Written by Kim Yoon-joo and Directed by Lee Jong-jae & Choi Young-soo

I was so impressed with Yang Se-jong’s outstanding acting skills in ‘Doona!’ that I felt compelled to delve into his other works. However, watching a 16-episode show solely for an actor’s performance might be a bit much if you’re not a fan of South Korean drama. I discuss this concept in the post ‘How Did I Get Addicted to South Korean Drama?’ I discovered that he won Best New Actor in Asia in 2018 for his work in ‘Temperature of Love.’ While winning awards isn’t the sole basis for evaluating an actor’s performance, as my son Leo says, it certainly raises a flag!

Duel has it all! A perfect blend of sci-fi, action, thriller, and mystery, and it excels in each of those categories. The narrative unfolds with one twist and turn after another, featuring outstanding car chases, shoot-outs, secret laboratories, human trafficking, and the inevitable presence of the mafia. Yang Se-Jong pulls double duty, portraying twins – one malicious and deadly, the other pure and innocent – and his face is quite mesmerizing in its ability to convey emotions. While it’s not a perfect drama, it delivers decently on its proposal. As mentioned, the performances are outstanding, beyond what I hoped for!

Credits: Studio Dragon