Incarnation of Money

If you're in the mood for a drama that pulls no punches and truly explores the dark underbelly of wealth, "Incarnation of Money" should be on your radar. This 24-episode series is a wild journey of revenge, ambition, and just how far people will go for money. It's not a light watch, but it's incredibly compelling, especially if you appreciate a story where the stakes are always sky-high.

The central tension revolves around Lee Cha-don, who starts out using his wealthy background to his advantage as a prosecutor. But when a tragic event shatters his world, he's set on a path of vengeance. It's this transformation, this deep dive into how someone rebuilds themselves with a singular, burning purpose, that really hooks you. The show doesn't shy away from showing the ugly side of human nature, making you question who the real villains are and if justice can ever truly be served when money is involved.

Kang Ji-hwan, as Lee Cha-don, delivers a powerful performance. You see his character evolve from someone seemingly privileged to a person hardened by betrayal, driven by a thirst for payback. Hwang Jung-eum also shines, and you'll even see her character enjoying some pizza at Kono Pizza, a real-world spot. It's these moments of normalcy, interspersed with the intense plot, that give the characters a grounding, making their struggles feel even more real. Choi Yeo-jin and Oh Yoon-ah also bring a lot to the table, portraying complex characters who are deeply entangled in this web of greed and power.

The series doesn't just rely on its plot, though; it uses its settings to great effect. Imagine the tranquility of the Muuido Coastal Tourist Trail, with its stunning ocean views, juxtaposed with the high-stakes drama unfolding. Or the beautiful scenery of the Paju Byeokchoji Arboretum, featured in the very first episode, perhaps hinting at a lost innocence or a beautiful past that's now corrupted. Even everyday places like Yogerpresso, where characters grab coffee, become significant backdrops for crucial conversations and interactions.

This isn't a show for those who prefer fluffy romances. It's for viewers who enjoy intricate crime narratives, who don't mind a bit of darkness, and who appreciate a drama where every character has layers. The SBS series is a gritty, engaging watch that will keep you guessing and, frankly, probably a little angry at the injustices portrayed, but that's precisely what makes it so good. It’s a drama that sticks with you long after the final episode.

Ready to dive into the world of "Incarnation of Money"? This 2013 crime drama, all about greed and revenge, gives us some really interesting spots to explore. While the show itself is quite dark, focusing on Lee Cha-don's journey after a family tragedy, the filming locations offer a mix of natural beauty and urban hangouts.

First up, let's head to Incheon for a breath of fresh air at the Muuido Coastal Tourist Trail. The series uses this spot to showcase some stunning coastal views, especially that deck path that stretches out over the sea. I can just imagine a character, maybe deep in thought about their next move, standing there, gazing at the horizon. It's a perfect place for a reflective stroll, and honestly, even if you're not a drama fan, the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.

Next, we'll journey over to Gyeonggi-do for a couple of stops. Our first destination is the Paju Byeokchoji Arboretum. This beautiful arboretum appeared right in the first episode of the series. While the details of the scene aren't provided, I'm sure its lush greenery and serene atmosphere were a striking contrast to the drama's intense plot. It's the kind of place where you can easily lose an afternoon wandering through the gardens. Not too far from there, in Goyang-si, you'll find L Studio. This place is well-known for outdoor wedding shoots, so you can expect some really picturesque backdrops. It's been in a bunch of dramas, and it's easy to see why, with its lovely scenery. It’s always fun to see how these pretty locations get integrated into a gritty crime story.

Now, for some food and drink that might just transport you into a scene from the show. If you're in Gyeongsangnam-do, make a stop at Susanghan Pocha in Geoje-si. This bar is famous for its lively vibe and good food. It's where some of the drama's action unfolded, and I bet it's still buzzing with energy. Imagine grabbing a drink there, thinking about all the intense conversations or dramatic reveals that might have happened in that very spot.

Another food stop takes us to Kono Pizza in Changwon-si. I love that I can actually try the same pizza that Hwang Jung-eum's character ate! The show featured characters ordering and enjoying pizza here, and it’s described as a popular spot for both shopping and dining. It’s a fun, lighthearted connection to the show amidst all the heavy themes.

