An incident from the past returns to haunt the wife of an ambitious politician which could falter his career. The series is very well acted as each episode exposes a new truth which leaves you wondering who are the good people and who are the bad. It all begins with a tragic incident involving their son and the plot goes on to twist and turn and draws you in. The side stories are interesting and the cast all do an excellent job as your initial opinion of some of the characters over time changes as their true nature is exposed. It is well written and I enjoyed the pace and the main character played by Kim Hyun Joo shows great strength as her life unravels.
20 Reviews
Deep Trauma of the
ljansen-876821 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
An excellent interpretation of the "Trolley Dilema".
The plus points are the incredible acting of the leads and the demonstration of an affectionate supportive long married couple.
The primary issues are sexual assault and the high prevalence of suicide in S. Korea. Bravo to the writers at this attempt to combine these two very disturbing topics. 1. The women (young girls usually) who have to live in an extremly conservative society that wants them "forget and move on" and 2. The families who are left behind after a loved one commits suicide.
Sadly the ending disolves into a messy whirlpool and characters that we were once rooting for are now questionable so thats just too confusing.
But still worth watching.
The plus points are the incredible acting of the leads and the demonstration of an affectionate supportive long married couple.
The primary issues are sexual assault and the high prevalence of suicide in S. Korea. Bravo to the writers at this attempt to combine these two very disturbing topics. 1. The women (young girls usually) who have to live in an extremly conservative society that wants them "forget and move on" and 2. The families who are left behind after a loved one commits suicide.
Sadly the ending disolves into a messy whirlpool and characters that we were once rooting for are now questionable so thats just too confusing.
But still worth watching.
Buck up Buttercup
Ro-atthemovies2 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The storytelling in Trolley is good. Most of the characters are well written. But two things killed my joy in the series: The male lead is quick to give in, take blame and apologize publicly without investigating, worrying more about his reputation than the truth. He is so busy trying to manipulate every situation, also accepting the blame of a man's suicide. I found this very frustrating. Get a backbone! The female lead drove me nuts. She can't kill anybody. She allows a family to put the blame of their son's suicide on her instead of on him where it belonged. She allows people to manipulate her, slander her, and wilts like a flower in hot heat anytime something happens due to guilt she's put on herself. Buck up buttercup! This is not a series I would sit through again.
Well-Acted, Well-Paced, at times frustrating but it delivers.
madhavgaur-0138811 January 2023
This show is one of the most intriguing I have come across in a very long time. Also proves why K-dramas are seen in such light.
The mysters is ever evolving, just when you think you've finally come to the bottom of a certain character's persona, something happens. Till episode 8th, the story has been very gripping with some new developments that shocked me to the core.
You just can never know someone well enough and this show is a testament to that. They depth in each character, the secrets they are hiding, and the their actions are such a tease.
One of my favourites. Definite recommend. If you dont like to wait for episodes airing every week, wait till it is released in full then binge it. Will be a much more satisfactory watch.
The mysters is ever evolving, just when you think you've finally come to the bottom of a certain character's persona, something happens. Till episode 8th, the story has been very gripping with some new developments that shocked me to the core.
You just can never know someone well enough and this show is a testament to that. They depth in each character, the secrets they are hiding, and the their actions are such a tease.
One of my favourites. Definite recommend. If you dont like to wait for episodes airing every week, wait till it is released in full then binge it. Will be a much more satisfactory watch.
The backbone is weak.
blueskyy_ng23 January 2023
The story telling is exceptionally good. They intertwine different parts of the story together very well, and also explores the two sides of every coin. However, the key concept behind the story was exceptional weak. It boils down to amending a particular law. No lawyers worth their salt, nor any sane persons would agree to whatever it was that this show was proposing or advocating. I just don't like it.
Fyi, if you charge a person with a crime, the accused must be alive to defend for himself/herself. If he dies during the 'investigation', he shouldn't be scapegoated into being the 'guilty' party.
Fyi, if you charge a person with a crime, the accused must be alive to defend for himself/herself. If he dies during the 'investigation', he shouldn't be scapegoated into being the 'guilty' party.
