REVIEW: ‘Uncle Samsik’ Wastes No Time Amidst Whiplash Political Intrigue

Park Doo-chil, aka Uncle Samsik (Song Kang-ho), is at the heart of everything in Hulu’s latest Kdrama political drama. It’s abundantly clear in the first few episodes that this master fixer has his fingers in all the pies in this struggling country. In a slick and fast-paced set series that wastes no time throwing its audience into the various political machinations, the steadfast anchor all of us can defer to is Samsik. The only one who may be able to nudge this anchor out of the way? Kim San (Byun Yo-han), the young blood bringing American ideals into Korean politics.

Written and directed by Shin Yeon-shick (Cobweb, Cassiopeia), Uncle Samsik starts in media res at an undisclosed military location in South Korea. It is here that Kim San finds himself pulled into questioning for an unknown reason. Over the course of the series’ initial episodes, Yeon-shick peels back the layers of the enigma that is the titular character. Through the lens of the idealistic Kim San, we learn quickly how this strange social influencer integrates himself into people’s lives.

The first thing that must be displayed is the character’s proficiency and reach. Going back briefly in time to 1959, Yeon-shick sets the scene for the audience. Even for those unfamiliar with the time period, investment in both the subtle and unsubtle details paints a picture of why corruption was rife during the time period—the period after the Korean War teemed with corruption, with sluggish economic growth bringing the country down further. Power figures like Doo-chil easily made their careers in this environment.

In his first drama-series role, Song Kang-ho infuses Doo-chil/Samsik with an ease and charisma that activates within the presence of others. Arguably, he turns into Uncle Samsik when in the presence of those he needs to manipulate. While still a mystery early on in Uncle Samsik, it becomes clear that this man is not the one to mess with. He can read others like the back of his hand, giving him the ability to not only survive but overcome any obstacle that comes his way. However, based on Uncle Samsik Episodes 1-2, what comes up must come down.

The orchestrator of his demise? It’s difficult to say, but all signs so far point to Kim San. In a government that is averse to anything even remotely connected to Communism, San’s point of view is frowned upon. He is an idealist hoping to do everything he can to enrich the economy and make South Korea flourish. His relationship with potential political candidate Joo In-tae (Oh Kwang-rok) and his daughter, Joo Yeo-jin (Jin Ki-joo), puts a target on his back.

Uncle Samsik plays to the idealist.

But it is Kim San’s very optimism that attracts Doo-chil/Uncle Samsik. It is his ideals that pave the way for his goals. As Uncle Samsik, his intentions are to make Kim San see that they can have a future together. That the partnership can be mutually beneficial. However, there’s always a catch when working with the mastermind. Whether one is a politician, a gang member, or a civilian, if Uncle Samsik takes care of you, you must take care of him.

As the idealist Kim San, Byun Yo-han delivers the young economist with unbridled passion and a dash of weariness. This is a young man who has known to suffer, who has felt the bitter taste of starvation and who has seen what Korea can be if the economic investment is the focus. Kim San is the man that, perhaps, Doo-chil was before in his youth. Whether or not this idealism survives the older, more powerful man’s influence remains to be seen.

It takes time to acclimate to the characters in the series early on, in part due to how quickly everything flows. While the speed is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly in Kdramas, quick transitions between varying perspectives in the first episode force its audience to sprint along to catch up. The dizzying array of characters and respective groups are many, but once you’re caught up to speed, it is clear to see how intelligent Samsik is but also the precarious scenario he’s placed himself in.

Yeon-shick has given himself the daunting task of capturing the corruption and sludge of this particular time in Korean history. A country struggling to unbury itself from the brutal aftermath of the War and not having to rely on foreign aid is the perfect recipe for the kind of characters that occupy this world he’s creating. Through his direction, Song Kang-ho perfectly encapsulates the kind of survivor who’s pulled himself out of the rubble time and time again.

Uncle Samsik wastes little time diving into its politics at whiplash speed, but its central character intrigues. With a twinkle in his eye belying the survivor beneath, Song Kang-ho’s Samsik is a charismatic enigma keen on crafting a better Korea. It remains to be seen, though, whether or not his efforts will be in vain or if he will manage to succeed in the end. Fueled by strong performances and its fast pacing, this latest Kdrama series will easily lure viewers in.

Uncle Samsik Episodes 1-5 are now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes premiering weekly on Wednesdays.