Suspicious Partner is a romantic comedy thriller about a talented prosecutor (Ji Chang Wook) who suffered trauma in his past that gets mixed up with a judicial trainee (Nam Ji Hyun) who ends up wrongfully accused of murder. And if things aren’t complicated enough, they then have to deal with a serial killer coming after them.
Suspicious Partner is one of those really solid dramas that has a great story coupled with interesting characters played by a talented group of actors. It’s a nice mixture of genres with romantic comedy, mystery, and legal thriller elements. And I loved it!
Ji Chang Wook plays our prosecutor turned attorney Noh Ji Wook. I loved his character so much! He’s an awkward guy whose personality is a bit off putting. He’s bored with his life and frequently looks quite sad and lonely. But he’s a very honorable man who always seeks the truth and wants to help those around him.
Ji Chang Wook really brought Ji Wook to life with the awkward mannerisms and making the character very nuanced and layered. He conveyed what a good heart Ji Wook had and how much pain he was suffering from past trauma. What he was going through greatly affected him throughout the drama, and I really just wanted him to find peace and be happy.
Nam Ji Hyun is Eun Bong Hee, a judicial trainee who finds herself in the horrible position of being accused of murder. It ruins her career and leaves her in a difficult situation. But she is a hard worker with a bright personality and is always ready to give her all. I thought Nam Ji Hyun was perfect as she is just so endearing. Her smile lights up the room plus she can really deliver heartfelt emotions.
Choi Tae Joon plays Ji Eun Hyuk. He’s a long-time friend of Ji Wook’s, but the two have some bad history which creates a strain on their relationship. Choi Tae Joon really delighted me with this character. He’s such a fun and good hearted man.
But it made me sad that underneath all that, he suffered from a lot of pain and guilt because of what he had done to Ji Wook. After that, it was like he had made it his mission to be a good and supportive friend to Ji Wook which I found very moving.
Nara plays Ji Wook’s ex-girlfriend Cha Yoo Jung who is also a prosecutor. She betrayed Ji Wook by cheating on him years ago. It left her a bit cynical as well as still dealing with feelings for him. Her character was a bit difficult to connect with because of her somewhat cool personality, but she did grow on me.
And nothing beats a fantastic supporting cast. I loved the entire team of lawyers. Byun Yeong Hee (Lee Duk Hwa) and Noh Yeong Suk (Jo Seung Yeon) were both humorous and had a great rapport with Ji Wook, Bong Hee, and Eun Hyuk. To avoid spoilers, I won’t include a name or picture of the murderer, but he should be mentioned as he put forth a wonderful performance as the villain of the drama.
Overall, I just loved how the drama felt. It had this atmosphere that made me feel completely comfortable. It’s interesting because I’ve seen plenty of legal dramas and they are definitely not a genre I gravitate towards.
But as mentioned, this one had just that right combination of elements with a solid overarching story. I thoroughly enjoyed just going on the journey with the characters as they tried to overcome obstacles and find happiness.
I loved Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun’s interactions. They had such a great rapport between them. Their bickering was spot on as well as their awkward encounters. Then the romance gave me plenty of feels.
It was quite fun first getting to watch Bong Hee obsess over Ji Wook. I just felt for her so much. Of course, the timing is off between them, so we eventually get to see the reverse and watch Ji Wook awkwardly try to win her affections. And that was way too adorable!
They have a lot of difficult challenges to face on their road to happiness, but as they finally get on the same page, their wonderful chemistry only increased, and they had plenty of wonderful moments together.
The relationship dynamics between all of the characters was also very well done. We had the relationship between Ji Wook and Eun Hyuk that was strained but had some touching moments. Eun Hyuk and Bong Hee developed a nice supportive friendship. And Yoo Jung had complicated relationships with everyone in the group. It was all done so well.
Suspicious Partner was so enjoyable. The serial killer mystery was simple but well executed. It even included a few twists and explored some interesting psychological issues. The characters were so well done and really brought the drama to life. It was satisfying on so many levels, and I’m very sad to see it end.
