Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama One Ordinary Day, which completely blew my mind with its intense psychological storytelling and incredible performances.
One Ordinary Day premiered in November 2021 with 8 episodes averaging 70 minutes each, exclusively on Netflix in most regions. This Korean crime thriller takes viewers on a dark journey through the complexities of the justice system and human nature. The series masterfully blends elements of legal drama, psychological thriller, and social commentary, creating an atmosphere that keeps you questioning everything until the very last minute.
The show explores themes of guilt, innocence, and the thin line between right and wrong, delivering a narrative that feels both intimate and universally relevant. With its noir-like cinematography and stellar performances, One Ordinary Day stands out as one of the most gripping crime dramas to hit Netflix in recent years.
## A Night That Changes Everything Forever
Kim Hyun-soo, an ordinary college student, experiences what should be a typical night out that spirals into his worst nightmare. After meeting a woman at a bar and spending the night together, he wakes up to find her dead beside him with no memory of what happened. The story unfolds as Hyun-soo becomes the prime suspect in a murder case that threatens to destroy his entire life.
One Ordinary Day doesn’t rely on flashy plot twists or over-the-top drama. Instead, it builds tension through realistic portrayals of police investigations, media scrutiny, and the psychological toll of being accused of a crime you may or may not have committed. The series excels at showing how quickly an ordinary person’s life can unravel when caught in the gears of the justice system.
Kim Hyun-soo: From Innocent Student to Desperate Survivor
Kim Soo-hyun delivers a powerhouse performance as Hyun-soo, transforming from a naive college student into someone fighting for his very survival. His character arc is both heartbreaking and fascinating to watch, as we see him navigate the psychological pressure of imprisonment, interrogation, and public judgment.
What makes Hyun-soo compelling isn’t his heroism or likability, but his raw humanity. He makes mistakes, shows weakness, and sometimes behaves in ways that make viewers question his innocence. This moral ambiguity is what elevates One Ordinary Day above typical crime dramas, forcing audiences to confront their own assumptions about guilt and innocence.
Shin Joong-han: The Cynical Lawyer’s Reluctant Crusade
Cha Seung-won brings depth and complexity to defense attorney Shin Joong-han, a morally ambiguous lawyer who initially sees Hyun-soo’s case as just another paycheck. However, as the story progresses, Joong-han becomes genuinely invested in proving his client’s innocence, even when the evidence seems stacked against them.
The chemistry between lawyer and client isn’t built on trust or friendship, but on mutual need and growing respect. Their relationship evolves naturally throughout the series, with both characters challenging each other’s perspectives and forcing personal growth that feels authentic rather than forced.
When Truth Becomes the Ultimate Weapon
The series reaches its emotional peak when long-buried secrets surface and the real killer’s identity begins to emerge. One Ordinary Day saves its most devastating revelations for the final episodes, where the psychological games between characters reach fever pitch. The climax doesn’t rely on action sequences or dramatic confrontations, but on the power of truth and the weight of moral choices.
What makes this climax particularly effective is how it forces viewers to reconsider everything they thought they knew about the case. The series plants seeds of doubt throughout its runtime, making the final revelations feel both shocking and inevitable.
Success on Netflix
One Ordinary Day has garnered critical acclaim on Netflix for its sophisticated storytelling and exceptional performances from its lead actors. The series’ 8-episode format allows for tight pacing without unnecessary filler, keeping viewers engaged throughout its runtime. International audiences have praised the show’s realistic portrayal of the Korean legal system and its unflinching examination of media influence on criminal cases, making One Ordinary Day a standout entry in Netflix’s Korean content library.
Perfect Crime Drama for Thriller Enthusiasts
If you love psychological thrillers and morally complex characters, One Ordinary Day is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This isn’t your typical crime drama with clear heroes and villains, but a nuanced exploration of justice, truth, and human nature that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
Why This Drama Deserves Your Attention
One Ordinary Day proves that sometimes the most ordinary circumstances can lead to the most extraordinary drama, delivering a masterclass in tension-building and character development that makes it essential viewing for any serious drama fan.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 8
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2021
Current IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Genre: Crime Thriller, Legal Drama, Psychological Thriller
Status: Completed series
Protagonists: Kim Soo-hyun (Kim Hyun-soo), Cha Seung-won (Shin Joong-han)
Antagonist: The justice system and societal prejudice (with a hidden human antagonist revealed later)