I didn't know what to name this review to bring together all of my feelings after finishing this series but I think the ultimate sacrifice says it all.

I picked up this series at random, it had been on my watchlist for a long time but for some reason I never got to it. After a series drought, seeing Jang Ki Yong in the cast, knowing that he is also in that of an upcoming thriller, I became curious.

I have to say that in a sense the story and execution is a bit clumsy, and surreal but so tragic.

The story revolves around Kim Soo Hyun, a young man who has been trained since childhood to kill by a hitman, prior to that, he has no memory of his past life and knows nothing beyond the fact that his biological father wanted him dead and that he was in an orphanage. We then follow Kim Soo Hyun on the road to discovering his past while he is guided by a mysterious client to kill powerful men who all seem linked by the management of the said orphanage years ago. After each murder, he receives a photo from his client which supposedly will help him discover who he is.

Do Hyun Jin is the other person we are acquainted with. She is a young woman who was adopted at a young age into a very rich and powerful family, and decided to become a police officer. She finds herself on the trail of Kim Soo Hyun when his serial killings become apparent.

The two of them also come to know each other randomly, and quickly discover that they are linked to the same orphanage, and even that they were childhood friends. Kim Soo Hyun is the infamous "number 88", a number that brings dread to the most powerful while sweet memories to Do Hyun Jin.

The story devolves into a web of connection between the past and present, the persecutors and victims. Kim Soo Hyun is not only trying to discover his past but to make right by his friends and those who continue to suffer under the yoke of the antagonists.

Kim Soo Hyun is a cold and quiet character, he never smiles, and he only speaks in a few words. It’s a great performance offered by Jang Ki Yong, because Kim Soo Hyun says very little but his looks and locked emotions say a lot. He can be the most caring guy in the world one moment and a cold killer the next. What I liked throughout this series was that I was virtually not afraid for him. He was very capable and intelligent, as he said, others may make mistakes, but not him, and in the end ; I can say that on his road to revenge he didn't make a mistake. I really like this character for what he brings.

The ending is more than tragic, but honestly I couldn't see him spending his life in prison, or even running. So I think the ultimate sacrifice he made for the children fits the character.

As for the other characters, I found myself having affection for them, especially Kang Seul Gi and Philip Ahn, who infiltrated my heart without me seeing it, they were annoying but endearing, a bit like siblings that we unwillingly to keep close but that we love regardless. I even warmed up to Do Hyun Jin who was quite obnoxious at first but turned out to be a nice addition.

I must say that one thing that the series succeeds in is the cruelty and realism of the unfolding of certain events and the fate of certain characters. Generally, in other series, when a character is in danger, they are somehow saved by the protagonist who miraculously arrives at the scene in time. Here, this is not the case. The protagonist is not omnipotent, he is not a superhero, and people including children are killed mercilessly because no one knew in time.

Despite the sweet moments and slow pace, this remains a fairly dark thriller overall that deals with tough subjects. I recommend the series without hesitation, entertaining and terrible at the same time, with a satisfactory in a sense.