[Drama 2024] Connection, 커넥션

[larus]

Watch: Ji Sung Radiates Warmth And Professionalism On The Set Of "Connection"

Jul 02, 2024

by R Suhaila

 

SBS’s “Connection” has shared a new making-of video for its latest episodes!

“Connection” is a crime thriller starring Ji Sung as Jang Jae Kyung, a well-respected detective who is the ace of the narcotics unit. Although Jang Jae Kyung is a trusted detective who cares deeply about his principles, his world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped and forcibly addicted to a mysterious new drug against his will.

In the newly released making-of video, Ji Sung proves to be an ideal actor both on- and off-screen. In one scene, Jang Jae Kyung (Ji Sung), Oh Yoon Jin (Jeon Mi Do), and Heo Joo Song (Jung Soon Won) gather for dinner after Yoon Jin was attacked by Park Tae Jin (Kwon Yool). As Ji Sung has a lot of dialogue to memorize for the scene, he impressively reads through his lines in one go before filming. Once the cameras roll, he flawlessly embodies his character and delivers his lines without a hitch.

During the take, the child of the restaurant owner unexpectedly enters the set looking for his mom, but Ji Sung remains unflustered as he warmly greets the child.

Ji Sung’s warmth also extends beyond the set. When Jung Soon Won’s mother visits to watch her son act, Ji Sung is the first to greet her and suggest taking pictures together, showcasing his thoughtful nature.

In another scene where Jang Jae Kyung visits Park Tae Jin in his office, Ji Sung’s playful side shines through. As Kwon Yool inspects whether a flower pot prop is real or fake, Ji Sung films the moment with a lighthearted touch. The playful interaction between the actors is all the more charming in light of their characters’ antagonistic relationship in the drama.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1672106wpp/watch-ji-sung-radiates-warmth-and-professionalism-on-the-set-of-connection

[backstreetboysfan]

Spoiler

Kim Min Ju Meets Up With Cho Han Gyul And Jo Min Gu To Make An Urgent Proposal In "Connection"

SBS’s “Connection” has previewed a flashback story featuring Kim Min Ju, Cho Han Gyul, and Jo Min Gu!

 

“Connection” is a crime thriller starring Ji Sung as Jang Jae Kyung, a well-respected detective who is the ace of the narcotics unit. Although Jang Jae Kyung is a trusted detective who cares deeply about his principles, his world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped and forcibly addicted to a mysterious new drug against his will.

 

The newly released stills depict a flashback scene where young Oh Yoon Jin (Kim Min Ju) gathers young Jang Jae Kyung (Cho Han Gyul) and young Heo Joo Song (Jo Min Gu) for a conversation in the absence of young Park Joon Seo (Lee Hyun So).

Oh Yoon Jin looks serious as she talks to Heo Joo Song and Jang Jae Kyung, who responds with a thoughtful expression after hearing her words. Meanwhile, a confused Heo Joo Seong looks bewildered by what he’s heard. What kind of proposal has the determined Oh Yoon Jin made, and will it reveal another hidden story from 20 years ago?

 

Spoiler

 

The production team stated, “The ‘Audiophile’ friends—Kim Min Ju, Cho Han Gyul, Jo Min Gu, and even Lee Hyun So, who isn’t shown in the photo—impress every time with their performances.” They added, “Will the final flashback scene have a happy ending or a sad one? We hope you won’t miss the conclusion of ‘Connection,’ which is racing towards its end.”

 

The next episode of “Connection” airs on July 5 at 10 p.m. KST, with the finale airing on July 6 at 9:40 p.m. KST.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1672313wpp/kim-min-ju-meets-up-with-cho-han-gyul-and-jo-min-gu-to-make-an-urgent-proposal-in-connection

[backstreetboysfan]

Spoiler

Kwon Yool Betrays Kim Kyung Nam And Cha Yup For Personal Gain In "Connection"

SBS’s “Connection” has teased a fractured friendship between Kwon Yool, Kim Kyung Nam, and Cha Yup!

 

“Connection” is a crime thriller starring Ji Sung as Jang Jae Kyung, a well-respected detective who is the ace of the narcotics unit. Although Jang Jae Kyung is a trusted detective who cares deeply about his principles, his world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped and forcibly addicted to a mysterious new drug against his will.

