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[HanCinema's Drama Preview] "Argon"

How does one find the truth in a world plagued by corruption, bad reporting, flimsy journalistic ethics and the distortion brought on by the need for speedy news and social media hype? Getting to the bottom of events is harder than ever in this day and age. "Argon" is the story of a group which fights against this.

Premise

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Kim Baek-jin (Kim Joo-hyuk) is an anchor who only accepts facts. Lee Yeon-hwa (Chun Woo-hee) is a contract worker who wants to be a reporter. The two are part of the investigative show "Argon". The show prevents the distortion of the truth like the element prevents oxidation.

The Worrying

Myeong-ho and CheolYeon-hwa and her photographer

Hint of Stereotypes

While this is by no means a romantic drama so far, I do worry a bit about the dynamics being conveyed through the promotional material. A bubbly and idealistic female lead being constantly yelled at by a prickly male lead is something which gets very old very fast and I hope that the series will not rely on bickering drama for attention grabbing.

Fact Over Drama

Aside from the bickering, the presence of Evil Rich Dudes™ is what worries me the most. "Falsify" is currently handling the same topic with main villains there to ruin everyone's day and champions of justice going up against specific corrupt rich individuals is a common theme in Korean drama. I hope "Argon" will try something new, rather than aim for easy drama.

The Reassuring

Geun-hwaBaek-jin

Great Cast

It is a good day in Dramaland when productions remember that acting carries a story and I will always celebrate a capable cast over random pretty and/or popular faces. The leads and the supporting cast of "Argon" have some solid names and plenty of seasoned persons involved. It is very nice not having to worry about the acting's delivery once in a while.

Short Duration

While the 85-minute listing for episode one scares me, "Argon" is still a short drama compared to most. At eight episodes, the series has enough room for a solid main story without the need for unnecessary padding, which unfortunately happens quite often in Korean series. I hope their time is used well, because this could be a fast-paced, thrilling and suspenseful show.

Closing Thoughts

I have chosen to cover "Argon" due to my current journey through "Falsify" and it seems like the topic of corruption in journalism is a timely one. At the same time, I know Korean drama jumps at trends while at the same time almost religiously adhering to old habits. I hope "Argon" will dare to be fresh.

"Argon" begins its run on September 4th and will air every Monday and Tuesday at 22:50, on tvN. It is directed by Lee Yoon-jeong, written Jeon Yeong-sin, Joo Won-gyoo and Sin Ha-eun and features Kim Joo-hyuk, Chun Woo-hee, Park Won-sang and Shin Hyun-been.

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Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'

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