KDRAMA REVIEW | Penthouse: War in Life (Season 2)

The Penthouse: War in Life is a South Korean television series starring Lee Ji Ah, Kim So Yeon, Eugene, Uhm Ki Joon, Park Eun Sook and Yoon Jong Hoon.

Title: The Penthouse: War in Life 2

Also known as: Penthouse 2

Hangul: 펜트하우스 2

Genre(s): Suspense, Drama

Episodes: 13

Duration: 80-95 minutes

Release Date: February 19 – April 2, 2021

Network: SBS

Cheon Seo Jin (Kim So Yeon) & Joo Dan Tae (Uhm Ki Joon) prepare for their marriage and merger of their companies, but they both feel unease at possible betrayal by the other person.

Their teenage children are unhappy to become part of their new family. Joo Seok Kyung (Han Ji Hyun) is still distraught over the fate of her mother Shim Su Ryeon (Lee Ji Ah). Ha Eun Byeol (Choi Ye Bin) wants nothing to do with her new stepfather, but she still holds unrequited love for Joo Seok Hoon (Kim Young Dae). Meanwhile, Oh Yoon Hee (Eugene) takes the first steps in her plan for revenge, by turning herself in to the police. The police determine that Oh Yoon Hee is innocent in her murder case.

On the day of Cheon Seo Jin & Joo Dan Tae’s marriage, they receive a surprise visit from Ha Yoon Cheol (Yoon Jong Hoon) and Oh Yoon Hee. Meanwhile, Logan (Park Eun Sook) plots his next moves from the United States and Bae Ro Na (Kim Hyun Soo) decides to return to South Korea.

It took the game on a higher level! Penthouse 2 continuously proves that it is the quintessential makjang drama! If you think the first season already reached the climax, brace yourself because Season 2 will send you to an intense, suspenseful, and mind blowing experience. It is armed with brilliant writing, adrenaline-pumping plot, caliber and worth-praising performances, spellbinding story and character developments, and intellectually invigorating twists and turns—an exceptionally immaculate masterpiece! It is layered with unstoppable chain of highly unpredictable events that will definitely leave you at the edge of your seat. A groundbreaking KDrama crafted in the utmost perfection manner. This season is like a puzzle that will either confuse you or keep you guessing while toying with your emotions. The plot progresses with praiseworthy climax and mind boggling twists and turns one after another. God tier, unsurpassable, excellent—it set the bar too high! Piece of art!

I really keep on wondering how Season 2 would develop when it seems like the first season has already reached the climax. I am curious if they will become consistent in driving us crazy. As I reached the end of the drama, I can say that it made my blood boil more than the first season. It was indeed more devastating than Season 1. I can’t remember how many times I said bad words, pulled my hair, and left both of my eyes and mouth open out of amazement from the jaw dropping events that happened. Spectacular!

The major ace of Penthouse 2 is its top of the notch cast. All of them did a tremendous job in portraying their roles and characters. Their performances are worthy of praise and recognition. I have never seen such powerful actors in one show. This is the Korean Drama boasting with extremely versatile actors. I can’t imagine this show if they didn’t end up casted. It seems like there is no supporting characters as they are all out in their performances. All of my respect goes to all of them!

Eugene as Oh Yoon Hee

Eugene is definitely a great actress. Her portrayal of Yoon Hee has a distinct heartfelt quality about it. It’s a performance that will pull at your heartstrings. She has the ability to make you feel like you are not watching a fictional character, a lot of time—she made me thought that I am not watching a KDrama because of her stirring performance. She can pull off any genre thrown at her—I can’t wait for her career to flourish!

Lee Ji Ah as Shim Su Ryeon/Na Ae Gyo

The actress worthy of praise for doing a stellar job in taking a dual role! Lee Ji Ah absolutely nailed it! Her portrayal of Su Ryeon and Ae Gyo are very distinct and meticulous. She made me believe that Su Ryeon is already dead because the way she portrayed Ae Gyo is beyond convincing! From th looks, personality, and actions—she executed these characters in the exceptional manner. She deserves applause for this astonishing job! Insanely versatile actress!

Kim So Yeon as Cheon Seo Jin

The show stopper actress of this season! Kim So Yeon did a superb job right from the beginning of the series. In this season, she put her game on a higher level. She’s an actress that can pull off a character in the most flawless manner. She made an unforgettable portrayal of Seo Jin. She made my blood boil during the first part then she started to caught my attention and feel for her for the middle to end. She is a dark horse! Her acting prowess is masterful. There is no doubt if she will take home a lot of awards for portraying Seo Jin. She is deserving of standing ovation!

One of the strongest suits of Penthouse 2 is it fine work of writing—the thought-provoking storyline. I find it very fascinating and intriguing. I had absolutely no idea what will happen. The twists and turns that they showed in this season is something that I will forever commend. Those are the type of twists and revelations that are beyond brilliant. You thought you already know what will happen but in the end you will end up feeling astonished from the explosive twists.

I commend this drama series for being a tribute to all women and mothers out there. It portrayed how powerful women can be. Their love for their dreams, children, and family is really praise worthy! They have done bad and awful things but they only did that in order to protect their love ones. The message of women empowerment is eloquently portrayed. I wish I will witness more from the Holy Trinity—Shim Su Ryeon, Oh Yoon Hee, and Cheon Seo Jin on the upcoming season.

The Season 2 started with a bang and ended in the most devastating manner. I really wonder how will the next season progress. I wonder if Logan died from the bombing incident. This show really has a thing for gut-wrenching cliff hangers. Season 1 started with a dead girl’s body in a statue and ended showing Su Ryeon’s dead body (that turned out to be Ae Gyo’s) and Yoon Hee dripping with blood while on the other hand, a dead girl’s body in the stairs is how the recent season started and finished off with a scene where Logan stood beside a car that eventually exploded. I am deadly curious of the upcoming season!

Bloodier, crazier, and more devastating! Penthouse 2 exceeded my expectations! The electrifying performances of the actors and actresses are enough to praise this Korean Drama. Every single aspect of this show has really put on a higher level. It surpassed how impactful the first one. It has what it takes to keep the viewers glued to it. It flows really flawlessly with all the possible shades of emotions. It will make you experience a one hell of emotional ride. It doesn’t run out of intriguing sequences and it only becomes more and more fascinating and captivating as the story develops. Penthouse is undeniably the definition of a makjang drama. Hands down! Two thumbs up!