Spoilers

Previously on “Connection,” it came to light that Park Tae Jin (Kwon Yool) was involved in the lemon drug business with Jung Sang Eui (Park Keun Rok). Won Jong Soo (Kim Kyung Nam) directed Oh Chi Hyun (Cha Yup) to investigate Park Tae Jin after receiving a warning from his father, Won Chang Ho (Moon Sung Geun). Later, Oh Chi Hyun, who had previously killed Jung Yoon Ho (Lee Kang Wook), received a cryptic message from the person investigating Park Tae Jin, causing his expression to darken with concern.

 

In the newly released stills, Won Jong Soo calls Park Tae Jin to their hideout, where Oh Chi Hyun is also present. Park Tae Jin looks nervous, visibly surprised by something in the tense atmosphere, while Won Jong Soo glares angrily at him.

 

Spoiler

 

Oh Chi Hyun then approaches Park Tae Jin with a menacing expression, punching him and forcing him to kneel before Won Jong Soo. Despite Park Tae Jin being bloodied and kneeling in a desperate situation, he asserts himself by saying something that escalates the tension. The question remains: what did Park Tae Jin say? As tensions rise among the former allies, all eyes are on the unfolding aftermath.

 

Spoiler

 

The production team stated, “Kwon Yool, Kim Kyung Nam, and Cha Yup, who once had a strong bond, now display an icy dynamic that will send chills down the spine as their friendship cools.” They added, “Please tune in to Episode 14 to discover the pivotal moment that will decide the fate of these former comrades.”

 

The next episode of “Connection” will air on July 5 at 10 p.m. KST, with the finale airing on July 6 at 9:40 p.m. KST.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1672581wpp/kwon-yool-betrays-kim-kyung-nam-and-cha-yup-for-personal-gain-in-connection

[backstreetboysfan]

Watch: Ji Sung, Kwon Yool, Jeon Mi Do, And More Remain Focused While Filming Action Scenes In "Connection" Making-Of Video

SBS’s “Connection” has released a new making-of video depicting behind the scenes of intense action scenes!

 

“Connection” is a crime thriller starring Ji Sung as Jang Jae Kyung, a well-respected detective who is the ace of the narcotics unit. Although Jang Jae Kyung is a trusted detective who cares deeply about his principles, his world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped and forcibly addicted to a mysterious new drug against his will.

Spoilers

In the newly released making-of video, viewers get an inside look at the intense showdown between Jang Jae Kyung and Park Tae Jin (Kwon Yool). The scene unfolds after they discover Choi Ji Yeon (Jung Yoo Min) barely surviving an attempted murder by Jung Yoon Ho (Lee Kang Wook). Oh Yoon Jin (Jeon Mi Do) arrives on the scene later, delivering a decisive slap to Park Tae Jin and aligning herself with Jae Kyung.

 

Off-camera, the trio meticulously rehearses their action-packed sequences, ensuring seamless execution when the cameras start rolling. Even during lighter moments, such as Ji Sung filming a close-up with staff reading Kwon Yool’s lines, the actor remains deeply immersed in his role. The pivotal scene where Oh Yoon Jin slaps Park Tae Jin also garners applause on set.

 

In the subsequent action scene, tensions escalate as Jae Kyung and Yoon Jin confront Jung Sang Eui (Park Keun Rok), uncovering his role as the mastermind behind the illicit lemon mulberry drug trade and Jae Kyung’s addiction. The actors collaborate closely, fine-tuning every movement to prevent injuries. Ji Sung’s warmth shines through as he attentively coaches Jeon Mi Do during rehearsals to ensure her safety.

 

As the drama heads toward its finale, the stakes heighten, piquing curiosity about the intensity of the remaining episodes.

 

Watch the full making-of video below!

 

 

The next episode of “Connection” airs on July 5 at 10 p.m. KST, with the finale airing on July 6 at 9:40 p.m. KST.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1672653wpp/watch-ji-sung-kwon-yool-jeon-mi-do-and-more-remain-focused-while-filming-action-scenes-in-connection-making-of-video

[backstreetboysfan]

Here are the ratings for Episode 13! .

 

"Connection" Heads Into Finale On Its Highest Ratings Yet

SBS’s “Connection” hit a new all-time high in viewership ahead of its series finale!

 

On July 5, the hit thriller starring Ji Sung and Jeon Mi Do soared to its highest ratings to date for its penultimate episode. According to Nielsen Korea, “Connection” took first place in its time slot across all channels with an average nationwide rating of 11.0 percent, marking a new personal record for the series.

