Some More Action From 맞짱 (Road Fighter)

Posted by X at 5:18am.

Posted in TV , Asia.

Can’t actually believe what I’m saying, but… mama, can’t wait for this. A “pure action” drama. On cable?!

We talked a little about Korean cable TV in the last few weeks, usually on the tone of “a horny teenager’s paradise,” but sometimes they actually get it right. Although season 2 of 별순검 (Chosun Police) had an extremely disappointing start, tvN’s 맞짱 (Road Fighter) actually looks better and better. I just wish they’d give us something more than 30 second teasers. Anyhow, official website is open, and we have a few details, along with the bone-crunching teaser you’ll find below the break. First, other than Denis Kang, another legit fighter (Choi Mu-Bae who once fought for PRIDE) is joining the show, although only as a cameo. And the cast really isn’t too bad, with veterans like Kang Sung-Jin, Jo Deok-Hyeon and Jang Hang-Seon completing the roster. The story seems to indeed focus on fighting and not just trendy drama tropes with a few punches thrown in. But I save the best news for last: I thought it wouldn’t be him, although I did leave the possibility open, but the Park Jung-Woo who wrote and directed this is indeed Chungmuro’s Park Jung-Woo, writer of many of Kim Sang-Jin’s films—주유소 습격사건 (Attack the Gas Station), 신라의 달밤 (Kick the Moon)—some really glorious flicks like 라이터를 켜라 (Breakout), and even his own films, like 바람의 전설 (Dance with the Wind) and 쏜다 (Big Bang). Definitely another reason to watch.

Story goes something like this: Kang Geon (Yoo Gun) sees by chance a colleague from his office, who looked to be everything but “energetic,” squaring off in the ring of an underground fight club, where he’s actually known as the best. Kang joins the club and starts training to fight, when a particularly sinister fighter injures someone close to him, and it’s… well, guess what? Revenge. Oh oh… sounds like the kind of post-it synopsis that would make for a great 80s action flick. And this is starting in two weeks. Not a bad way to start the fall season.

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Reader Comments

Papigiulio 10/09/2008 @ 6:34am

Damn! That looks really great indeed! Attack the gasstation was awesome too, very underrated movie I think! Lucky X, altho I’m not complaining, Japanese television is great too.
X 10/09/2008 @ 6:36am

Punisher starting in November on WOWOW looks ridiculously fun. Need to check that too. But the fall season looks a bit… meh. Only Scandal, Bloody Monday and a couple of others look remotely decent.