‘Vigilante’ starring Nam Joo-hyuk, truly showed off the power of Korean OTT webtoon in Asia
The online video service (OTT) Disney+ series 'Vigilante', produced based on the webtoon of the same name by writer Gyu-sam Kim, has taken over the Asian market.
'Vigilante' captivated not only domestic but also global viewers. It became the most-watched series in November in eight Asia-Pacific regions and is receiving a warm response even after its conclusion.
11 in major Asia-Pacific regions such as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Not only was it ranked as the most-watched series in the month, but it also ranked first in viewing time in November in eight countries in the Asia-Pacific region. 'Vigilante', which was first released on the 8th of last month, proved its popularity by ranking first on various topical and viewing ranking platforms upon release. It seems to have fascinated viewers around the world with its diverse attractions and solid completion, such as intense character battles, cathartic development, and realistic action full of impact.
"Nam Joo-hyuk's 'Vigilante' remains popular globally even in the finale... Most Viewed in November"
The Disney+ original series 'Vigilante' drew a warm response globally even after its conclusion, becoming the most-watched series in November in eight Asia-Pacific regions. According to Disney+ on the 7th, 'Vigilante' ranked as the most-watched series in November not only in Korea but also in major Asia-Pacific regions such as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. This proved its worldwide topicality and popularity.
An action thriller where people with different goals face off fiercely. Even after the end of the show, the N-car driving craze continues thanks to the enthusiastic support and support of subscribers. 'Vigilante' proved its hot topic and popularity by ranking first on various 'topic' and 'viewing ranking' platforms upon its release on November 8. It has also received attention as a well-made series that should not be missed this year. This is because the work called 'Vigilante' increased the satisfaction of subscribers with a variety of attractions and solid completion, such as intense character battles, explosive cathartic development, and realistic action full of impact. This response went beyond Korea and gradually captured the hearts of global subscribers.
"What are the Nth viewing points of the Korean dark hero film ‘Vigilante’?"
1) Expansion of Korean dark heroes
'Vigilante' is a drama based on 'Vigilante', which means a vigilante group where individuals arm themselves to protect their safety. The main character, Kim Ji-yong (Nam Joo-hyuk), is enraged by the situation in which the perpetrator, who caused the death of his mother when he was young and was punished lightly, still does not reflect, and comes to judge him. Afterwards, he becomes a dark hero who finds criminals who have evaded the law and punishes them one by one. However, rather than punishing unconditionally, he creates his own justice, judging based on whether or not a person truly reflects and is remorseful.
2) Vigilante-police-media relationship
Vigilante, who leads the axis of the story, the head of the metropolitan investigation team, Jo Heon (Yoo Ji-tae), his follower and second-generation tycoon Jo Kang-ok (Lee Jun-hyuk), and broadcast reporter Choi Mi-ryeo (Kim So-jin). The exciting developments occurring in the tense triangle between the criminal, the police, and the media double the tension.
The intertwined relationships further increase the fun of the play. By chasing, admiring, reporting, and clearly setting goals for each character, subscribers are able to follow the perspectives of the four characters.
3) What is true law and justice?
'Vigilante', which throws up a heavy topic, asks whether the law and justice in our current society are truly correct. The reality is that the boundaries of the law are becoming blurred and people are losing trust in the law. Works based on personal sanctions have become a craze, and viewers have felt the thrill of watching dramas. In particular, despite judging all the great evils in the last episode, Kim Ji-yong's anger at the unchanging world made us look back on aspects of our society that still remain unchanged.
The Disney+ original series 'Vigilante', which has recently become a hot topic, is a work produced independently by Studio N, a subsidiary of Naver Webtoon, without a co-production company. Studio N has mostly presented works produced in collaboration with domestic production companies. This year, it is attracting attention in that it has improved its production capabilities by releasing a work that it has been producing in-house for several years. 'Vigilante', which is based on the webtoon of the same name, tells the story of Kim Ji-yong (Nam Joo-hyuk), who is a model police student who protects the law during the day, but who lives as a vigilante at night and personally judges criminals who have escaped the law. It is known that Studio N has been planning and producing movies and dramas since 2018, and it has received attention from fans of the original work as well as the industry. After its first release last November, it ranked first in the top 10 TV shows in four Asian countries, attracting the attention of global viewers, and the efforts of about five years have borne fruit.
[ARTICLE] '"Vigilante' was born because of the sad reality... I wish it didn't exist."
Director Choi Jeong-yeol, who directed this drama, said in an interview, "I thought that stories like this keep coming out because there are parts that the law cannot fill."
Director Choi continued, “I created the story with the idea that a person like this (Kim Ji-yong) would not exist in the world.”
As the director said, the main character, Jiyong Kim, at first glance appears to be a cheerful character condemning criminals, but personally, he is a person with a sad story.