My Rating: 8.5/10
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Kdrama Kisses 
I’m sad to see it end too… I really enjoyed this drama as well!!! And the “Making Films” of this drama are super cuuuuuute and fuuuuuny!!! But I’m kinda annoyed because I didn’t get to see most of the “Epilogues” >.<
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It was such a wonderful drama! I actually missed like the first 5 epilogues because I didn’t know they were there and had to go back and watch them when I found out, lol. I just started watching the making films today, and yes they are soooo cute! Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun are so adorable together. They are probably the most comfortable pairing I’ve seen 🙂
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I really agreeeee! I hope when Chang Wook finishes his military duties, both of them will have a new drama together 😀
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So do I , I hope to see both of then pairing in new drama after JCW finish his military job, too
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Oh me too! That would be so wonderful! Let’s all start wishing for it now 🙂
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Hi Kay,
I was wondering what you thought of this drama and just as I thought I agree with everything you have said. I loved this drama. I also cannot stand long procedural dramas or ones with unrelated cases for example but this drama was nothing like that and found all the cases lead back to the characters and the main story line. Yep loved all the side characters including the villain. He did such an awesome job. Overall I’m so happy with everything about this drama. Icing on the cake was Ji Chang Wook. I was a fan before the drama but like him even more now. He is such an awesome actor. He broke my heart when he cried when Mr Bang got hurt.
Glad to have found another fan for this drama. 😀
D
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Hi D! I’m glad you loved this drama too! It really sounds like we share similar feelings towards it 🙂 Everything about it was wonderful from the main characters, supporting characters, villain, actors, and the story line. And everything tied together beautifully.
I’m also a big Ji Chang Wook and always enjoy him. But I agree, he did so well with this character that I like him even more now too. I loved his awkwardness, his good heart, and he touched me when he got emotional. Suspicious Partner was just wonderful! 🙂
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We seem to have similar tastes and so I have just started to watch another drama which has a pretty high rating on your blog and not so much on another blog I follow. That drama is Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo. And I have just marathoned 8 episodes already. I was reluctant to start it because of bad reviews but so far so good. 😊
Only thing I have had a problem so far is the love line between IU and Kang Ha Neul’s character. I really do not like a person cheating on another in a couple.
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Yeah, Moon Lovers definitely received mixed opinions. But a lot of people really loved it, and I think it just comes down to whether it’s the type of drama people like. Of course, I loved it! I re-watched it just last month and loved it just as much the second time 🙂
The IU/Kang Ha Neul love line was diffiult for a lot of people too. I think that’s one of those things that you really just have to see in a historical context though. During that time period, it was very common to have multiple wives/concubines and wouldn’t carry the same stigma with it. But I do like that they still included that Hae Soo still didn’t want to come between her friend and her husband even if it was acceptable and that the concept of multiple wives is something that she just doesn’t like. So overall, I was pretty happy with how they handled it. It also made it easier that I was rooting for IU and Lee Joon Gi anyways, hehe 🙂
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That’s a good sign that you still like it even after watching it twice. 😊
Re IU/KHN – I don’t have a problem with multiple wives. Just don’t do cheating but you are right. They didn’t technically cheat and they were both careful. But after unni died though I’m rooting for them. I was rooting for IU/LJK initially but half way through and IU is still in love with another man. Not sure how it will turn around. I have to wait and see.
Thanks Kay – it’s good being able to discuss dramas we love. 😊
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Yeah, their relationship was a bit complicated. I guess I applied the multiple wives concept to them in that I viewed it more as she was a potential second wife rather than cheating. But it did have that awkward almost cheating feel since they both did feel guilty about the situation, especially her. Definitely complicated, lol.
I did actually like IU and Kang Ha Neul together too, but I’m a bit biased towards Lee Joon Gi since he’s my favorite actor. Plus, I liked that he was sort of the anti-hero type in this drama. I frequently root for the nice guy, but he was just such a tortured bad boy type that I was definitely rooting for him.
I hope you enjoy the second half of the drama as there is still lots to happen. Feel free to let me know how it goes for you. I love getting to talk about dramas too 🙂
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A beautiful review about my favorite drama!
thank you for sharing your feelings.
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Thank you so much 🙂 I understand why Suspicious Partner is your favorite. It was a truly moving and wonderful drama all around!
