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DAMO:The Undercover Lady Detective

Period drama sets a new standard.

Aug 31, 2006 Christine Miguel

Korean TV period drama raises the bar with mystical martial art scenes, dazzling special effects and breathtaking cinematography. A definite must see.

On-air: July - Sept, 2003

Current Status: Completed

Year of Release: 2004

Country of Production: South Korea

Original Network: MBC Korea

Distribution: YA Entertainment

Language: Korean, English

Subtitles: English

No. of Discs: 7

Total No. of Episodes: 14

Set in 17th century Chosun (Korea), Jang Chae-Ohk (Award-winning performance by Ha Ji-Won) is the Damo or a tea servant, in the Left Police Bureau. It is referenced in some ancient Korean police records that Damos of the police department were often used as undercover police detectives. The term, then has a double meaning, which Chae-Ohk embodies.

She is sent to investigate a counterfeiting case by her Commander Hwangbo Yoon (Lee Seo-Jin) whom she has grown up with since she was seven. Her investigation reveals that the counterfeiting is part of a much larger national conspiracy that involves high ranking government officials. Their front man is lead by Jang Sung-Baek (Award-winning performance by Best New Actor Kim Min-Joon), a charismatic rebel leader.

The 14 episodes series is an epic adventure filled with intrigue, mystery and action. It's a series that both sexes can enjoy and be equally interested from beginning to end.

Performances are strong throughout. Ha Ji-Won, whom I previously wrote about in Something Happened in Bali is fantastic as strong-willed Chae Ohk. And while she carries a fairly heavy load as the series lead, Seo-Jin's Commander Hwangbo and Min-Joon's rebel leader Sung Baek carry their weight with just as much fire and heart.

There were a lot of comparisons I made while watching but none really quite fit ... it sort of turned out to something along the lines of CSI: Chosun meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (and believe me, I hesitated to use the latter reference as I know full well it's a Chinese film and not Korean.) Still, to set all records straight, found in the 7 disc DVD magnetic snap boxed set, YA Entertainment has included an episode by episode reference guide to explain ancient Korea. It came in especially helpful when trying to understand the hierarchy structure of class, which seems to be so ingrained in the culture.

A friend, who'd never watched a Korean TV drama, sat and watched about a half an hour of one episode before she turned to me and said, "This is so intense. I'm going to have to leave before I'm here till 1 in the morning watching this with you." After now watching 6 complete K-drama series, I can completely see its appeal.

The copyright of the article DAMO:The Undercover Lady Detective in Prime Time TV is owned by Christine Miguel. Permission to republish DAMO:The Undercover Lady Detective in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.