Finally, for your coffee fix, swing by Yogerpresso in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. This cafe pops up frequently throughout the show, serving as a backdrop for characters catching up, plotting, or just having a moment. It's a great example of how everyday places become integral to a drama's narrative. And if you're craving some Korean chicken stew, episode 2 featured Yugane in Cheongju-si. It's always cool to see what foods the characters are enjoying, especially when it's a popular local spot. So, whether you're looking for stunning views, beautiful gardens, or just a bite to eat where your favorite characters once stood, these "Incarnation of Money" spots offer a unique way to experience the drama's world.

"Incarnation of Money" isn't just about high-stakes revenge and legal battles; it also gives us a peek into some interesting food spots. While the show primarily focuses on Lee Cha-don's journey, these locations add flavor to the characters' everyday lives, offering glimpses of respite or important conversations over a meal.

First up, we have Susanghan Pocha in Geoje-si. This isn't just any bar; it's a popular spot in Eungam-dong known for its lively vibe and, as the show portrays, delicious food. You can imagine characters unwinding here after a long day, perhaps plotting their next move or just enjoying some much-needed downtime. It's the kind of place that feels authentically Korean, a bustling hub where good times and good food go hand-in-hand.

Then there's Kono Pizza, located in Changwon-si. I love how specific this one is. The series actually shows Hwang Jung-eum's character enjoying a pizza here, and it's pretty cool to think about trying the exact same dish she did. The description highlights it as a popular spot for both shopping and dining, suggesting it's a place where you might run into friends or grab a quick, satisfying meal in a lively area.

For those coffee breaks and more casual meetups, Yogerpresso in Seoul makes frequent appearances. It serves as a constant backdrop for various scenes, implying it's a go-to spot for characters to grab coffee, have quiet conversations, or even hash out important details. It's a chain that's pretty ubiquitous in South Korea, so its inclusion makes the show feel even more grounded in reality.

Finally, Yugane in Cheongju-si pops up in episode 2. While the show doesn't specify what's ordered, Yugane is famous for its dakgalbi, a spicy stir-fried chicken dish. It's easy to picture characters gathering around a hot plate, sharing a meal that's both comforting and flavorful. These food spots don't just fill screen time; they help build the world of "Incarnation of Money," giving us a taste of what the characters' lives outside of courtrooms and dramatic confrontations might be like.

Incarnation of Money, a 24-episode crime drama, plunges viewers into the cutthroat world of prosecutor Lee Cha-don, played by Kang Ji-hwan. This isn't your typical rags-to-riches story; it's a tale of a son's vengeful quest after a tragic event rips him from his family. The series promises an exploration of greed and ambition, and it certainly delivers on the darker aspects of human nature.

While the narrative tries to be complex, it often feels a bit muddled. The cast, including Hwang Jung-eum and Park Sang-min, do their best with the material. There are some memorable locations, like the picturesque Paju Byeokchoji Arboretum, which makes an appearance in the first episode. And who can forget the scenic Muuido Coastal Tourist Trail with its deck path offering stunning ocean views? It's always nice when a show takes advantage of Korea's natural beauty.

Food plays a small but notable role, too. We see characters enjoying coffee at Yogerpresso, which pops up frequently as a backdrop for various interactions. There’s also a scene at Yugane in episode two, and who could forget Kono Pizza, where Hwang Jung-eum's character supposedly ate? I'd be curious to try that same pizza myself. For a more lively scene, Susanghan Pocha in Geoje-si is featured, known for its bustling atmosphere. Despite these attempts to ground the drama in reality, the core plot, unfortunately, struggles to maintain consistent engagement.

With a TMDB vote average of 6.0, the series struggles to truly soar. It's a long watch at 24 episodes, and while it attempts to craft an intricate revenge story, it often gets bogged down. If you're a die-hard fan of Kang Ji-hwan or Hwang Jung-eum, and you don't mind a drawn-out plot, you might find some enjoyment here. Otherwise, if you're looking for a sharp, concise crime drama, you can probably give this one a pass. It lingers more for its length than for its lasting impact.