Tell Me What You Saw

본대로 말하라 ‧ Drama ‧ 2020
Completed
Sweet0Girl
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 8, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 1.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Terrible

*****IF YOU DO NOT LIKE SPOILERS KEEP IT MOVING******

Absolutely, one of the worst police procedural dramas I have ever seen. I mean, I can suspend belief with the best but this poorly written, way over the top series was too much to bear! I had to give this rating a 1 star. Not even the cast was enough to make me change my rating. What should have been a stellar series is bogged down by way too many serial killers, way too many corrupt cops, way too many innocent people dying b/c the police are corrupt and/or too incompetent to do the job, way too many instances of Soo Young, the FL figuring out stuff after the fact.

They tried to make the 2nd FL a Billy badass type but the minute she's facing the killer she can't even shoot her gun, and yes, I get PTSD but she could shoot and miss FFS! There's a scene where she and Oh Hyun Jae, the ML are fighting THAT GUY and another killer comes in behind him and instead of yelling as soon as the guy walks in she scream after the killer is behind him and hits him in the damn head with a fire extinguisher. She gets stabbed and almost dies and I was pissed she didn't die. I'm holding a grudge b/c she is the reason Detective Yang died!!

What a waste of 16 hours. On to much better things I hope.

2/7/25

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Completed
Anais
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 31, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

Not bad but not good.

Well, I'm pretty mixed on this series and I might be one of the few people who think this way.

This is the story of Oh Hyun Jae who used to be a top criminal profiler, but one day an explosion, caused by a serial killer, ended the life of his fiancé. After the horrific incident, Oh Hyun Jae vanished and he now lives in seclusion. Meanwhile, Cha Soo Young is a police officer in the countryside. She has a special ability which allows her to remember exactly everything she sees. Due to her special ability, she is selected as a rookie detective who will partner with Oh Hyun Jae informally.

For starters, I think the show seems a bit all over the place with the story overall, like the script, the plots and sub-plots, too much estranged. Also, the killers have little light and they're pretty much cartoonish - the insane laughter, the grandiosity, the wish to be the best.
As for the "main" killer, I figured out who he was basically three or four episodes before he was revealed, honestly it wasn't hard and the twist wasn't there. But he was the most interesting character of the whole cast, because he was precise, calm and intelligent.
By the way, the killers aren't the only ones too theatrical, the character Oh Hyun Jae was too, too dramatic, emphasizing a lot on his "mystery", like over the top, really playing too much on the behavior, the intonations. Also his monologues which explained the whole situation were frankly cringe and moreover, it does not let the audience think.

Their superiors are self-centered jerks, really it's for the biggest surprise that the female lead, actress Cha Soo Young is the one who saves the drama, her character is relatable, she tries to do her best but doesn't get enough light, and I have found that her colleagues are also the nicest to watch and her relation to her father.

I really feel like overall this series was empty, very little realism, far too much fiction. I couldn't empathize with Oh Hyun Jae, even for his profiler character while I love profilers, also he made me feel like he was more a mentalist than a profiler. The story is based on this killer and the truth of the events that took place 5 years ago, but the show really lacks substance and flavor. As for the end, the epitome of cringiness.

A disappointment to be honest, because the actor who plays Oh Hyun Jae, Jang Hyuk was excellent in his role in Voice, so I expected a lot but he missed the boat. I really finished the series to finish it, but god it was slow, messy and boring, the bad acting of most of the actors really didn't help.

Afterwards, I'm sure that the series can appeal to others, it's quite pleasant to watch - overall - but personally, I haven't seen anything in particular that would make this series stand out.
So do I recommend ? I would say yes, some people will probably find this series fantastic to discover and I think it can fill the time if you are bored, but hey, it's not a masterpiece or a chef d'oeuvre, I have seen a lot better in terms of thrillers produced by South Korea.

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Ongoing 10/16
KdRama_addict21
6 people found this review helpful
Mar 3, 2020
10 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
This series is so far the most exciting series i saw from any kdrama so far.. I haven't skipped any episodes.
I hope writers would maintain the goodness in every episodes, the unique patterns of every crimes, the different strategies the profiler shows.
I usually skip episodes on kdramas everytime it gets boring..but this one. I never get to skip one., I'm looking forward to the upcoming episodes actually...
i hope this would be shown on netflix so it gets more viewers.. This one deserves a spot.
It's actually my first time to see Choi Soo young, and her acting needs improvement. but overall it's good (the story).
I often watch jang Hyuk's series and it's the reason why i stumbled to this one.
The story is about a young detective who has photographic memory and a top criminal profiler who joined forces
to solve crimes.

