Somebody S1
Director: Jung Ji‑woo
Cast: Kim Young‑kwang, Kang Hae‑rim, Kim Yong‑ji, Kim Su‑yeon
Somebody (Season 1) is a psychological crime thriller from South Korea, helmed by acclaimed director Jung Ji-woo, best known for his work in emotionally layered narratives. The series dives into the chilling entanglement between technology and human psychology, told through the lens of a socially isolated tech prodigy and a charismatic yet dangerous man.
The story revolves around Kim Sum, played with haunting restraint by Kang Hae-rim, a software developer on the autism spectrum who creates a popular social networking app called “Somebody.” While designed for connection, the app becomes a tool for a mysterious serial killer, leading Sum into a dark psychological and emotional spiral. Kim Young-kwang delivers a riveting and unsettling performance as Seong Yun-oh, a seemingly gentle architect with a deadly double life. As their lives intertwine, Sum becomes fascinated by Yun-oh, creating a disturbing emotional dependency.
Supporting performances by Kim Yong-ji as Mok-won, a spiritual and intuitive friend, and Kim Soo-yeon as detective Gi-eun, add grounding to the series’ atmospheric tension. The characters navigate trauma, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of digital anonymity, all while attempting to reconcile their personal truths with a growing body count.
Thematically, Somebody explores isolation, obsession, and the dual nature of technology—as a bridge between souls and a mask for predators. Jung Ji-woo’s direction is measured and artful, favoring mood over exposition. The series unfolds at a deliberately slow pace, amplified by cold, clinical visuals, minimalist set designs, and a subdued color palette that underscores its brooding tone.
With a cinematic aesthetic, eerie score, and strong performances, Somebody stands out as a provocative addition to the Korean thriller genre.
Somebody (Season 1) is a psychological crime thriller from South Korea, helmed by acclaimed director Jung Ji-woo, best known for his work in emotionally layered narratives. The series dives into the chilling entanglement between technology and human psychology, told through the lens of a socially isolated tech prodigy and a charismatic yet dangerous man.
The story revolves around Kim Sum, played with haunting restraint by Kang Hae-rim, a software developer on the autism spectrum who creates a popular social networking app called “Somebody.” While designed for connection, the app becomes a tool for a mysterious serial killer, leading Sum into a dark psychological and emotional spiral. Kim Young-kwang delivers a riveting and unsettling performance as Seong Yun-oh, a seemingly gentle architect with a deadly double life. As their lives intertwine, Sum becomes fascinated by Yun-oh, creating a disturbing emotional dependency.
Supporting performances by Kim Yong-ji as Mok-won, a spiritual and intuitive friend, and Kim Soo-yeon as detective Gi-eun, add grounding to the series’ atmospheric tension. The characters navigate trauma, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of digital anonymity, all while attempting to reconcile their personal truths with a growing body count.
Thematically, Somebody explores isolation, obsession, and the dual nature of technology—as a bridge between souls and a mask for predators. Jung Ji-woo’s direction is measured and artful, favoring mood over exposition. The series unfolds at a deliberately slow pace, amplified by cold, clinical visuals, minimalist set designs, and a subdued color palette that underscores its brooding tone.
With a cinematic aesthetic, eerie score, and strong performances, Somebody stands out as a provocative addition to the Korean thriller genre.