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[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Assembly" Episode 5

It is all about learning curves in episode 5 of "Assembly". As everyone settles into their new roles they discover that there really is no such thing as "settling" into a political office. It's a constant whirlwind of struggle that needs experience and finesse to get through.

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Experienced players of the political field like In-gyeong, Secretary General Baek, and Sang-pil's adversaries are skilled in the nuanced dealings of the National Assembly and all the politicking that goes with it. Sang-pil, on the other hand, believes that his staunch idealism and convictions will carry him to his goals much like he did when he was protesting with the Welder's Union. Gyoo-hwan is skeptical of Sang-pil's ability to succeed based upon his failure to follow through with the Welder's stroke, and Gyoo-hwan's personal thirst for revenge - but he isn't completely wrong. Sang-pil's idealism is juvenile. It is not that his goals aren't good and righteous; it is that he ignores the path to achieving them, which is to compromise and work with other people. Without help he cannot succeed. The majority rules in politics, and Sang-pil holds a majority of one.

The growing pains Sang-pil suffers are severe, especially when his right-hand woman, In-gyeong, becomes increasingly frustrated with his inability to listen to her expert advice and inability to think things through. The lack of perfection and character consistency makes Sang-pil both a realistic and an endearing character. He vacillates emotionally and his decisions follow. This is not a great way for a man in a position of power to conduct himself - Sang-pil needs to learn that. Similarly, Gyoo-hwan needs to learn the ways of politics. He has chosen the road to revenge, but he has forgotten that the role he stepped into is not just a tool for revenge: it actually affects the lives of other people and requires real work and realization. In-gyeong teaches both men about the world of politics she knows and loves.

While In-gyeong knows the inner workings of politics well, she has to settle into her new role as an aide rather than a politician. She has to learn to suffer the patronizing egos of others seated in higher chairs. She rounds off the trio of characters who have extreme learning curves.

Secretary General Baek, however, is not changing. In fact, he's become more steadfast in his belief that he should do anything to get what he wants. His niggling conscience lost to his greed. His story will undoubtedly focus on how he treads the darker path when he started just as optimistically as Sang-pil and In-gyeong.

Technically, this show is beautiful. Shots are framed cleverly and the lighting is as diverse as the characters. The only production aspect that fails is the music. Mozart's 40th Symphony is badly mangled in numerous ways and the dark music played for villains is laughable. But besides these, this show is well on its way to being genuinely good.

Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Assembly" is directed by Hwang In-hyeok, written by Jeong Hyeon-min, and features Jung Jae-young, Song Yoon-ah, Ok Taecyeon, and Jang Hyun-sung.

 

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