WOW drama
bonniath-139683 February 2023
Everything about this S Korean drama is top notch. The story moves along with no slow boring bits, actors are believable and really invested in their roles. Camera work is nothing spectacular, but then again, this isn't an art house film. Technically, 100% right.
The story, which is basically all a movie/series needs to keep the audience invested, is well written, with intelligent, believable conversations even while watching with subtitles.
I won't go into all the details of the two main families, but it's all twisted political intrigue, with flashback explanation helping carry the story.
Episode 12 - the last: Reality. I found myself shrieking at my TV. OMG NO!! That did not just happen!! Why, but hey, that's good TV. Worthy of the 12 hours you'll invest and the 9 stars I gave.
The story, which is basically all a movie/series needs to keep the audience invested, is well written, with intelligent, believable conversations even while watching with subtitles.
I won't go into all the details of the two main families, but it's all twisted political intrigue, with flashback explanation helping carry the story.
Episode 12 - the last: Reality. I found myself shrieking at my TV. OMG NO!! That did not just happen!! Why, but hey, that's good TV. Worthy of the 12 hours you'll invest and the 9 stars I gave.
The Truth is Never Wrong
PalmBeachG4 January 2024
The moral of the story is that the truth is never wrong and you can't trust a man!! Was curious to watch this drama after watching the SBS Award Shows for K-Dramas and K-Drama Actors that was just held live on December 29, 2023 (you can still view it in it's entirety on Viki), and this particular drama was up for many awards - mostly for the acting parts of supporting actors and actresses. I watch a lot of dramas and this one escaped me somehow so after seeing so many nominations and some wins I had to watch it. Actually I was disappointed in the drama as a whole, but I can definitely agree with the 2 supporting actresses (the 2 young ones) Choi Myung-bin and the older girl who was pregnant and living with the assemblyman and his wife as being recognized at the SBS Award ceremony for their excellent acting. The drama was introduced at the award ceremony as a drama for middle agers which kind of offended me because it was so slow going and overly calm..........what do they think about middle agers? They are too slow so let's make this in 1/2 time? I didn't like a lot about how the main FL handled the infidelity episode - so calm and reserved, no emotion from her whatsoever until only the sea scene. There was no surprises; you could guess the ending way from the beginning due to the theme of the drama and clues all along - I guess the middle agers must be too slow to get a real twist so there is no real surprises so rating a 7 but kudos to the award winning actresses.
Two episodes in and great expectations
Goldietwists6 January 2023
So far everything about this drama is just so gripping. I watched Park Hee-Soon in 'My Name' and absolutely loved him there (and the drama as a whole) he has not let me down in this drama either. I've only watched two episodes so far, the acting is fabulous, so much so that I actually don't know which actor to trust and believe are genuine. Can we also take a moment to appreciate the OST too. This drama is the first time I've come across Kim Hyun-joo, also great acting and I'm keen to find out what her secretive past is all about. All in all, if you like a drama that's a thriller, not too fast paced and definitely not too slow, showing a strong bond between husband and wife - this drama is for you!
Don't watch last 2 or 3 eps
abdelrahman-8954417 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Well it was a good series until the 15 ep
Then they decided to throw everything for a stupid reason that's wasn't even what the story was telling
...
Spoilers
Can't understand why they decided to turn Nam from a caring husband to the killer of his son then changed their mind he is the not the killer but he is a rapist that raped a much older and somehow ugly woman for no obvious reason
Then there's his wife Mrs Kim, her husband was supporting her from the point zero believing her in everything but she believes, support and trust anyone but him
Anyway wants to say that the acting pretty good from Mr Nam and his assistant Mrs Kim was good but the character was pretty flat I would recommend watching till ep 14 the last 2 are pretty bad and doesn't add anything to the story.
Then there's his wife Mrs Kim, her husband was supporting her from the point zero believing her in everything but she believes, support and trust anyone but him
Anyway wants to say that the acting pretty good from Mr Nam and his assistant Mrs Kim was good but the character was pretty flat I would recommend watching till ep 14 the last 2 are pretty bad and doesn't add anything to the story.
Great k-drama
cyqlty15 February 2023
This show has a gripping plot and credible storylines. Many classic k-drama elements have been seamlessly weaved in the story of this show.