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I just finished watching and I am very satisfied. The chemistry was superb. The lawyers team scenes never fail to make me smile. So light and happy!. I can feel chemistry between the lead casts. Dong Ha is so good at being bad. Definitely worth my weekend’s time.
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Oh good! I’m glad this one worked out better for you 🙂 Definitely one of my favorites of the year. The legal aspects weren’t overwhelming and nicely balanced with the rom-com and thriller elements. And yes, I loved the team too! Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun had such chemistry. I watched a lot of behind the scenes stuff and they are super comfortable with each other and looked like they had a lot of fun. So much to love about Suspicious Partner 🙂
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Was about to start watching this and as usual had to come see what your review was first. Okay, off to watch now. Love your blog!
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Yay! I’m so glad you enjoy it, and thank you so much 🙂 I really hope you enjoy the drama too!
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Thanks for writing the review ! I thoroughly enjoyed the drama ! But can you please explain , Why did Eun huk and Cha said that nothing actually happened between them on that night ? If it were so , they should have told Ji wook that he misunderstood them. I didn’t actually get the point there .
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You’re welcome 🙂 It really was such a fantastic drama! I believe they chose to let him believe something happened because they had already been having an emotional affair and it would have likely turned to more, so they decided they had already wronged him. Things were already messed up between them. At least that’s how I took it.
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I think they could have handled the situation better . Biggest wrongdoer was Cha , who didn’t accept her fault and mishandled the situation , she avoided Wook after that , but later realised her fault when everything was over. Anyways , it’s just a fictional story .
Did you watch ‘Where stars land’ ? Didn’t yet start that, but i think it’s would be very good .
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Oh yes, I completely agree. The way they chose to handle it was not good at all. But people don’t always make the best decisions, as seen here, lol. I haven’t watched Where Stars Land yet, but I plan to start it in a couple weeks after I finish Terius Behind Me and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes 🙂
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Oh! I forgot. I seriously suggest you to try ‘where stars land’ . It’s a movie level production with some great storyline. It’s going to end on December 4 , so it would be easy for you to write a review if you finish it before that date.
Wish you a nice experience!
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Thank you for the recommendation! I do have it on my list, I believe with just 2 dramas ahead of it. I hope to finish around the time it ends though. Glad to hear your enjoying as it gets me more excited to see it! 🙂
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Okay so I finished this drama last week. And I watched this drama too late HAHA. When I saw your review last year I did not watch it because I read ’40 episodes’. I do not have time for dramas that long. But I am so disappointed in myself because this drama in actuality is just 20 episodes. HAHAHA.
Anyhow, very good drama. For some reason, I was able to finish this in one month. I normally cut the drama if I make too many breaks. This is what happened with Missing You. I loved it but then I made too many breaks and lost interest. I feel bad about that drama because it was so good. But luckily for Suspicious Partner, it is a rom-com so I was able to ‘get back in the mood’ even with all the breaks. A melodrama like Missing You is harder because I would lose all the anger and pain.
Since I watched this last week, I probably forgot a lot of things I would have wanted to say. But what I do remember is that this drama has A LOT of amazing side characters, relationships, storylines and dynamics. There was the best friend and ex love triangle, the 2 mothers’ love-hate relationship and the murderer and his first love. Those were very interesting side stories that I wanted to see more of. In fact, I even felt the pain of the murderer. This guy is in so much pain that he lost his humanity.
And that’s all I can remember HAHA. Very good drama. I agree with your 8.5.
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Glad you made it around to Suspicious Partner. It was such a good drama! Yeah, those new episode counts they started doing last year are hard to adjust too. Especially since the cable dramas still do hour long eps. You always have to double check the length now. Too complicated, lol
That’s too bad about Missing You. I know what you mean though. Melos are harder to take a break from and come back to. I’m like that with dramas in general which is why I prefer to watch one at a time in about a week. The week to week thing really takes me out of the story.
Suspicious Partner really did so many good things. I too loved the supporting characters and the dynamic between them and the main ones. Of course, Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun were wonderful. And I liked the love triangle. A side of murder always livens things up too, lol. Yay for the 8.5 from both of us! 🙂
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What books were read by Ji Wook?
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Sorry, it’s been a while since I’ve seen this drama. I don’t recall what books were read by Ji Wook.
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