That Night
🎭 Genres: Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Legal Drama
🏷 Tags: Wrongful Accusation, Legal Battle, Survival, Prison Life, Justice System
✍ Screenwriters: Kwon Soon Kyu
🎬 Directors: Lee Myung Woo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 8
🗓️ Aired: November 27, 2021 – December 18, 2021
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: Coupang Play
⏰ Duration: 70 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 18+ – Restricted (violence and mature themes)
Best Scenes
- Hyun Soo’s Arrest: The intense moment when Kim Hyun Soo (Kim Soo Hyun) is arrested, highlighting the injustice and fear of being falsely accused.
- Joong Han’s Introduction: Shin Joong Han (Cha Seung Won) confidently takes on Hyun Soo’s case despite his questionable reputation, marking the start of their alliance.
- Prison Conflict: A tense scene where Hyun Soo confronts prison inmates, showing his transformation from an innocent student to a survivor.
- Courtroom Drama: The climactic court battle where Joong Han defends Hyun Soo, delivering a gripping argument for his innocence.
- Final Revelation: The truth about the murder is revealed, leaving viewers questioning morality and justice.
Filming Locations
- Seoul Central Police Station: Key scenes of Hyun Soo’s interrogation were filmed at realistic police station sets, adding authenticity.
- Northern Prison: Filmed in a replica prison, these scenes intensify the narrative’s claustrophobic tension.
- Courtroom Sets: High-stakes legal battles were shot in meticulously designed courtrooms to reflect real-life judicial settings.
- Hyun Soo’s Neighborhood: Early episodes showcase a typical Korean neighborhood, emphasizing his ordinary life before the crime.
- Seoul Streets: Nighttime scenes capture the vibrant yet eerie cityscape, setting the tone for the crime.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Dark Tones: A muted color palette dominates the visuals, reflecting the show’s somber themes.
- Prison Uniforms: Realistic prisoner attire enhances the harsh atmosphere of incarceration.
- Joong Han’s Wardrobe: His disheveled suits symbolize his underdog status and unorthodox methods.
- Crime Scene Aesthetics: Meticulously designed sets with bloodstains and forensic details create a gripping visual impact.
- Lighting Techniques: Shadows and dim lighting emphasize suspense and the moral ambiguity of characters.
Themes and Messages
- Justice vs. Corruption: Highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system and its impact on the accused.
- Morality Under Pressure: Explores how individuals react under extreme circumstances, questioning ethical boundaries.
- Survival in Adversity: Shows Hyun Soo’s journey of adapting to prison life while maintaining hope.
- Trust and Betrayal: Examines relationships, both personal and professional, under the strain of legal battles.
- Social Stigmas: Addresses the prejudices faced by those entangled in criminal accusations.
Interesting Facts
- British Adaptation: Based on the BBC series “Criminal Justice,” reimagined with a Korean cultural perspective.
- Kim Soo Hyun’s Role: This drama marked his return to TV after a two-year hiatus, earning widespread acclaim.
- Cha Seung Won’s Transformation: Known for comedic roles, he impressed audiences with his portrayal of a gritty lawyer.
- Realistic Sets: Production involved extensive research to recreate authentic police stations, courtrooms, and prisons.
- Critical Acclaim: Praised for its tight narrative and performances, it gained recognition at international award shows.
Awards
“One Ordinary Day” has received the following awards and nominations:
-
Asian Television Awards (2022):
- Best Direction (Fiction): Lee Myung-woo (Won)
- Best Original Digital Drama Series: Nominated
- Best Leading Male Performance – Digital: Kim Soo-hyun (Nominated)
-
APAN Star Awards (2022):
- Top Excellence Award, Actor in an OTT Drama: Kim Soo-hyun (Nominated)
- Popularity Star Award, Actor: Kim Soo-hyun (Nominated)
-
Blue Dragon Series Awards (2022):
- Best Supporting Actor: Yang Kyung-won (Nominated)
These accolades highlight the series’ exceptional direction and the compelling performances of its cast.
Real-Life Loves on Set
As of now, there are no public reports or confirmed instances of real-life romantic relationships developing among the cast members of the Korean drama “One Ordinary Day.” The actors, including Kim Soo-hyun and Cha Seung-won, have maintained professional relationships throughout the production. While on-screen chemistry can sometimes lead to off-screen romances, in this case, no such relationships have been reported.