Despite the change of an actress at the beginning, the cast has been well stocked with great actors and actresses. The performance of the cast has been all on point and powerful. Especially the lead actress, she deserves an award for her portrayal of the woman character. I have not heard of her before this drama but after this drama I found a recent movie of hers (Jung_E) on Netflix and enjoyed her performance in the movie too (maybe less than that in this drama but mainly because the movie's plot was less convincing).
Overall this drama is a must-see!!
Despite the change of an actress at the beginning, the cast has been well stocked with great actors and actresses. The performance of the cast has been all on point and powerful. Especially the lead actress, she deserves an award for her portrayal of the woman character. I have not heard of her before this drama but after this drama I found a recent movie of hers (Jung_E) on Netflix and enjoyed her performance in the movie too (maybe less than that in this drama but mainly because the movie's plot was less convincing).
Overall this drama is a must-see!!
A waste of a great cast in a unbelievable stretched weak story.
fadialanati11 July 2023
These coincidences that make people stay at the same hospital at the same time for the sake of a weak plot is just extremely bad!
When things start unfolding in episode 15 and 16, you wish that you haven't invested your time in a weak plot. From the very beginning, you can tell that there is something off about this show but you continue watching it hoping it will pick up at some stage. However, I quit watching it in episode 15 which is the one before the last episode. This show is a stigma to the korean drama. Netflix needs to classifiy this show as a korean comedy show instead of drama.
Finally, the absurdity in this show is next level and the writer of this show has zero respect to our intelligence.
When things start unfolding in episode 15 and 16, you wish that you haven't invested your time in a weak plot. From the very beginning, you can tell that there is something off about this show but you continue watching it hoping it will pick up at some stage. However, I quit watching it in episode 15 which is the one before the last episode. This show is a stigma to the korean drama. Netflix needs to classifiy this show as a korean comedy show instead of drama.
Finally, the absurdity in this show is next level and the writer of this show has zero respect to our intelligence.
A very Deep drama
welovehajiwon9 April 2023
This drama is SO powerful. Not easily understood by many. The whole drama is as per the title. Referring to the Trolley dilemma. Every decision in the drama was based on this dilemma. The majority of people, when given this problem would sacrifice the one to save the majority but this drama highlighted the moral issue of sacrificing the one to save the majority. Who are we to make that decision? Is the one sacrificed not worthy of any notice? The drama can be slow in some episodes but hits so hard at the end and leaves viewers thinking. Highly recommended for thinkers. Writer should receive an award.
Fine in every way
icalistri6 May 2023
I loved this story, every twist and turn of it. Wonderful writing, beautiful cinematography, and performances all around that knock your socks off. Where does Korea train all of their splendid actors? The woman playing Hye Joo is remarkable, with a performance so nuanced it breaks your heart. Themes of deception masked by earnest faces resonate, as do the explorations of people with initial good intentions losing their way in the thicket that is politics. Teenagers' passion, quests for what is true or real, play an important role in this drama, again handled exquisitely by the young actors. The treatment of sexual assault which motivates much of the action is raw and powerfully depicted. It's not "too much" as some might claim. Just ask anyone who has experienced this trauma, as have 38% of my friends and acquaintances and students. (And yes, when the ME TOO movement started, I took a random survey.) The casualness which the assaulters display about their actions falls in the "what's the big deal" category and is sickening. This is wonderful psychological thriller, carefully deliberate in pacing because these issues, and difficult, sometimes impossible, choices , require deliberation and a slower paced production.
Supposed to be a good one but NOT REALLY!
gclefjag15 February 2023
The story was supposed to be a good one but the decision of Ms. Kim was so below par only thinking of herself, the thoughts and sentiments of only 2 people and not her daughter and the rest of the society in general. I for one can't accept her decision, I find it selfish and not right. She could have moved forward of her choice when everything had been accomplished, thus even her daughter not suffering the harassment of her clasmates because of it. With that, everything could have been better for all concerned. It's a pity, it didn't materialized and the core of the story wasn't achieved. That's a pity.
