“Are you lonely?” These opening words set the stage for Disney+’s globetrotting melodrama “Red Swan,” where a trophy wife dreams of escaping a nightmarish marriage. Starring Rain and Kim Ha-neul, the series echoes the romantic classic “The Bodyguard” in its portrayal of a mysterious man becoming the guardian of a woman hiding her pain and emotions. Kim plays Oh Wan-soo, a former pro golfer who gave up her career to marry the dashing corporate heir Kim Jong-kook of the Hwain Group.
For 12 years, Wan-soo’s life has been controlled by her domineering mother-in-law, Park Mi-ran, the chairwoman of Hwain. As the director of Hwain’s Now Foundation, Wan-soo travels the world as a goodwill ambassador while the company engages in shady practices. The series opens with her giving a speech at the UNICEF headquarters in New York, then swiftly moves to the Philippines, where she hosts a fundraising gala.
In Manila, she encounters Seo Do-yoon (Rain), a man with a mysterious past who is tracking down his friend’s killer. During a shopping trip, Wan-soo is targeted by an assassin. Her security detail is killed, but she survives thanks to Do-yoon, who happens to be nearby. This incident hints at a connection between Do-yoon and Wan-soo and leads to Do-yoon being hired as her new bodyguard.
Do-yoon soon witnesses the misery in Wan-soo’s life, including her husband’s affair with the ambitious Jang Tae-ra, who aims to take over Wan-soo’s role at the foundation. Despite her husband’s infidelity, Wan-soo remains unfazed, revealing her deep loneliness. Do-yoon’s role becomes protecting her from both external and internal threats.
The series hints at a possible romance between Wan-soo and Do-yoon through intimate scenes, such as Do-yoon tending to her wounds and supporting her after a night of drinking. “Red Swan” also alludes to Wan-soo’s painful past, including the loss of a son, adding layers to her character.
With global locations, dynamic set pieces, and glossy melodrama, “Red Swan” brings a fresh twist to familiar themes. Notable scenes include the assassination attempt in the Philippines, featuring an elemental mix of water and fire as Do-yoon saves Wan-soo amidst exploding cars.
Seo Yi-sook delivers a standout performance as the manic chairwoman, Park Mi-ran, adding to the heightened drama with her eccentric rituals and fierce threats. With its captivating storyline and vibrant settings, “Red Swan” promises an engaging viewing experience.
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