Song of the Bandits (TV Series 2023) Review

"Song of the Bandits" is a 2023 South Korean streaming TV show. It was released on Netflix on September 22, 2023.

“Song of the Bandits” is a 2023 South Korean streaming TV show that stars Kim Nam-gilSeohyunYoo Jae-myungLee Hyun-wook, and Lee Ho-jung. It was directed by Hwang Jun-hyeok and written by Han Jeong-hoon. It was released on Netflix on September 22, 2023.

Profile

DramaSong of the Bandits
Hangul도적: 칼의 소리
DirectorHwang Joon-Hyeok
WriterHan Jung-Hoon
NetworkNetflix
No of Episodes9
Release DateSeptember 22, 2023
Duration58 Minutes
LanguageKorean
CountrySouth Korea

Song of the Bandits (2023): Story

In the 1920s, when Japan occupied Korea and the Korean military and police were disbanded, along with other harsh measures following the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905, a lot of people from Joseon crossed the Tumen River to Gando, which was then part of China (Qing). 

Some did this to make money, while others formed good armies to fight for Korea’s independence. This story is about people who go to Gando, a place where there are no rules, and they work together to protect the Korean country. The story builds up to the Gando attack.

Song of the Bandits (2023): Cast

Main Characters:

1) Kim Nam-gil as Lee Yoon (Instagram)

Kim Nam-gil

Kim Nam-gil is a South Korean actor, writer, director, singer, and charity worker who was born in Seoul on March 13, 1980. 

Most people know him for his lead parts in the period drama “Portrait of a Beauty” (2008), the adventure film “The Pirates” (2014), the disaster movie “Pandora” (2016), the crime thriller “Memoir of a Murderer” (2017), and the crime-comedy TV show “The Fiery Priest” (2019). 

It was his part as Bidam in the hit TV drama “Queen Seondeok” that made him famous. Kim is also the founder and CEO of Gilstory, a non-profit group that works to protect cultural history, support the arts, and raise money for special needs relief. 


2) Seohyun as Nam Hee-shin (Instagram)

Seohyun

Seohyun is a singer, actress, and musician from South Korea. She was born on June 28, 1991, in Seoul. When she first joined the girl group Girls’ Generation in August 2007, she was a member. 

Later, she became the boss of the group’s subgroup Girls’ Generation-TTS. With her first extended play “Don’t Say No” coming out in 2017, Seohyun has put out a number of solo albums and songs. 

A few of the TV series she has been in are “Song of the Bandits” (2023)“Bad Thief, Good Thief” (2017), “Time” (2018), “Private Lives” (2020), “Jinxed at First” (2022), and “Song of the Bandits” (2023). People know Seohyun for her strong voice and her ability to sing in many languages. At the moment, Namoo Actors is her agent.


3) Yoo Jae-myung as Choi Chung-soo (Instagram)

Yoo Jae-myung

Yoo Jae-myung is a South Korean actor who was born in Busan on June 3, 1973. Beginning with “The Last Witness” in 2001, he has been in a number of famous dramas, including “Song of the Bandits” (2023)“Reply 1988” (2015), “Stranger” (2017), “Life” (2018), “Itaewon Class” (2020), and “Voice of Silence” (2020). 

One of the awards Yoo has won for his work is the Best Supporting Actor award at the 6th APAN Star Awards. He is known for being able to play a lot of different parts as an actor. He often balances roles that are meant to be artistic with roles that are meant to make money. Right now, SBD Entertainment and Ace Factory are working with Yoo.


4) Lee Hyun-wook as Lee Gwang-il (Instagram)

Lee Hyun-wook

Lee Hyun-wook is a South Korean actor who was born in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, on June 17, 1985. He first became interested in acting in middle school. He went on to finish from Anyang Arts High School and the Korea National University of Arts. 

Lee started out as an actor in short films. His first role on TV was in the action-thriller show “Three Days” (2014). His most well-known TV parts are in “Song of the Bandits” (2023)“Hell Is Other People” (2019), “Mine” (2021), and “Remarriage & Desires” (2022). 

There are also movies that Lee has been in, like “The Camel” (2008), “Thorn Hearted” (2010), and “The Out Boxer” (2011). In 2012, the 10th Asiana International Short Film Festival gave him the Face in Shorts Award. Lee is currently being coached by Management Air.


5) Lee Ho-jung as Eon Nyeon (Instagram)

Lee Ho-jung

Lee Ho-jung is an actress and model from South Korea. She was born on January 20, 1997, in South Korea. 

She is best known for her parts in the series “Song of the Bandits” (2023)“Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,” “Nevertheless,” “Let Me Introduce Her,” and “Night Light.” She has also been in movies like “The Battle of Jangsari,” “Midnight Runners,” and “Hostage: Missing Celebrity.” 

Lee was praised for her modeling skills, and even though she hasn’t been one for long, she’s already been in Vogue Korea, Elle Korea, and The. Lee is currently signed with YG KPlus.


Supporting Characters:

People around Lee Yoon

  • Lee Jae-gyun as Chorang-i
  • Kim Do-yoon as Kang San-gun
  • Cha Yeop as Geum-so
  • Cha Chung-hwa as Kim Seon-bok

Others Characters:

  • Kim Seol-jin as Kimura
  • Ko Kyu-pil as Han Tae-ju
  • Park Sang-won as Ishida
  • Han Gyu-won as Jang Ki-ryong
  • Kim Min as Jin-san

Why I Watch This Drama?

Here are some reasons why “Song of the Bandits” might be fun to watch:

  • “Song of the Bandits” is a historical tale about people who go to Gando, a place with no rules, and work together to keep Korea safe.
  • Kim Nam-gilSeohyun, and Yoo Jae-myung are just a few of the skilled people who are in the show.
  • The story of the show is interesting and gripping, and it’s mostly about the fight for Korea’s freedom and what happens afterward.
  • The characters in the show are well-rounded and complicated. Each one has their own story and reasons for doing what they do.
  • The philosophical and thought-provoking themes of the show explore ideas of right and wrong, morality, and the nature of human interactions.

I hope this helps you choose whether to watch “Song of the Bandits” or not!