Kim Ji-yong is frustrated that his mother died after being assaulted by a large man when he was young, but the perpetrator was sentenced to a light sentence of 3 years and 6 months in prison. The court sets a light sentence on the grounds that the perpetrator is remorseful and did not intend to kill.
In particular, unlike in the original work, scenes where Kim Ji-yong feels pleasure from beating up criminals are heavily featured, the drama emphasizes the fact that he is driven by his firm convictions.
Director Choi explained, "I somewhat toned down Kim Ji-yong's psychopathic side," and "Because he is a character whose beliefs are an important point, and I thought that should be highlighted."
Disney+'s original series 'Vigilante' is receiving rave reviews from fans around the world, making it a hot topic. Disney+ reported on the 4th that 'Vigilante' is attracting great attention as a Korean-style dark hero film that has captured the hearts of fans not only in Korea but around the world.
A solid story that keeps you on the edge of your seat even for a moment, characters delicately drawn with great performances from the actors, and even a new perspective on law and justice. All elements of 'Vigilante' enthused subscribers from around the world, once again proving the power of a well-made series.
A major British online media outlet said, “A clever production that will serve as an example for other superhero films. Following ‘Moving’ and ‘The Worst Evil’, Disney+ has proven to be the cradle of excellent Korean content” (Digital Spy), heaping praise.
With the enthusiastic response from global subscribers showing no signs of cooling down, expectations are high that 'Vigilante' will once again continue the K-content syndrome.
[ARTICLE] ‘Vigilante’ director: “The reason why Nam Joo-hyuk didn’t salute at the end, season 2…”
Some viewers expressed concern that the ending in which Kim Ji-yong was not arrested could rationalize personal revenge. Regarding this, director Choi Jeong-yeol said, "I was a little cautious, but I decided on an 8-part series and wanted to quickly make the work itself like a movie. I wanted to develop it by adding the theme that the webtoon wanted to convey at each ending. A lot of this content will be included in the 8-part series. I thought a lot about whether it would be possible. It was a long design process that may not be included in everything here, but it may feel that way if the next season comes out. The ending in which Jiyong does not salute after (Min) Seonwook (Lee Seungwoo) dies is included in the system. “You might think it was a rebellion against the government, but I also thought there were concerns about whether Vigilante activities should continue after Seon-wook’s death,” he explained.
When asked about the possibility of season 2, he replied, “(If we do season 2), we will have to give an ending to season 1. I think it would be good if Jiyong’s dilemma and worries were included.”
[ARTICLE] Regarding the reason for casting Nam Joo-hyuk as Kim Ji-yong's character based on the webtoon, director Choi Jeong-yeol said, "I also had a desire to see a new face of Vigilante in addition to the familiar image he had played so far. Considering that, I thought he was the most suitable person. Webtoon Kim Ji-yong is short, but I thought it came more from the inside rather than the outside appearance. So I didn't think, 'Is he too tall?'" he said. He continued, "Isn't Kim Ji-yong a character with a double side? In Police Academy, actor Nam Joo-hyuk was always good at this role, so I wanted to bring in the other side of it. I felt like actor Nam Joo-hyuk's deer-like eyes suddenly changed. I imagined what it would be like to have it, but the process of actually preparing, thinking about the character of Jiyong, and pulling it off was surprising and admirable. I learned boxing and went to action school for the work, and perhaps because I used to play basketball, I used my body very well. High-difficulty action. “There were a lot of challenges, but I enjoyed every moment while watching them silently practicing and putting it together,” he praised.
He also revealed the points he had to worry about when adapting the webtoon's Kim Ji-yong into a live-action version. Regarding Kim Ji-yong's psychopathic temperament being neutralized compared to the webtoon, director Choi Jeong-yeol said, "It is true that the psychopathic side was neutralized. I thought the character of Kim Ji-yong was a character who spoke about law and justice with his own beliefs, and that was the most important point." "I thought that it had more thematic character. I felt that the psychopathic part was also attractive, but I thought it would be better to cut it out in order to save the thematic aspects," he explained the reason.
How did Kim Ji-yong define and direct personal revenge? Director Choi Jeong-yeol said, "Actually, I think it was very complicated and subtle. Personally, I thought it was a sad thing. When I was making the series, I actually thought it was a sad thing that a character like this exists. There are parts that the law cannot fill, so stories like this don't exist. “I thought it was coming out. Basically, I think I made it with the hope that Kim Ji-yong would not exist in the world,” he said.
[ARTICLE] Director Choi Jeong-yeol “Nam Joo-hyuk was called ‘Vigilante’ in the military”
Director Choi Jeong-yeol praised Nam Joo-hyuk, who played Kim Ji-yong, the protagonist of 'Vigilante', saying, "The way he changed from his deer-like eyes to taking action was surprising and admirable."