 

“Connection” was also the most-watched program of any kind to air on Friday among the key demographic of viewers ages 20 to 49, with whom it earned an average rating of 3.2 percent.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1672998wpp/connection-heads-into-finale-on-its-highest-ratings-yet

[ferily]

Why hasn’t Viki uploaded episode 14 yet 

[backstreetboysfan]

Here are the ratings for Episode 14 *Last Episode*! .

 

"The Auditors" Premieres To No. 1 Ratings As "Connection" Ends On All-Time High

Meanwhile, SBS’s “Connection” ended on the highest viewership ratings of its entire run. The series finale of the hit thriller took first place in its time slot with an average nationwide rating of 14.2 percent, marking a new all-time high for the drama.

 

“Connection” was also the most-watched program of the entire week among the key demographic of viewers ages 20 to 49, with whom it earned an average rating of 4.8 percent.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1673052wpp/the-auditors-premieres-to-no-1-ratings-as-connection-ends-on-all-time-high

[backstreetboysfan]

"Connection" Stars Say Goodbye + Pick Their Favorite Scenes From The Drama

https://www.soompi.com/article/1673058wpp/connection-stars-say-goodbye-pick-their-favorite-scenes-from-the-drama

[lilyphenix]

I enjoyed the drama, though I was a bit disappointed by the finale, more specifically (last episode's spoilers)

Spoiler

the fact the all the mysteries are solved, in the end, by the confessions of the culprit. What I mean is that it would have been nice for our great detective to figure out the important answers thanks to his investigating skills (not denying that he is a great interviewer), as opposed to a systematic confession from everyone involved.

Spoiler

I don't understand why Tae Jin, who had 1/2 of the password, didn't figure out that the other half was Ju Seon's wife birthday. Wouldn't he have tried it first? Even if he didn't know it, he could easily know her birthday, given their relationship... Or maybe I missed a detail.

 

[lebeaucouple]

2 hours ago, lilyphenix said:

I don't understand why Tae Jin, who had 1/2 of the password, didn't figure out that the other half was Ju Seon's wife birthday. Wouldn't he have tried it first? Even if he didn't know it, he could easily know her birthday, given their relationship... Or maybe I missed a detail.

 

 I enjoyed this drama alot and would give it a high rating as it fulfilled all the elements that I want to see. Thriller, suspense and meaningful storyline about their friendships. A person who did not believe in friendship since young (because he was forced to leave the school due to the betrayal by his close friend) and turned into a better person at the end of EP. We could see the character growth of the male lead at the end.

 

It is a smart move to hold the suspense mode until the last ep...who was the real murderer and the mastermind for Park Joon-Seo's death, which let you fill up the last piece of the puzzle...

 

The password for the front 4 digit was Choi Ji-Yeon's birth date, and the last 4 digit was friendship date (which was the same as Heo Joo-Song's mother birthday but Park Joon-Seo declared it as a "friendship day" when he told his friend Heo Joo-Song) - this is the most difficult part to guess, and only reveal it at the end of the EP.

 

The key word of the drama is "Connection" everything related to the title. Nice meaning !!

 

Park Tae-Jin must have tried many times but he couldn't think of anything especially the last 4 digit he couldn't figure out, which is the most difficult part, because only if they could realise the "connection prompt", which is what Park Joon-Seo's original intention is to reinstate the trust , he wanted to regain the friendship and hope that Jang Jae-Kyeong could forgive him after all these years he had done. He created and connected all the links, which made the game so amazing and exciting to guess and connect each puzzle.

 

To forget and forgive a person's mistake is always easier said than done, but the drama did share that do not revisit what's already done, leave yesterday's baggage behind. The three of them can only look forward to their friendship day every year, to reconnect and see each other again. 

 

After this "Connection" must-watch drama, will there be another good or even better one coming up on 2nd half of the year? 

[S00mp1an]

This is the best drama so far this year!

 

Yes, it was Tae-Jin who set the birth date of Joon Soo's wife as his half of the password.  Does that mean his feelings for her was sincere?

 

In the end, we see the character development of Ji Sung and Yoon Jin.  When we first met Yoon Jin, she was a money crazy woman who would do anything for a quick buck.  In the end, here she was giving money away 🤪

 

The only thing I didn't like was what happened to Ji Sung's career.  However, the ending at the beach was very heart warming.

