K-drama L. U. C. A.: The Beginning – Kim Rae-won stars in sci-fi action thriller that could use an extra spark
- A man with mysterious electrical powers goes on the run from genetically enhanced mercenaries in this science-fiction-tinged action thriller
- While lead Kim Rae-won isn’t given much to work with, co-star Lee Da-hee holds her own in the male-dominated cast as a feisty young detective
After a quiet start to the year, the K-drama release calendar is gearing up for some high drama and high-octane fun this year. Kicking us off this month is new, science-fiction-tinged, man-on-the-run action thriller L. U. C. A.: The Beginning.
From tvN, the cable network behind Crash Landing on You and Mr. Queen, this new show wastes no time in setting up its premise, with a cold opening featuring a baby dropped one night by a mysterious hooded figure through the atrium of an imposing concrete structure. On the way down, the infant is hit by several bolts of lightning and, as it falls through a hole, begins to levitate in an energy field, an eye emanating a blue lightning glow.
This is Ji-o (Kim Rae-won), the ruffle-haired, chiselled protagonist we catch up with several decades later working as a delivery truck driver. Ji-o has a bad habit of getting himself into scrapes, blowing things up with the mysterious electrical charges he can conjure up, and losing his memory.
One day, Ji-o’s path crosses that of Goo-reum (Lee Da-hee) – or rather, she crosses his path when she is hit by his truck. Goo-reum is a feisty young detective who has been demoted to a side office dealing with violent crimes. Hit while chasing a suspect, her wounds are serious and her heart stops. With an odd flinch of recognition, Ji-o decides to use his power in broad daylight and saves her.
Of course, it doesn’t take long for the wrong people to catch wind of this electro-charged saviour, and soon Ji-o is on the run from a genetically enhanced posse of mercenaries sicced on him by a mysterious church and its mad scientist.