Netflix’s new boxing drama is a stealthily immersive crime thriller

If you like boxing, slick crime thrillers, cute guys, watching loan sharks get beat up or like all of the above, the new Korean show on Netflix, Bloodhounds, is for you.

The boxing-tinged crime series delivers what it promises from the start: beating cute boys… for justice. Kim Geon-woo (Woo Do-hwan) is a quiet sweetheart of a boxing prodigy who would do anything for his mother and enters a prestigious amateur boxing tournament. After easily knocking out his first few opponents, he takes on the showboating Hong Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi) in the championship fight.

After a great fight, the two go out to dinner together and become fast friends. Their relationship is the anchor of the series as they quickly transform from adversaries into ride-or-die buddies who bring out the best in each other and form an unstoppable team as they help each other in a punishing world.

Photo: Soyun Jeon, Seowoo Jung/Netflix

Photo: Soyun Jeon, Seowoo Jung/Netflix

Geon-woo’s mother is in dire financial straits after being conned by a group of sinister loan sharks. So the two new friends set out to make amends, making money as bodyguards for the only loan organization that doesn’t charge interest, while investigating the evil group behind the scheme that nearly ruined Kim’s family.

The story is nothing short of compelling, with easy-to-hate villains (with characters you Real wanting to see them beaten up is a must) and a plot propelled in equal measure by their schemes and the desires of our heroes. The relationship between the protagonists is great, with both actors basically evoking genuine loyalty and sincerity, making their fast-paced friendship read as true. But it is Bloodhoundsaction that takes the first episode to the next level.

Woo Do-hwan in particular excels at his boxing moves as Geon-woo, bobbing and weaving as he makes room and closes for his opponents, choosing his spots before delivering calculating and punishing blows. It all adds to the immersion of Bloodhoundsfight scenes, which feel like real brawls.

As is the case with most great action stories, the protagonists’ fighting styles also reflect their personalities. Geon-woo is quiet and will be the first to tell you he’s not good with words. His fighting style reflects this; he’s a defensive counterpuncher who doesn’t swing much, but hits hard when he does. Meanwhile, the loud and brash Woo-jin is constantly showing off as he fights, as well as hitting more regularly and wildly than his more reserved friend.

Make such details Bloodhounds stand out as not just another generic action thriller. The likable characters draw you into the story, but it’s the quality of the action that will make you stay. It all combines for one of the most exciting new shows in 2023, and another new boxing-focused Korean action smash.