Assembly

Assembly is a gripping South Korean television drama that aired on the KBS network in 2015. This politicized drama was a change in course for the KBS network, garnering attention for its unique story, incredible performances, and razor-sharp commentary on societal issues. The show is about a common man who finds himself navigating the labyrinthine world of politics to enact change.

The series stars Jung Jae-young as Jin Sang-Pil, a blue-collar worker with minimal formal education who, through a set of circumstances, becomes a national assemblyman. In a twist of fate, he is led down a new path where he will transition from a manual laborer to a politician. This plot serves as a take on the age-old premise of an ordinary man impacted by extraordinary circumstances. However, Assembly stands apart by blending real-world sociopolitical issues with drama, subtly teaching its audience about the inner workings of the South Korean political system.

Jung Jae-young offers a compellingly raw performance as a relatable everyman thrust into a world of duplicity and manipulation. Sang-Pil is a staunchly moral entity who finds himself surrounded by corruption and greed at every turn. His strong performance serves as the series' driving force and is a testament to the power of determination in the face of adversity.

Song Yoon-A complements the cast in her role as Choi In-kyung, an ambitious, intelligent, and diligent legislative aide. She becomes a guiding light for Sang-Pil, helping him navigate the complexities of the Assembly. The synergy between these lead characters creates moments of heartfelt camaraderie adding depth and emotional resonance to the series. Taecyeon, the member of a popular K-pop band, also joins as an ambitious rookie political aide, adding appeal for younger viewers.

Assembly, written by Jung Hyun-Min, is centered around the South Korean political landscape. The show is notable for its realistic depiction of politics, intricately laying the groundwork of the political arena. It is a careful exploration of the bureaucracy, strategy, negotiation, and conflict that constitute the universe of politics. The series strikes a profound balance between serialization and procedural storytelling — each episode functioning as a reasonably self-contained narrative, while the overarching story progresses meticulously.

Despite being a political drama, Assembly is not limited to being a dry, policy-oriented series. It is laced with humor, suspense, and personal conflict. The personal and professional lives of its characters are deeply intertwined, making for engaging and unpredictable storytelling. These personal arcs serve as the backdrop against which the broader political narrative unfolds - often reflecting the larger societal issues discussed throughout the series.

The show's creators aimed to educate and inform about politics, all while entertaining and maintaining a thrilling narrative. It succeeds in this aim, turning the often perplexing world of politics into digestible, engrossing television. Behind the political intrigue and power struggles, Assembly is fundamentally about an average citizen striving to serve his country, making it a timely and relatable narrative, even for international audiences.

On a technical level, the series is a marvel of television production. With crisp cinematography, meticulous attention to detail, and seamless transition between diverse set pieces, every episode of Assembly is made to be visually appealing. The series also boasts a memorable soundtrack, using music to heighten the show's suspense and drama while remaining effectively atmospheric and subdued when needed.

Assembly is a powerful, relevant, and highly watchable drama. Its blending of compelling characters, engaging storyline, and underlying social commentary combine to form a gripping narrative tapestry. Whether you're a fan of political dramas or not, Assembly, with its human-centric narrative and compelling performances, is a viewer-friendly introduction to the genre.

Assembly serves as a testament to how the fusion of entertainment and education can make for compelling television. It's a compelling tale of resistance, resilience, and redemption, marking a unique offering in Korean Television. With its exceptional storytelling and stand-out performances, Assembly is an engaging journey into the heart of politics that is not to be missed.