ComScore

This Korean Action-Thriller Mini-Series Is a Must-Watch

A fun, fast watch

the-tyrant-on-hulu-hero
Hulu/Disney+

One of the many reasons I look forward to the weekend is because I get to catch up on newly-released shows and movies. This weekend’s latest watch was The Tyrant, a new Korean-drama series on Hulu/Disney+, which is super intense and jam-packed with action.

Directed and written by Park Hoon-jung, the four-part mini-series tells the heart-pumping story of the race to find a coveted bioweapon that is stolen during a secret handover between Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies. Along the way, there is tons of action, lots of blood, a little betrayal and some suspect characters that have to be dealt with.

The trouble at hand? The South Korean government has developed an extensive plan known as The Tyrant Project, which consists of a bioweapon with the power to enhance human abilities. At first glance, the bioweapon seems like it could be a good idea (superhuman abilities don't exactly sound terrible), but as with all inventions of this nature, the weapon was developed for nefarious reasons, which means it has to be destroyed.

Needless to say, I was thoroughly entertained by The Tyrant.

the-tyrant-on-hulu-screencap
Hulu/Disney+

That bioweapon I just mentioned? Well, South Korea was supposed to turn that over to the United States so that all samples could be destroyed. During that exchange, an assailant known as Director Choi (Kim Seon Ho) takes over and ruins that plan by stealing the sample. Now, I’m not somebody who is typically into shows and movies with loads of blood and killing (and this show has a lot of it), but I couldn’t keep my eyes away (even if I had to cover them at times). 

The performances of Kim Seon Ho, Cha Seung-won, Kim Kang-woo and Jo Yoon-and Jo Yoon-so are also noteworthy as their characters are riveting, while also matching the dark neo-noir tone of the series. The visuals are stunning, and so is the camera work—particularly during the action scenes, with the first episode laying the groundwork for the remaining three episodes.

the-tyrant-on-hulu-screencap-girl-with-gun
Hulu/Disney+

Episode two is the fallout from the events of the first episode, with a call-to-action to eliminate the two main perpetrators of the operation.

While things end after four episodes here with The Tyrant, I’d say there’s definitely an opportunity to expand upon the final events in the form of another season. If not, you get your answer as to which party is the “winner” of The Tyrant Project so to speak, leaving you more-than-satisfied with a short-but-sweet watch.

You can stream The Tyrant on Hulu and Disney+.

Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here.

This Intense New Drama-Thriller Is Based on a Heartbreaking True Story—and It Stars 2 Mega-Famous Singers



Screenshot 2024 03 04 at 4.32.14 PM

Associate Commerce Strategist

  • Covers all things commerce and entertainment
  • Has over a decade of editorial experience in both fashion and entertainment, and was previously with ONE37pm before joining the PureWow team in March 2024
  • Studied journalism and marketing at Columbus State University in Georgia

entertainment
/ Dara Katz
'Your Friends & Neighbors' Is 'The White Lotus' But in the Suburbs—And I Love It So Far
entertainment
/ Nakeisha Campbell
The 20 Best Girls' Night Movies to Watch with Your Besties, from 'Bridesmaids' to 'Wicked'
entertainment
/ Philip Mutz
Intense New Viola Davis Thriller Hits #1 on Prime Video—and I Totally Disagree with Its Rotten Tomatoes Score
entertainment
/ Jael Rucker
This Psychological Thriller Is #3 on Netflix, and It's a Wild Ride
entertainment
/ Emma Singer
18 Things to Do on a Sunday in NYC That Are Anything But Boring
entertainment
/ Nakeisha Campbell
50 Best Korean Drama Movies That Will Keep You Coming Back for More
entertainment
/ Dana Dickey
This Sexy New FX Series Has a 96 Percent Rotten Tomatoes Score, but It Leaves Me Frustrated
entertainment
/ Jael Rucker
Mandy Moore Turns Heads in See-Through Dress and Stilettos
entertainment
/ Stephanie Maida
If NYC Families See One Movie This Month, It Should Be This Stunning and Immersive New Film
entertainment
/ Danielle Long
15 Shows and Movies to Watch This Weekend, Recommended by Our Editors
entertainment
/ Nakeisha Campbell
Who Are Denzel Washington's Siblings? Everything We Know
entertainment
/ Stephanie Sengwe
75 Hilarious Mother’s Day Quotes to Brighten Any Mama’s Day
entertainment
/ Nakeisha Campbell
I Totally Disagree with the Rotten Tomatoes Score of This Jennifer Garner Movie with a 'Virgin River' Connection
entertainment
/ Rachel Bowie
This ‘80s-Set Hulu Show Has a 95 Percent on Rotten Tomatoes—and It’s as Addictive as It Is Sexy
entertainment
/ Courtney Mason
‘Yellowstone’ & ‘Friday Night Lights’ Fans, Netflix Is About to Drop Your New Fave Show
entertainment
/ Danielle Long
This Iconic ’90s Teen Comedy Is Finally Getting a Third Movie—and It's Coming Sooner Than You Think
See More