The South Korean streaming television series “Somebody” is a blend of thriller and melodrama that showcases the complexities of human desires and the dark side of modern technology. Directed by Jung Ji-woo and written by Han Ji-wan, the series premiered on Netflix on November 18, 2022, and stars Kim Young-kwang, Kang Hae-lim, Kim Yong-ji, and Kim Soo-yeon.
1. What is the Plot of ‘Somebody’ Series?
The story revolves around Kim Sum (Kang Hae-lim), a talented developer of a social connecting app called “Somebody.” Despite her extraordinary skills, Sum has difficulty communicating with others due to Asperger syndrome.
Her life takes a dark turn when a series of murders are linked to her app. As she becomes entangled in the investigation, she crosses paths with Sung Yun-oh (Kim Young-kwang), an architectural designer who harbors a secret life as a psychopathic killer.
Yun-oh is drawn to Sum, seeing in her a kindred spirit, and the two embark on a complex relationship. Sum’s friend, Yeong Gi-eun (Kim Soo-yeon), a detective, and Im Mok-won (Kim Yong-ji), a shaman, assist in the investigation, unaware of the true nature of Sum’s involvement with Yun-oh1
2. Who is the Killer in Somebody Series? Ending Explained
The series culminates in a dramatic confrontation. Yun-oh, whose killings have been facilitated by the “Somebody” app, finds himself targeted by mysterious video chat requests that seem to come from his past victims.
As the police close in on him, Yun-oh confesses his crimes to Sum, believing she is the only one who can understand him. In a shocking twist, Sum reveals her own dark side.
3. What Happens To Kim And Seong At The End? Ending Explained
Kim Sum realizes that the police are closing in on Seong Yun-O and he has no way out. She decides to meet him at the hideout he had built for them, where she brutally kills him herself with the blade he had gifted her earlier. She slices his face, eyes and neck, leaving him to bleed out while listening to a prerecorded message from her.
After killing Seong Yun-O, Kim Sum returns to her normal routine, going back to work at Spectrum and socializing with her colleagues, showing no remorse over murdering her psychopathic lover. The ending suggests that while Kim Sum is not necessarily a psychopath herself, she has a dark side and lack of empathy that allowed her to connect with and ultimately betray someone as disturbed as Seong Yun-O when it suited her purpose.
4. Is ‘Somebody’ a Typical Thriller Drama?
Director Jung Ji-woo aimed to create a series that is more than the typical thriller genre, presenting a melodrama that explores the desire for connection and the consequences of technology in modern society. He wanted to portray an ideal society where differences are accepted and to delve into the inner psychology of his characters.
5. Critical Reception of ‘Somebody’
“Somebody” has received mixed reviews, with some praising its unique storyline and performances, while others criticize the pacing and character motivations. The series has been noted for its explicit content, which is atypical for K-dramas, and its exploration of complex characters
On IMDb, it has a rating of 5.7 out of 10 based on user reviews. The reviews acknowledge some flaws like the slow pacing but praise the acting, visuals, music, story and tension.
Decider calls it a “quiet, slow-moving thriller that’s a little weird” but says it sets up an intriguing scenario. The review recommends to stream it. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a critics score of 50% and an audience score of 48%.
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Somebody is a thought-provoking drama that challenges viewers with its portrayal of flawed characters and the dark implications of technology in our quest for human connection.
The ending leaves a lasting impression, raising questions about the nature of love, the pursuit of understanding, and the capacity for violence within us all.