In the play, Nam Joo Hyuk was well-received for completing refreshing actions with wide shoulders and long limbs. Director Choi said, “I often communicate with Joo-hyuk by phone or text, and I heard that he is called ‘Vigilante’ in the military. “I was proud for no reason,” he said. When asked about season 2, he said, “I wish I could do it as a director. However, he replied, “It’s not like I’m thinking alone, so I’m still cautious.”
7
"Sound tracks for 'Vigilante' from my first debut EP tracks released in August, this year"
🔗: https://open.spotify.com/album/3P3GWzQrSUBz2dazwKVxOv?si=q_kT8qhgRxCJ_FrZAnwN0A&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A3P3GWzQrSUBz2dazwKVxOv&nd=1&utm_medium=organic&product=open&%24full_url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Falbum%2F3P3GWzQrSUBz2dazwKVxOv%3Fsi%3Dq_kT8qhgRxCJ_FrZAnwN0A%26context%3Dspotify%253Aalbum%253A3P3GWzQrSUBz2dazwKVxOv&feature=organic&_branch_match_id=895688815287268226&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA82O2QrCMBBFvyZ9bLVREaFIVSoouC%2FgS0nTLTQmaZrY2q83FX3zA4SBGWbmHG6ulKgmjlMJrkj6tJEQNiWscKZC8lhj5XGRMAu4g1RTGmpJvbxDAPSBG5jqzvaXxvxuVohGuutwB5fXdi%2BP51nrxqit15dm%2BwAwqAiAizIsTuMyzw7NfBUG8uazetMz0hHmTCWNMi8fLXCH0P9IzfRb%2B46IKI0QLv44pgFZbJi%2BlSZIaZl4XGaIEfwCGoOfYYkBAAA%3D
The online video service (OTT) Disney+ series 'Vigilante', produced based on the webtoon of the same name by writer Gyu-sam Kim, has taken over the Asian market.
'Vigilante' captivated not only domestic but also global viewers. It became the most-watched series in November in eight Asia-Pacific regions and is receiving a warm response even after its conclusion.
11 in major Asia-Pacific regions such as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Not only was it ranked as the most-watched series in the month, but it also ranked first in viewing time in November in eight countries in the Asia-Pacific region. 'Vigilante', which was first released on the 8th of last month, proved its popularity by ranking first on various topical and viewing ranking platforms upon release. It seems to have fascinated viewers around the world with its diverse attractions and solid completion, such as intense character battles, cathartic development, and realistic action full of impact.
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/410/0000973042
The Disney+ original series 'Vigilante' drew a warm response globally even after its conclusion, becoming the most-watched series in November in eight Asia-Pacific regions. According to Disney+ on the 7th, 'Vigilante' ranked as the most-watched series in November not only in Korea but also in major Asia-Pacific regions such as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. This proved its worldwide topicality and popularity.
An action thriller where people with different goals face off fiercely. Even after the end of the show, the N-car driving craze continues thanks to the enthusiastic support and support of subscribers.
'Vigilante' proved its hot topic and popularity by ranking first on various 'topic' and 'viewing ranking' platforms upon its release on November 8. It has also received attention as a well-made series that should not be missed this year. This is because the work called 'Vigilante' increased the satisfaction of subscribers with a variety of attractions and solid completion, such as intense character battles, explosive cathartic development, and realistic action full of impact. This response went beyond Korea and gradually captured the hearts of global subscribers.
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/312/0000639859
1) Expansion of Korean dark heroes
'Vigilante' is a drama based on 'Vigilante', which means a vigilante group where individuals arm themselves to protect their safety. The main character, Kim Ji-yong (Nam Joo-hyuk), is enraged by the situation in which the perpetrator, who caused the death of his mother when he was young and was punished lightly, still does not reflect, and comes to judge him. Afterwards, he becomes a dark hero who finds criminals who have evaded the law and punishes them one by one. However, rather than punishing unconditionally, he creates his own justice, judging based on whether or not a person truly reflects and is remorseful.
2) Vigilante-police-media relationship
Vigilante, who leads the axis of the story, the head of the metropolitan investigation team, Jo Heon (Yoo Ji-tae), his follower and second-generation tycoon Jo Kang-ok (Lee Jun-hyuk), and broadcast reporter Choi Mi-ryeo (Kim So-jin). The exciting developments occurring in the tense triangle between the criminal, the police, and the media double the tension.
The intertwined relationships further increase the fun of the play. By chasing, admiring, reporting, and clearly setting goals for each character, subscribers are able to follow the perspectives of the four characters.
3) What is true law and justice?
'Vigilante', which throws up a heavy topic, asks whether the law and justice in our current society are truly correct. The reality is that the boundaries of the law are becoming blurred and people are losing trust in the law. Works based on personal sanctions have become a craze, and viewers have felt the thrill of watching dramas. In particular, despite judging all the great evils in the last episode, Kim Ji-yong's anger at the unchanging world made us look back on aspects of our society that still remain unchanged.