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Completed
vampbunny
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 23, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
this show was my very first kdrama and it was amazing. the twists and turns had me so shocked and the acting is unbelievable. i laughed, i cried, i got angry, it was the best show. the characters were all so likable in their own ways and just so badass. i loved the relationships they all had with each other. if you are looking for a show that has a super good story, with amazing twists you never see coming i would def watch this one. there is a lot of violence and gore, but it is easy to get past.
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Completed
XS33
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 7, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.0

Quite an awesome thriller

LIKE

What the Peppermint Killer did to Man Soo and Soo Young's reaction after that - that scene my god

When Hwa Young visited Man Soo - that scene I watched the BTS as well oh my

DISLIKE

Nothing to complain about

MUSIC - personal fav

Be Coloured - Kim Yu Na

REWATCH VALUE

Five for now
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Completed
PALITZ
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 27, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

What I saw is worth-telling :)

The very reason I watched this drama was that I am a fan of Girls' Generation. As I watch every episode, that's when I started to appreciate the wholeness of it. And as a person who is not into Rom-coms, this is something I can definitely suggest to the other viewers with the same taste of genre as mine.

The first episode gives you a recall after watching it and excitement to watch the next. The visual effect and sound effects/sound design were all matched to perfection. The OST peaks just in time for the dramatic scene which was also good.

*You'll know what I'm talking about once you start watching this. :)

What really got me hooked on this is the fast pacing of events. You won't feel bored waiting for the next climax of an episode. Another good point of this drama is when it included a few more different stories/cases in between the real case that they are focused on. The mystery of different characters and scenes/events were all revealed rightfully.

Nothing is perfect but giving this drama a rate of 9.5 is fair enough for you to watch this.

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Completed
Creed
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 18, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Tell Me What You Saw – A Thriller That Keeps You on the Edge

Even though I enjoy writing reviews and do it quite often, especially on platforms where I watch series, Korean thriller dramas with mystery and crime have always been a challenge for me. The reason is simple: I’ve watched so many, including really good ones, that it’s hard to condense my thoughts and appreciation into a single review.
Recently, I finished the series Tell Me What You Saw, a show that doesn’t just involve mystery but also a continuous battle for revenge and uncovering the truth — all under the pressure of a ticking clock, because at any moment, things can change and a new victim might appear.
The story itself is simple in concept. A highly skilled criminal profiler, Oh (played by Jang Hyuk), suddenly disappears after his partner becomes the victim of a serial killer. His disappearance raises many questions. Years later, when a new murder occurs with elements reminiscent of the past, things become complicated — especially when yet another victim appears.
Under these circumstances, Oh teams up with SooYoung (played by Jin SoeYun), a provincial police officer with an incredible ability to remember every detail of what she sees. In his highly secure hideout, Oh has a clear mission: to find the killer and seek revenge. SooYoung’s goal is to find out who ordered the murder of Oh’s partner. As the murders continue, they capture a supposed criinal, but he turns out to be innocent. Another crime occurs, the timeline shifts, and everything seems uncertain.
Despite this chaos, SooYoung and Oh manage to investigate the “Peppermint Killer,” the same serial killer responsible for Oh’s partner’s death. Their story is complex, because while the focus is often on the relationship between Oh and SooYoung — and on how Oh tries to train her to become a brilliant profiler — the team leader, Hwang (Choi), frequently steps in, aiming to ensure everything is done perfectly.
The series emphasizes that everyone has a secret. Oh’s secret is his desire for revenge against the person who ordered his partner’s death. SooYoung wants revenge for her mother, who was killed in her childhood and whose case was never properly investigated. Hwang wants revenge against the person who kidnapped her, likely still free. The victims of this trio are often people within their own investigative team, as these individuals have been working together to uncover the truth while keeping secrets of their own.
Across the 16 episodes, tension remains at its peak. With every new crime and every suspect, the story becomes increasingly intricate. Around episode 8, I found myself wondering if the person who killed SooYoung’s mother in a hit-and-run years ago could be the same criminal who later murdered Oh’s partner. When it was revealed that Hwang had also been kidnapped, I speculated whether these three cases were linked by a single perpetrator.
I must emphasize how much I appreciated the attention given to each case. Every crime was carefully explored, even as Chief Choi tried to interfere, as the police where SooYoung worked doubted her, or as the commissioner attempted to hide evidence to avoid scrutiny. Overall, the narrative was perfectly balanced.
This series is not for everyone — it is exceptionally strong in its genre. It places a heavy focus on investigation, on the common patterns in serial crimes, and on the flaws in the system where the police sometimes conceal evidence. Watching it reminds you of the real-life cases that remain unsolved because authorities fail to act.
The actors were outstanding. Jang Hyuk, as Oh, was superb — mysterious, unpredictable, and convincing. You never knew what he truly thought, and SooYoung herself often couldn’t tell if what she saw was completely accurate. His character was spontaneous and engaging.
Choi SooYoung, as the police officer SooYoung, delivered a challenging performance. Beyond her striking appearance, she portrayed a strong, intelligent woman navigating the delicate balance between her mentor, Oh, and the team leader, Hwang. She carried her role with innocence, subtle confusion, and facial expressions that conveyed emotion without dialogue.
Jin SooYun’s portrayal added even more depth. Her character is a strong, decisive leader of the investigative team, with a clear mission and a commanding presence. She brought strength and authenticity to the story.
The casting choices were excellent. The main roles were demanding and complex, but the team successfully matched the right actors to the right characters. The chemistry between the skilled actors and the story’s tone — with dark, gray, and deep blue landscapes — heightened the tension and atmosphere, immersing viewers fully in the series.