Started off great but ended horribly
hmrmpbt6 April 2023
The show started off interesting with a valid plot. The end just made no sense at all. It felt like the writer changed his mind last minute with where the story was heading. This made those plot twists make zero sense and really disappointing to watch. Really disliked all characters by the end....except Woo-Jae. He was pretty consistent throughout the series and I enjoyed that he ended out to be the fixer and adviser he started out to be until the very end. Also, writer must've forgot they wrote Joon to live away from home but he kept appearing in the house toward the end seeing multiple interactions. Just made no sense.
Lost it's way
thevolution23 February 2023
It had such a strong start. Meandered a bit in the middle and collapsed underneath sloppy and lazy tropes and writing in the end. Revelations were in fact given away very early and never fully fleshed out. My wife and I both looked at each other at one point in episode 8 and said, wait. They aren't going this route are they?! I mean, there are 8 more episodes. Alas, we were dead on and it was, in fact, where they went and it was laughable and sad. Laughable because it was such soddy story telling, but sad because we loved the fek and the actors did such a great job. Seriously. Don't waste 16 hours of your life on this. Use your head in episode 1 and you can save yourself a lot of time. I won't give away spoilers, however. Politician/man = bad. That formula tried and try every single time in this. Every.
Absurd and unrealistic character development
fcam-8067522 February 2023
This tragic and depressing drama was barely watchable until episode 13. I continued watching, not because it was fun, but because I was curious how it would end. Suddenly, the major players' characters changed abruptly and unreasonably. The whole story line took a deep dive into the abyss. What a terrible and unrealistic plot! I felt defrauded by the writer. I give 3 stars because the actors and actresses do a good job, especially Kim Hyun Joo (who always delivers quality performances and is pleasant to watch). This drama is too long for what it is worth and should have ended in eight, not 16, episodes.
Really? Explain to me
athenaba8 February 2023
All this for a law that will allow continued investigations even after the accused/perpetrator dies? Really?
A person commits suicide, which by definition is their own doing and their decision, and person who the family suspects "pushed" them is a murderer? And the general public, as one, thinks this? Please explain to me.
These two make this series just too unrealistic to the point of being weird. But, OK, I can forgive that since it is a drama, but I can't forgive the plot twists and turns that just make this unsatisfying to watch. Where's the denouement?
Finally, I find the acting of the husband and wife to be too understated to be unconvincing. That "Yoon-seo is upstairs" just doesn't cut it.
A person commits suicide, which by definition is their own doing and their decision, and person who the family suspects "pushed" them is a murderer? And the general public, as one, thinks this? Please explain to me.
These two make this series just too unrealistic to the point of being weird. But, OK, I can forgive that since it is a drama, but I can't forgive the plot twists and turns that just make this unsatisfying to watch. Where's the denouement?
Finally, I find the acting of the husband and wife to be too understated to be unconvincing. That "Yoon-seo is upstairs" just doesn't cut it.
Not Good Enough
PennyReviews26 June 2023
Korean Drama " Trolley " is a political- family melodrama. It centers around a woman who appears to be the perfect wife and mother, but she hides secrets that are about to come out.
The drama starts out quite intensely, and keeps things that way for some episodes. However, it starts deteriorating soon after, with the rest of the drama being boring and full of tropes. The twists were predictable and the plot kept dragging for no reason. In the end, everything was too messy to be set right smoothly.
At least the performances were enjoyable, especially by the leading lady.
So, overall, three out of ten.
The drama starts out quite intensely, and keeps things that way for some episodes. However, it starts deteriorating soon after, with the rest of the drama being boring and full of tropes. The twists were predictable and the plot kept dragging for no reason. In the end, everything was too messy to be set right smoothly.
At least the performances were enjoyable, especially by the leading lady.
So, overall, three out of ten.
A Sketchy Tramway
Park_Min28 April 2024
They had a solid idea for a drama but they were totally clueless for how to fit it into a 16 episodes mold. The trolley dilemma was a poor idea to implement in the drama. They were afraid that the viewers may not notice so they went ahead to explain the trolley dilemma multiple times. The FL's kid was learning about it with visuals in school. Kinda insulting. Its finale execution of this analogy turned out to be disappointing and bland, especially after shoving it in our faces endlessly and having the drama named after it. Anyway, the drama was plagued by narrative and writing problems, especially with its horrible and dysfunctional characterization.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
