[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Entourage"

Korean drama loves its escapism and light entertainment, so a series treating those as gospel is nothing new. This escapism, however, knows the audience it goes for. "Entourage" is an odd case of a series which feels inherently inappropriate for Korean drama and that is sadly the least of its problems. Let us take a look at this regretful mess in full.

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As someone who has not watched the original series I cannot be sure about the story or approach in it. What I do know is that it is male-centric in story and from what I read in target audience as well. The Korean "Entourage" is a work which mostly seems built for offering cheap thrills and giggles to teen- and teen-minded men, making it feel very removed from the typical Korean drama viewer.

First things first, let me take a look at the good part of the series. That would be Cho Jin-woong's Kim Eun-gap and his development, but also the people around him. Eun-gap is the only relatable character who does not go in circles, because he is someone who is essentially running a business based on human workers who do not operate by set work ethics or rules. His family, his trusty sidekick and himself therefore feel like regular busy people.

As far as major good points go, this is sadly it. The rest of the characters range from annoying to bland and they have little to no development. Seo Kang-joon's spoiled star, Cha Yeong-bin, is a circle of arrogance and tantrums, which makes his angst and forced drama over being treated like the unprofessional man-baby that he is feel like an insult to viewers. Seo's acting does not help with this character either.

His "Entourage" might not be as bland as he is, but they have little appeal as well. There is no story for them to speak of, as this is more of a slice-of-life series, but it is one that is essentially filled with unrealistic and unrelatable lives. We have Park Jung-min being criminally underused, Lee Dong-hwi being an aimless stereotype and Lee Kwang-soo drowning in overacting and cheap genital-related humor.

The main story of what I assume is supposed to be Cha Yeong-bin's progress as an actor is just not appealing because it goes back and forth rather than forward. The drama is a very serious case of style over substance. It throws celebrity cameos, penis jokes, random party scenes and scantily clad women at viewers and plays out like its sanitized version of celebrity decadence makes it cool.

"Entourage" is essentially a look into the boring life of self-absorbed men. Its wish to be risque is thwarted by the censorship of Korean television. There is no engaging plot to speak of and its few virtues cannot fill that gap. If you are a fan of a cast member, my condolences and you may want to check it out. If not, I would only recommend this to my worst enemies.

"Entourage" is directed by Jang Yeong-woo, written by Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won and features Cho Jin-woong, Seo Kang-joon, Lee Kwang-soo, Park Jung-min and Lee Dong-hwi.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'