Crime thrillers often explore the underbelly of corruption, addiction, and power struggles, but Connection takes it a step further with a deeply personal twist. At its core, this South Korean drama explores the devastating impact of drug addiction—both physical and psychological—when it becomes a weapon rather than a vice. With a gripping storyline, morally ambiguous characters, and a high-stakes battle against an elusive drug syndicate, Connection delivers an intense and suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on edge.
The story follows Jang Jae Gyeong, a ten-year veteran detective of Ahnhyeon's narcotics unit. His life takes a harrowing turn when he is forcibly injected with a mysterious new drug, an experience that erodes his body and mind despite his vehement denial of addiction. The very substance he has spent his career fighting against now courses through his veins, turning him into the very thing he once despised. This tragic irony propels the series into an emotional and action-packed investigation where Jae Gyeong must not only track down the perpetrator but also battle his own spiraling condition.
O Yun Jin, a reporter for the Ahnhyeon Economic Daily, has a past connection to Jae Gyeong, having known him since their high school days at Jeogang High. Upon returning to work after a month-long absence, she becomes an eyewitness to a shocking death—a woman succumbs to the very same drug right in front of her. Determined to uncover the truth, she follows the trail of the lethal substance, only to find herself entangled once more with Jae Gyeong. As they delve deeper, old wounds resurface, and their past friendship is put to the test in the face of deceit, crime, and the sinister underworld of narcotics trafficking.
The shadowy figures behind the drug’s circulation lead to an intricate web of power and corruption. Geumhyung Group’s vice-chairman, Won Jong Su, and Ahnhyeon’s prosecutor, Park Tae Jin, emerge as potential masterminds, their influence extending far beyond the law. With $50 million at stake, alliances are tested, betrayals unfold, and the boundary between justice and revenge becomes increasingly blurred. As Jae Gyeong and Yun Jin get closer to the truth, they must navigate a treacherous landscape where every revelation brings new dangers.
What makes Connection compelling is its exploration of the human psyche under duress. Jae Gyeong’s forced addiction is not just a plot device—it’s a haunting depiction of how quickly a life can unravel when control is taken away. His visceral struggle, his desperation palpable, and his need for retribution fuels the tension throughout the series. Yun Jin, on the other hand, provides a sharp contrast as she wields her journalistic instincts in the fight for truth, despite facing powerful adversaries who would rather keep the darkness buried.
With expertly crafted suspense, stellar performances, and a relentless pursuit of justice in the face of corruption, Connection is more than just another crime drama. It is a chilling reminder of the insidious reach of drugs and the harrowing consequences of power in the wrong hands. As the final showdown looms, the question remains: Who is truly in control, and who will ultimately prevail?
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times