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/312/0000639550
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/011/0004270737
Director Choi Jeong-yeol, who directed this drama, said in an interview, "I thought that stories like this keep coming out because there are parts that the law cannot fill."
Director Choi continued, “I created the story with the idea that a person like this (Kim Ji-yong) would not exist in the world.”
As the director said, the main character, Jiyong Kim, at first glance appears to be a cheerful character condemning criminals, but personally, he is a person with a sad story.
Kim Ji-yong is frustrated that his mother died after being assaulted by a large man when he was young, but the perpetrator was sentenced to a light sentence of 3 years and 6 months in prison. The court sets a light sentence on the grounds that the perpetrator is remorseful and did not intend to kill.
In particular, unlike in the original work, scenes where Kim Ji-yong feels pleasure from beating up criminals are heavily featured, the drama emphasizes the fact that he is driven by his firm convictions.
Director Choi explained, "I somewhat toned down Kim Ji-yong's psychopathic side," and "Because he is a character whose beliefs are an important point, and I thought that should be highlighted."
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/001/0014370923
Disney+'s original series 'Vigilante' is receiving rave reviews from fans around the world, making it a hot topic. Disney+ reported on the 4th that 'Vigilante' is attracting great attention as a Korean-style dark hero film that has captured the hearts of fans not only in Korea but around the world.
A solid story that keeps you on the edge of your seat even for a moment, characters delicately drawn with great performances from the actors, and even a new perspective on law and justice. All elements of 'Vigilante' enthused subscribers from around the world, once again proving the power of a well-made series.
A major British online media outlet said, “A clever production that will serve as an example for other superhero films. Following ‘Moving’ and ‘The Worst Evil’, Disney+ has proven to be the cradle of excellent Korean content” (Digital Spy), heaping praise.
With the enthusiastic response from global subscribers showing no signs of cooling down, expectations are high that 'Vigilante' will once again continue the K-content syndrome.
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/ranking/article/144/0000929594
Some viewers expressed concern that the ending in which Kim Ji-yong was not arrested could rationalize personal revenge. Regarding this, director Choi Jeong-yeol said, "I was a little cautious, but I decided on an 8-part series and wanted to quickly make the work itself like a movie. I wanted to develop it by adding the theme that the webtoon wanted to convey at each ending. A lot of this content will be included in the 8-part series. I thought a lot about whether it would be possible. It was a long design process that may not be included in everything here, but it may feel that way if the next season comes out. The ending in which Jiyong does not salute after (Min) Seonwook (Lee Seungwoo) dies is included in the system. “You might think it was a rebellion against the government, but I also thought there were concerns about whether Vigilante activities should continue after Seon-wook’s death,” he explained.
When asked about the possibility of season 2, he replied, “(If we do season 2), we will have to give an ending to season 1. I think it would be good if Jiyong’s dilemma and worries were included.”
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/609/0000799505
He also revealed the points he had to worry about when adapting the webtoon's Kim Ji-yong into a live-action version. Regarding Kim Ji-yong's psychopathic temperament being neutralized compared to the webtoon, director Choi Jeong-yeol said, "It is true that the psychopathic side was neutralized. I thought the character of Kim Ji-yong was a character who spoke about law and justice with his own beliefs, and that was the most important point." "I thought that it had more thematic character. I felt that the psychopathic part was also attractive, but I thought it would be better to cut it out in order to save the thematic aspects," he explained the reason.
How did Kim Ji-yong define and direct personal revenge? Director Choi Jeong-yeol said, "Actually, I think it was very complicated and subtle. Personally, I thought it was a sad thing. When I was making the series, I actually thought it was a sad thing that a character like this exists. There are parts that the law cannot fill, so stories like this don't exist. “I thought it was coming out. Basically, I think I made it with the hope that Kim Ji-yong would not exist in the world,” he said.
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/609/0000799471
Director Choi Jeong-yeol praised Nam Joo-hyuk, who played Kim Ji-yong, the protagonist of 'Vigilante', saying, "The way he changed from his deer-like eyes to taking action was surprising and admirable."
In the play, Nam Joo Hyuk was well-received for completing refreshing actions with wide shoulders and long limbs. Director Choi said, “I often communicate with Joo-hyuk by phone or text, and I heard that he is called ‘Vigilante’ in the military. “I was proud for no reason,” he said. When asked about season 2, he said, “I wish I could do it as a director. However, he replied, “It’s not like I’m thinking alone, so I’m still cautious.”
Cr: https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/241/0003316826
📍1st - Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong
📍4th - Japan
📍9th - Turkey
Cr: https://flixpatrol.com/title/vigilante/