Now that Voice has left everyone in dire need of some more murder, blood, and mystery, it’s time to move on to OCN’s next big drama starring Choi Jin Hyuk (I’m starting to think actors with the name Hyuk will be making waves with crime thrillers this year).
Tunnel will be a fusion drama about time travel, as Detective Park Gwong Ho (Choi Jin Hyuk) from the year 1986 is on the hunt for a serial killer. While on the chase he runs into a tunnel, reaching the other end he ends up in the year 2017 only to discover that the murderer is still at large, continuing with his ruthless kills. He’ll work with modern day detective, Kim Sun Jae (Yoon Hyun Min) and a Criminal Psychologist, Shin Jae Yi (Lee Yoo Young) to bring an end to a 30 year nightmare.
My immediate reaction when I read the synopsis was, “hello? Is this a Signal spinoff?” The time travel elements seem similar, although the Detective here does all the traveling himself. I’m interested to see what he’ll make of the present, especially in regards to the Police force. Technological changes, narrowing of fields with the introduction of Forensic Psychology, and the structured aspects of the Police force might make him feel like a small, lost fish. Of course this also means that the bad guys are more meticulous and cunning, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Voice, it’s that the “good guys” usually align themselves with the bad – human greed has only mushroomed into something toxic.
The drama will also star Cha Hak Yeon (N from VIXX). I’m glad he chose something intense as a crime thriller for a drama appearance and not the conventional rom-com since a lot of viewers don’t take such roles seriously anymore; it’s difficult for an idol actor to make a smooth transition, and crime shows garner more ‘acting credit.’ I just hope he does well along with the rest of the cast! Korean dramas should always consider crime thrillers as a genre to explore. Gimme more please!
Release Date: March 25, 2017 (Eng Sub available on DramaFever)
Rate your favorite k-dramas in 2017.
Wendy
Love yoon Hyun min kinda wish he was a lead… but it's okay I'm excited for this!!
Debra.J
From what I seen in teasers, he plays a huge role in the drama so he's a semi-lead? Totally agree with you tho! He deserve lead roles 🙂
Unknown
sorry, but tunnel isnt his 1st drama appearance. He appeared in Hotel King, Family is Coming, and Sassy Go Go 🙂 But it's right that this is his 1st time appearing in crime thriller drama. cant wait to see his acting
Debra.J
Thanks for clarifying that! 🙂 I'll have to re-word that. I almost completely forgot about Sassy Go Go and Hotel King.