<썸바디: A Technological Obsession or a Dangerous Love?>
The Fascinating Premise of "썸바디"
The Netflix drama "썸바디" revolves around a dating app called "Somebody," developed by computer genius Kim Seom (played by Kang Hae-rim). The plot thickens as a series of murders linked to the app emerge, and Seom becomes entangled in a toxic relationship with Yoon-oh (Kim Young-kwang), a mysterious man who seems to understand her like no one else. The story delves into how technology can expose humanity's darkest desires, blending psychological suspense with social criticism.
Key Point: The app analyzes behavioral patterns using AI to match soulmates but ends up connecting users with a serial killer.
The Unique Style of Director Jeong Ji-woo
Known for films like "은교" (*Eungyo*), Jeong Ji-woo brings his signature introspective storytelling to this project. Instead of focusing on action scenes, he uses detailed shots and minimalist music (violins and pianos) to delve into the characters' psychology. A standout example is the scene where Seom decides to euthanize a stray cat, showcasing her inability to connect emotionally.
Interesting Detail: Artificial sound effects were avoided to create tension, opting for uncomfortable silences that reflect the protagonists' emotional isolation.
Performances that Break Stereotypes
- Kang Hae-rim as Kim Seom: Transformed her appearance by removing makeup and accessories to reflect the character's Asperger syndrome. Her monochromatic performance contrasts with moments of vulnerability, such as when she confesses: "*God made me without gears*."
- Kim Young-kwang as Yoon-oh: Abandoned his "K-romance prince" image to play a seductive psychopath. His line "*Do you want us to finish this standing up?*" during an intimate scene caused a stir in Korean forums.
- Kim Soo-yeon: Played a wheelchair-bound police officer, training with real mobility-impaired users to achieve authenticity.
Reactions from the Korean Community
While some praised its psychological depth:
"*It's like looking through a microscope at the emotional wounds of the digital generation*" (Naver Blog),
others criticized its slow pace and explicit scenes:
"*Too much gratuitous violence. It feels more like an exercise in style than a coherent story*" (DC Inside).
63% of users on the Nate portal rated the ending as "*unsatisfying but realistic*," comparing it to *Gone Girl*.
Controversies and Debates
- +19 Scenes: The sequence where Yoon-oh suffocates a victim during sex sparked complaints about normalizing gender violence. Netflix added a content warning for episodes 3–5.
- LGBTQ+ Representation: The ambiguous relationship between Seom and her friend Mook-won (Kim Yong-ji) was considered "*revolutionary yet incomplete*" by activist groups.
- Commercial Failure: Despite its 15 billion won budget, it failed to enter Netflix's global Top 10, attributed to its narrative being "*too Korean for international audiences*."
The Legacy of "썸바디" in 2025
Two years after its release, the drama has gained cult status among cinephiles. Its retro synthwave '80s soundtrack experienced a resurgence on TikTok, while universities like Barcelona analyzed its critique of emotional capitalism in dating apps.
Although not a massive hit, it redefined the boundaries of Korean psychological thrillers, proving that even digital love can come at a deadly price. Is it worth watching? If you're looking for something conventional, perhaps not. But if you're daring enough to explore the shadows of the human soul, it's an experience you won't forget.