 

[lilyphenix]

3 hours ago, S00mp1an said:

 

Yes, it was Tae-Jin who set the birth date of Joon Soo's wife as his half of the password.  Does that mean his feelings for her was sincere?

 

Ha! That's the piece I was confused about: because it was Joon Soo's wife, in the end I thought it was JS who has set up that birthday. Thank you for the reminder.

 

@lebeaucouple, your analysis of the life lessons of the drama is beautiful and uplifting, thank you! 😊

[lebeaucouple]

11 hours ago, S00mp1an said:

it was Tae-Jin who set the birth date of Joon Soo's wife as his half of the password.  Does that mean his feelings for her was sincere?

I would think otherwise, setting Choi Ji-Yeon's BD as the first 4 digit password is more like a psychological test, i don't think he has feeling for her as he did mention on the last EP (when Jang Jae-Kyeong and the doctor were together with him) that he did not even care about her, just making use of her only.

 

11 hours ago, S00mp1an said:

The only thing I didn't like was what happened to Ji Sung's career.  

 

 

He was demoted because he lost his gun which was stolen by the Doctor.

 

What i like about the last 4 digit password that only reveal at the end scene (at the beach) >>> the script writer was so smart, the core objective of this drama was about their friendships, whether good or bad, it had kept highlighting in this drama. Creating a "friendship date" as the last 4 digit password that connecting to someone closer to Park Joon-Seo at that point of time, it would be none other than Heo Joo-Song, his insurance agent cum close friend since young. People rarely remember the meeting date and time, but most people will usually remember their own mother's birth date.  Park Joon-Seo used Heo Joo-Song's mother's Birthdate and told Heo Joo-Song to declare it as "friendship date" is a way of connections hint and this clue has finally helped Jang Jae-Kyeong and Oh Yoon-Jin to solve the final password - what bind them together - this is the power of friendship connection 💓  Tae jin will never know the last 4 digit pw, simply because he has never been closed to Heo Joo Song since school days. 

 

[lilyphenix]

Talking of friendships and connections, this drama also highlights transactional relationships, which seems to have been at the core of Tae Jin, Joo-Song and the rest of their group's connection. Theirs was a different type of friendship, seemingly driven by self-interest and self-preservation, obviously greed, manipulative (meaning, could someone help advance their interest, or how to force people into advancing their interest, by any means necessary).

Other points of reflection: how grief affected people differently. All key characters seemed to have had and handled their personal losses differently. Some lost a friend who was murdered, body burnt, and the murder was covered up: that's traumatic. Joo-Song seemed like he lost his mom early, and was despised by his father.  Jae-Kyeong lost close friendships, following the murder in his high school, and threw himself into his work relentlessly, and relentlessly seeking justice by arresting criminals. Yoon-Jin went through the hardship of being separated from her daughter, and went from being principled in high school to taking bribes as a journalist in need of money to send abroad for her daughter's sake. Joon-Seo and his wife lost their daughter: Joon-Seo put his life on the line to seek justice and expose Jong-Soo and the gang, while Ji-Yeon succumbed to having an affair with Tae-Jin. The list can go on. The drama offered deep reflection on human nature, and a glimpse at what healthy friendships can look like or the values they can be built on.

Last but not least, I really enjoyed the mentoring and looking after the younger one and his grandma. Young people need role models and mentors. I thought that was an important and powerful message.

Edited July 9 by lilyphenix
Typos on characters' names due to autocorrect...

[lebeaucouple]

It was so good to watch this drama without having to press the forward button once. I even had to rewind it often to catch their dialogues again so that to get the clues.

 

The only thing I was disappointed was the doctor’s true identity and that was too fast to reveal it in the ep -  It was an easy guess. But I was a bit expecting a more terrible character or someone I didn’t even doubt.  The reason he gave Jang Jae gyeong the drug was completely foolish and selfish act. They could have come up with something more reasonable. Well, it was obvious that every character in this drama has human weaknesses, traumas in the past, so does the doctor. Putting doctor's role as revenge probably is a way of exposing humanity and restoring justice. That's why the doctor chose Jang Jae gyeong as he knew too well about his justice character.

 

I always like unpredictable storyline, and this genre suits my cup of tea.

Excellent performance skills, with a good script, worth spending time watching. Thumbs-up !

[backstreetboysfan]

Watch: Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, Kwon Yool, And More Share Camaraderie and Laughter On The Set Of "Connection"

SBS’s “Connection” has released a new making-of video!

