Narco-Saints, a Criminal K-Drama in Suriname (Review)

Yoon Jong-Bin‘s first ever series as a project, Narco-Saints is K-Drama inspired from a real-life Korean drug lord in Suriname. Not your typical K-Drama, Narco-Saints delivered us a great storyline, stunning visuals and an ensemble cast.

Disclaimer: This post may contain SPOILERS since this is a review of the whole series.

Storyline of Narco-Saints

Kang In-Gu (played by Ha Jung-Woo) is an entrepreneur who venture in a business in a far-away country of Suriname. Overnight, his business was turned upside down when his goods (fish skates) were found with cocaine. Serving his time in a prison in Sint Maarten, a NIS agent Choi Chang-Ho (played by Park Hae-Soo) approached him for a secret operation.

Jeon Yo-Hwan (played by Hwang Jung-Min), turned out to be a Korean drug lord controlling the drug network in Suriname. Jeon Yo-Hwan is also the reason why Kang In-Gu’s goods got involved with cocaine. Now with no options left, Kang In-Gu decided to join hands with the NIS. He returned to Suriname again, but this time, to penetrate the drug cartel business.

Kang In-Gu also have to deal with a Chinese gang led by Cheng Zhen (played by Taiwanese actor Chang Chen). Plus Jeon Yo-Han’s henchmen, a smoking hot David Park (played by Yoo Yeon-Seok) and a tattooed Byun Ki-Tae (played by Jo Woo-Jin).

Personal Review of Narco-Saints

Unlike my experience with A Model Family, Narco-Saints is nothing but praises from me. With only 6-episodes, the show was able to solidify the foundation of the story with Kang In-Gu’s premise. The story developed with a good amount of balance between action, violence, greed for money and exposure of drugs. Even nudity is present for those who thinks it’s important and the series didn’t overdo it as well.

Kang In-Gu’s character development as he continues to risk his life for the operation is palpable and comprehensible. The constant bickering and push-and-pull relationship between Jeon Yo-Hwan and Cheng Zhen also paved way for the rising story arc.

Narco-Saints delivered the story with its concise and straight-forward storytelling. There’s no unnecessary scenes nor the K-Drama typical clichés as well. We even get a resolution although not grand, but it follows through the main goal of the characters.

Apart from the storyline, I loved the diversity of nationalities of the casts. I may get some wrong but I assumed (from watching) that the casts are Asian, Africans, Europeans and Latinas. Not many series nor even films can pull it off nicely like how Narco-Saints pulled it off.

Bonus Section: Dominican Republic as Suriname

Filmed in the Dominican Republic, Narco-Saints visuals are no joke either. The stunning landscapes of the Caribbean country as the show’s backdrop feels like I’m watching a Hollywood series.

While it would be nice if the show filmed in Suriname itself, we don’t know what’s behind the curtain so I’m happy with what we get.

K-Drama Rating

As a fan of drug cartel storylines and sucker of South American landscapes, this is totally my taste. The actors and the roles they played are top-notch and it gives a Hollywood material quality.

• Personal Rating Score: 9 out of 10
• Target Audience: Fans of Drug Cartel Storylines
• Will I recommend this: YES, YES, YES

A K-Drama in Suriname as a backdrop, Narco-Saints is a fresh take to push the status quo. It didn’t disappoint at any angle and it reminds me, I haven’t seen Narcos yet. Should I watch Narcos too?