
Prison Playbook
"Prison Playbook" (also known as "Wise Prison Life") is a unique blend of comedy, drama, and heartfelt storytelling that takes viewers into the unexpected life of Kim Je Hyuk (Park Hae Soo), a famous baseball player who ends up in prison just before he’s set to debut in the U.S. leagues. Convicted for defending his sister in a violent altercation, Je Hyuk must navigate the harsh realities of prison life, far removed from his former fame and glory. Inside the penitentiary, Je Hyuk meets a diverse array of inmates and staff, including Lee Joon Ho (Jung Kyung Ho), a former professional baseball player turned prison guard. As an old friend of Je Hyuk, Joon Ho becomes a crucial ally, helping him adjust to the rigid prison rules while providing emotional support. The duo's dynamic friendship forms the backbone of the series, offering both comedic relief and heartfelt moments. The show introduces a colorful ensemble of characters, such as Yoo Han Yang (Lee Kyu Hyung), Je Hyuk's quirky cellmate battling addiction, and Kang Cheol Du (Park Ho San), a veteran inmate with a mysterious past. These relationships are brought to life with warmth and depth, exploring themes of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit. The prison environment, though grim, becomes a place of unexpected camaraderie and personal growth. "Prison Playbook" masterfully balances humor and emotional depth, delivering poignant life lessons through its well-crafted narrative. With standout performances from Park Hae Soo and Jung Kyung Ho, the drama captivates audiences with its exploration of friendship, second chances, and the strength to overcome adversity. A must-watch for fans of heartwarming and meaningful Korean dramas.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 슬기로운 감빵생활
🌎 Also Known As: Wise Prison Life, Smart Prison Living
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Crime, Life, Drama
🏷 Tags: Life Lesson, Prison Setting, Bromance, Wrongfully Accused, Strong Male Lead, Character Development, Slight Romance, Best Friends’ Relationship, Murder, Prisoner Male Lead
✍ Screenwriter: Jung Bo Hoon
🎬 Director: Shin Won Ho
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: November 22, 2017 – January 18, 2018
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday, Thursday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
- Kim Je Hyuk’s first day in prison: A powerful opening scene that captures his shock and adjustment to the harsh realities of prison life.
- The baseball game inside prison: A comedic and heartwarming moment where inmates bond over a shared love for the sport.
- Yoo Han Yang’s emotional breakdown: A raw and heartfelt moment highlighting the struggles of addiction and mental health.
- The reunion of Je Hyuk and Joon Ho: A touching scene that strengthens their friendship and mutual support during tough times.
- Kang Cheol Du’s redemption arc: A moving sequence where the veteran inmate takes responsibility for his past and begins to change his ways.
Filming Locations
- Seoul Detention Center: The drama’s primary set, designed to realistically depict a functioning prison.
- Gyeonggi Province: Features scenes outside the prison, including family visits and Je Hyuk’s past life.
- Baseball stadiums in Korea: Used for flashbacks showcasing Je Hyuk’s career as a professional baseball player.
- Courtrooms in Seoul: For intense legal battles and courtroom drama scenes.
- Hospital settings: Represent Je Hyuk’s injuries and his interactions with the medical team, adding depth to the narrative.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Prison uniforms: Simple yet realistic, symbolizing the stripped-down lives of inmates and their equality within the system.
- Je Hyuk’s baseball attire: A reminder of his past glory and the stark contrast with his prison life.
- Dim lighting in cells: Creates an authentic and somber prison environment, emphasizing the confined setting.
- Bright flashbacks: Juxtapose the darkness of prison life with Je Hyuk’s vibrant career and personal moments.
- Detailed props: Items like letters, baseball memorabilia, and tools in workshops enhance the realism of the storyline.
Themes and Messages
- Resilience and adaptation: Explores how individuals adapt to difficult circumstances while maintaining their humanity.
- Friendship and trust: Highlights the importance of relationships in overcoming life’s hardships.
- Redemption and second chances: Many characters strive to better themselves despite their past mistakes.
- Social justice: Sheds light on issues like wrongful convictions and the treatment of prisoners.
- Humanizing inmates: Challenges stereotypes by portraying prisoners as complex individuals with backstories and emotions.
Interesting Facts
- Directed by Shin Won Ho: Known for the “Reply” series, Shin Won Ho’s expertise in character-driven storytelling shines here.
- Baseball star cameo: Real-life Korean baseball players make cameo appearances, adding authenticity to Je Hyuk’s career scenes.
- Critically acclaimed debut: This was Park Hae Soo’s breakthrough role, earning him widespread recognition.
- Inspired by true stories: The show incorporates real-life experiences of inmates to create an authentic narrative.
- Netflix popularity: “Prison Playbook” gained global recognition after being added to Netflix’s streaming library.
Awards
“Prison Playbook” has received several awards and nominations recognizing its excellence:
-
The Seoul Awards (2018):
- Best New Actor: Park Hae-soo
- Best Supporting Actor: Park Ho-san
-
Baeksang Arts Awards (2018):
- Best New Actor (TV): Park Hae-soo (Nomination)
-
Asian Television Awards (2018):
- Best Drama Series (Nomination)
These accolades highlight the series’ outstanding performances and storytelling.
Real-Life Loves on Set
In the South Korean drama “Prison Playbook,” real-life romances among the cast members have been reported. Park Hae-soo, who portrays the lead character Kim Je-hyuk, announced his marriage to his long-time girlfriend in 2019. His wife is a non-celebrity six years his junior, and they had been dating for a year prior to their wedding.
Additionally, Jung Kyung-ho, who plays Lee Joon-ho in the series, has been in a relationship with Choi Soo-young from the girl group Girls’ Generation since early 2013.