 

“Connection” is a crime thriller starring Ji Sung as Jang Jae Kyung, a well-respected detective who is the ace of the narcotics unit. Although Jang Jae Kyung is a trusted detective who cares deeply about his principles, his world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped and forcibly addicted to a mysterious new drug against his will.

 

The newly released behind-the-scenes video offers a glimpse of the camaraderie among the actors on set. One example is a pivotal scene where Ji Sung, in a close-up shot, listens to Park Tae Jin (Kwon Yool) confessing to the murder of Park Joon Seo (Yoon Na Moo). During filming, Ji Sung thanks Kwon Yool for passionately acting out the scene even when he isn’t on camera, maintaining the intensity and emotion necessary for Ji Sung to fully immerse himself in the scene.

 

The atmosphere on the drama set is also notably lively whenever Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, and Jung Soon Won share scenes together. During one scene where they wait for their car to charge, Jung Soon Won inadvertently lightens the mood by messing up a line and accidentally bumping into a chair, eliciting laughter from everyone present.

 

This cheerful vibe continues during the filming of a beach scene, when Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, and Jung Soon Won finally meet the child actors portraying their respective characters’ younger selves. Jung Soon Won beams with happiness as he embraces his younger counterpart, Jo Min Gu, while Jeon Mi Do warmly greets Kim Min Ju.

 

Check out the full making-of video below!

 

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1673666wpp/watch-ji-sung-jeon-mi-do-kwon-yool-and-more-share-camaraderie-and-laughter-on-the-set-of-connection

 

[larus]

Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (July 13, 2024)

by DB Staff

 

So, what are we all watching this week?

 

What kept you reaching for more (or agonizing when there was no more), and what made you want to throw your remote through the screen? Time to weigh in…

 

missvictrix

 

Connection: Somehow I missed the moment when they let the universe know this drama was 14 — not 16 — episodes, because I was not ready to say goodbye so fast. But I loved it. Ji Sung really picks such fabulous scripts, and this one was fun right through the end. While I might have tweaked a few things if it was me, I’m not sorry how it ended, and I have all-new levels of appreciation for Kwon Yul and Kim Kyung-nam now.

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2024/07/team-dramabeans-what-were-watching-july-13-2024/

[larus]

"Connection" Rated Most Buzzworthy Drama In Final Week On Air + Um Tae Goo Tops Actor List

Drama

Jul 14, 2024

by E Cha

SBS’s “Connection” has gone out on top!

In its final week on air, “Connection” remained No. 1 on Good Data Corporation’s weekly list of the TV dramas that generated the most buzz for the fourth consecutive week. The company determines each week’s rankings by collecting data from news articles, blog posts, online communities, videos, and social media about dramas that are either currently airing or set to air soon.

In addition to topping the list of most buzzworthy dramas, “Connection” also claimed two spots on this week’s list of most buzzworthy drama cast members, where Ji Sung rose to No. 5 and Kwon Yool shot to No. 8.

 

The top 10 TV dramas that generated the most buzz this week are as follows:

1. SBS “Connection”
2. JTBC “My Sweet Mobster”
3. JTBC “Miss Night and Day”
4. tvN “The Auditors”
5. tvN “The Player 2: Master of Swindlers”
6. KBS2 “Beauty and Mr. Romantic”
7. MBC “The Pork Cutlets”
8. KBS1 “Su Ji and U Ri”
9. tvN “Serendipity’s Embrace”
10. KBS2 “Dare to Love Me”

While the drama list only includes series airing on broadcast television, the newly integrated actor list also includes cast members from OTT shows—and “The Whirlwind” star Sol Kyung Gu made this week’s list at No. 10.

1. Um Tae Goo (“My Sweet Mobster”)
2. Lee Jung Eun (“Miss Night and Day”)
3. Han Sun Hwa (“My Sweet Mobster”)
4. Jeong Eun Ji (“Miss Night and Day”)
5. Ji Sung (“Connection”)
6. Shin Ha Kyun (“The Auditors”)
7. Choi Jin Hyuk (“Miss Night and Day”)
8. Kwon Yool (“Connection”)
9. Lee Jung Ha (“The Auditors”)
10. Sol Kyung Gu (“The Whirlwind”)

https://www.soompi.com/article/1674555wpp/connection-rated-most-buzzworthy-drama-in-final-week-on-air-um-tae-goo-tops-actor-list