Save Me clocks 7 years: 4 reasons to binge-watch this psychological horror masterpiece
Based on a well-known Korean webtoon, Save Me explores the horrifying inner workings of a religious cult.
The 2017 South Korean television series Save Me, which starred Ok Taecyeon, Jo Sung Ha, Woo Do Hwan, and Seo Ye Ji, is spooky and unnerving. It ran for 16 episodes on OCN from August 5 to September 24, 2017, and was the debut series from Hidden Sequence, the production company of renowned Signal producer Lee Jae Moon. Jo Geum San’s widely read Daum webcomic, Out of the World, served as the inspiration for the drama. As the show approaches its seventh year, let’s examine why it is a must-watch.
Amazingly written sinister plot
The plot centers on Im Joo Ho (Jung Hae Gyun), who turns to a religious cult for support after going through a string of misfortunes, including his son being severely bullied, his wife going insane after their son passed away, and a failing business.
In search of comfort and answers, he brings his wife and daughter, Im Sang Mi (played by Seo Ye Ji), to the cult home, Guseonwon. They fall victim to Guseonwon’s cunning plots after being drawn in by the cult leader Baek Jung Gi (Jo Sung Ha), who appears to be well-meaning, and a kind deacon who helps the impoverished Im family.
At last, she gets ready to tell the world the truth about the unsettling things that happen behind the scenes, along with her school pals Dong Chul (Woo Do Hwan), Man Hee (Ha Hwa Jung), Jung Hoon (Lee David), and Han Sang Hwan (Ok Taecyeon).
Great ensemble
Deep emotional scars and a difficult upbringing shaped Seok Dong Chul, who brought a captivating blend of charm and loneliness to the screen.
At the heart of it all, Seo Ye Ji gives a terrifying performance in Save Me that perfectly captures the terror her character encounters as a result of the cult.
In the series, Ok Taecyeon portrays Han Sang Hwan, the son of a prominent politician. Sang Hwan attempts to expose the corrupt organization and save Im Sang Mi (Seo Ye Ji) from a perilous cult by using his father’s influence.
Strong portrayal of villians
Subtle, as opposed to overtly evil, villains tend to have the greatest psychological impact. This is a perfect description of Baek Jung Gi. He presents himself as a trustworthy religious leader at first, but his true colors emerge when he subtly manipulates and brainwashes the villagers.
Nerve-racking psychological horror made with finesse
With its unnerving realism, Save Me is a compelling thriller that makes you feel extremely uneasy. Genuine fear and stress are created for the characters by the predatory behavior of the cult, the abuse of power within its church, and the police force’s inertia. The series is even more spine-tingling and unforgettable because of the psychological manipulation and surprising plot twists that heighten the suspense.