The Netflix series 'I Was Tricked' has taken the streaming world by storm, securing its position as the second most popular non-English series on the platform.
As of March 19, 2025, Netflix announced that 'I Was Tricked' amassed an impressive 6 million views in its second week of release, catapulting it to second place in the Global TOP10 series (Non-English) category.
This series has resonated with audiences in 41 countries, including South Korea, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Turkey, the Philippines, and Vietnam, finding a spot in their respective TOP10 lists.
The narrative follows the adventurous life of Esen, a character rooted in 'Desire's Resistance,' and Gansik, known as 'Eight Unyielding Iron,' as they traverse various challenges throughout the four seasons.
The series doesn’t just reflect the tumultuous history of the 60s and 70s; it brings those events vividly to life, making them feel contemporary to its viewers. This relatability has sparked dialogue across generations, connecting younger viewers with parental narratives and allowing older audiences to reflect on a past riddled with emotional challenges.
The anticipation builds as the third episode of 'I Was Tricked' is set to be released on March 21, 2025, promising to delve deeper into the stories of its beloved characters.
In a remarkable intersection of culture and politics, lead actor Choi Hyung-gyun recently participated in a rally advocating for the dismissal of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol. On March 18, 2025, a video was uploaded on the YouTube channel 'Voice of Seoul', showing Choi braving heavy snowfall to join supporters at Gwanghwamun at 2 AM.
During interviews that followed, Choi expressed his emotional connection to the cause, stating, “I came to the gathering this morning to join the candlelight assembly, to drink a glass of alcohol with our juniors and beloved brother, and because I wanted to see Gwanghwamun again.” His words reflect a deep yearning for democratic values and community solidarity.
The actor, renowned for his roles in series such as 'Signal' and 'My Ajusshi,' articulated his love for sports but lamented that he hasn’t watched highlights of Tottenham's Son Heung-min since the 12/3 emergency situation, hinting at broader societal disruptions affecting everyday life.
As Choi put it, “I hope that if there are hopes and dreams, President Yoon Seok-yeol will be impeached, and if it is referenced in the Constitutional Court, I can return to my daily life.” He expressed a desire to return to a normalcy where he could enjoy his favorite sports highlights once more.
Choi encouraged supporters towards a brighter future, expressing, “I want to fight for my daily life, to fight for that peace, for that value.” He envisioned a time when everyone could return to their daily routines in the years 2026 or 2027.
His participation in the rally taps into a larger discussion around civic engagement and the role of public figures in political discourse, particularly in times of national distress.
The impeachment of President Yoon awaits a critical ruling later this week, as protests and support rallies continue, maintaining pressure on the administration amidst an ongoing Constitutional Court trial regarding Prime Minister Han Deok-soo.
The juxtaposition of entertainment and activism reflects a significant cultural moment in South Korea, illustrating how popular media can intersect with political movements, galvanizing audiences and prompting them to engage in social issues.
As both 'I Was Tricked' and its actors take center stage in contemporary discussions, it’s clear that the boundary between art and activism is increasingly blurred in today’s society, making for a compelling narrative as the story unfolds.
Ultimately, whether through the lens of a captivating series or the courageous actions of its cast, these developments signify the power of storytelling in crafting a collective consciousness around urgency in political matters.
