Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Bad and Crazy, which delivers a wild ride of psychological drama, action sequences, and questions about justice and morality that will keep you glued to your screen from start to finish.
Bad and Crazy premiered on tvN and iQIYI on December 17, 2021, and aired every Friday and Saturday for 12 episodes with approximately 60 minutes each, concluding on January 28, 2022. The series is now available on multiple platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and iQIYI, making this psychological action thriller accessible to global audiences who crave complex narratives with moral ambiguity.
This isn’t your typical police procedural – Bad and Crazy dives deep into themes of dissociative identity disorder, corruption, and the thin line between justice and vigilantism. The show masterfully blends intense action sequences with psychological depth, creating a unique viewing experience that challenges viewers’ perceptions of right and wrong. What makes this series particularly compelling is how it explores the duality of human nature through its protagonist’s fractured psyche.
Soo Yeol’s Dark Transformation: From Corrupt Cop to Reluctant Hero
Lee Dong Wook plays Ryu Soo-yeol, a competent police officer of the drug squad who only has a high school education but proves highly ambitious. Initially, he’s morally compromised, willing to overlook corruption and injustice to secure his promotion. However, everything changes when he begins experiencing episodes involving a mysterious alter ego.
Lee Dong Wook delivers a tour de force performance, showcasing incredible range as he portrays both the calculating, self-serving detective and the chaos that ensues when his suppressed sense of justice emerges. His portrayal of a man grappling with his fractured identity is both compelling and unsettling, making viewers question whether they’re witnessing mental illness, supernatural intervention, or something entirely different.
Soo Yeol’s character development is masterfully crafted, showing his gradual shift from someone who compromises his values for personal gain to a person forced to confront the moral consequences of his choices. The transformation isn’t smooth or comfortable – it’s messy, violent, and psychologically intense.
K’s Chaotic Justice: The Righteous Madman
Wi Ha Joon plays K, described as a righteous but crazy person who appears to be Soo Yeol’s alter ego manifesting his suppressed conscience. K represents everything Soo Yeol has buried – moral conviction, righteous anger, and an unwavering commitment to justice regardless of personal cost.
Wi Ha Joon’s performance as K is electrifying and unpredictable. He brings an almost manic energy to the role, making K simultaneously inspiring and terrifying. The character serves as both ally and antagonist to Soo Yeol, forcing him to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and the corrupt system he’s been enabling.
The dynamic between Soo Yeol and K creates the series’ central tension. Their interactions blur the lines between internal dialogue and external conflict, keeping viewers constantly questioning what’s real and what’s psychological projection. This ambiguity is one of the show’s greatest strengths.
When Psychology Meets High-Stakes Action
The series reaches its peak intensity when Soo Yeol’s psychological crisis coincides with a major corruption case that threatens to destroy everything he’s worked for. The climax brilliantly weaves together personal psychological drama with external action, creating moments where viewers can’t distinguish between Soo Yeol’s internal battle and the physical confrontations happening around him.
These sequences are masterfully directed, using visual techniques that mirror the protagonist’s fractured mental state. The action becomes increasingly surreal and intense, reflecting Soo Yeol’s deteriorating grip on reality while simultaneously delivering the high-octane sequences action fans crave. The resolution forces viewers to question whether justice was truly served or if they’ve witnessed the complete psychological breakdown of a corrupt officer.
Success on Multiple Platforms
Bad and Crazy found success on iQIYI across 191 countries and later gained traction on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, demonstrating its global appeal. The series benefits from its shorter episode count compared to typical K-dramas, creating a more concentrated and intense viewing experience. The 12-episode format prevents the series from becoming longer than necessary, maintaining tight pacing throughout. Bad and Crazy has attracted viewers who appreciate psychological thrillers with complex moral questions, proving that Korean content continues to push creative boundaries in the thriller genre.
A Mind-Bending Experience You Can’t Miss
If you love psychological thrillers with moral complexity, Bad and Crazy is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This isn’t just entertainment – it’s a deep dive into the human psyche that questions the nature of justice, identity, and moral responsibility in ways that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Why This Psychological Thriller Deserves Your Attention
Positive Points:
- Outstanding dual performance by Lee Dong Wook showcasing incredible range and depth
- Wi Ha Joon’s electrifying portrayal of K brings manic energy and moral complexity
- Unique blend of psychological drama with high-stakes action sequences
- Shorter 12-episode format maintains tight pacing without unnecessary filler
- Thought-provoking exploration of justice, corruption, and mental health themes
Negative Points:
- Complex psychological elements might confuse viewers seeking straightforward narratives
- Some action sequences feel over-the-top compared to the psychological realism
- The ambiguous nature of K’s existence might frustrate viewers wanting clear answers
- Violence and psychological content may be too intense for sensitive viewers
- Secondary characters sometimes feel underdeveloped compared to the compelling leads
Bad and Crazy proves that the most dangerous battles are often fought within ourselves, making it essential viewing for anyone who appreciates intelligent, psychologically complex storytelling.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 12 episodes (completed)
- Platform: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, iQIYI
- Release Year: December 2021 – January 2022
- Current IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Action, Crime Drama
- Production Type: K-drama (Korean Drama)
- Status: Completed series
- Protagonists: Lee Dong Wook (Ryu Soo-yeol), Wi Ha Joon (K)
- Antagonist: Corrupt system and Soo-yeol’s own moral compromises