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Completed
Alwayswithgyu
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 26, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.5

Excellent Thriller & Suspense Crime Drama!!

Very interesting mystery, thriller, crime, and suspense drama!! I really liked how the cases and information presented at the beginning were related and connected to the big reveal in the later episodes. Some of the cases were also very intriguing and kept me watching. Although some moments were slower than others, the story was written very well and it also had excellent acting from all of the cast members, especially the serial killer revealed! The chemistry between them all (specifically the investigative team) was also very strong. There was also an unexpected touching moment which just made me so sad. So glad that I gave this drama a try! AND FABULOUS OST!!! Definitely would recommend it!
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Things I liked:
1. Incredible acting from every cast member!
2. Great script and storyline development throughout the drama- Loved how cases and details connected and entwined to the big reveal at the later episodes
3. OST!
4. Cast's chemistry!

Things I did not like:
1. Only one thing- some parts were slower because it needed to introduce more details, but the story picks up its pace with each episode

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Completed
dusktildawn
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 20, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
Another pyschological crime thriller that entertained me.
Oh Hyun Jae is a top profiler who has solved a lot of cases for the bureau during his time. He has the wits and the skills to get into the mind of a serial killer. This helps him solve a lot of tricky cases. He lost his fiancée to a serial killer and left the scene quietly and for good. Here comes, Cha Soo Young a small town detective who has the ability to remember everything she sees. Thus, the story starts when someone who had the modus of the killer OHJ has been chasing suddenly appears. They work together in order to get the peace they deserve.

The cast is great, the twist after twist is awesome but I don't understand why this drama is underrated. This deserves the love.

I know that Jang Hyuk is incredible as expected but let me just say that Soo Young is a revelation here. I have always favored her and Taeyeon in SNSD before and I knew that she was getting acting roles here and there but this was the first time I really saw her act. I was surprised and I became a fan of her as an actress. I hope she would be given more dramas because she has the potential.

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Completed
PHope
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 30, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
" Tell me what you saw " had its flaws, but, overall, it was solid.

The drama had some interesting cases to present. Especially the first ones were pretty emotional and intense. The main case was also unexpected and had a nice mystery. The characters, as well, were explored in-depth and had strong personalities. The performances were perfect, as expected, but especially the leading lady was a delight. Finally, the atmosphere of the drama was perfect, with enough gore and action to keep things interesting, and a dark mood that feated the story well.

However, the drama had some problems with the execution and the plot. The main plot line was useless after the first episodes and there were some idiotic plot twists that didn't make sense and didn't suit the drama.

But, overall, it was enjoyable, so seven out of ten.

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Completed
KDramaLad
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 24, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

Slow but good

I'm a big fan of crime dramas - and this drama definitely hit the spot.

Well developed characters, solid storyline, good casting/acting and lines. I really dislike it when things just 'fall into place' in KDramas. It feels like the writers just got lazy - thankfully this isn't the case for this drama. On the flip side, because the plot is rounded and detailed, it can feel a bit slow at times. Lots of twists and turns that kept me eager to see what happened next.

Jang Hyuk with the all-rounded acting, The man is a consistent top actor and performer. Soo Young also did a great job portraying an unsure yet very capable policewoman. The supporting cast were all solid too.

One of the better dramas I've watched this year.

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Completed
VIRGO497
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 7, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A great watch

This was such a great drama. Well-acted by all.
I just had issues with the female actors. The Team Leader was strong, decisive and brave - until she came face to face with her abductor. Then she became such a weakling and literally a blithering coward. Yes trauma does things to people, but one part she's badass and all brave to catch him, and then when she sees him, she literally becomes 6 years old and a trembling victim.

Why didn't the directors maintain that brave attitude when she confronted him and fight to the end? I had issues with that. She literally became a statue and let him come to her and make her a victim again, without even fighting. That was such a letdown. She's all talk when she doesn't see him and literally useless when he's in front of her.

The second lead actress always got herself into trouble and had Zero fighting skills. How stupid for a police officer! Both of them rushing to do things by themselves and not asking for assistance and then crap happens. Everytime. And then they cry! Why? You got the fellow cop killed because of your secrets.

So annoying. But a great drama . The serial killers were so good and everything was so realistic. ALL IN ALL, GREAT ACTING.

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Tell Me What You Saw poster

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  • Score: 8.3 (scored by 9,828 users)
  • Ranked: #1334
  • Popularity: #1090
  • Watchers: 24,521

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