Officer Black Belt Review: Kim Woo Bin's action avatar and simplistic charm deserve an edgier narrative

Kim Woo Bin ventured into uncharted territory with his latest outing, and the risk seems to have paid off. His action-packed character, coupled with a good Samaritan attitude, is captivating, though the narrative feels predictable.
What's the plot?
Kim Woo-bin as Lee Jung-do, is an ace at all things action! He proudly showcases his top level achievements in taekwondo, kendo, and judo.And doesn't shy away from putting his talent on display. Teased as Diarrhea by friends, his regular day involves delivering chicken for his father's small-time business and playing e-sports with his geeky friends. While going about his tasks, Lee Jung-do ends up saving the life of a probation officer. The story fast-tracks to him being inducted as a full time Martial Arts Officer under the Minister of Justice. Monitoring ex-convicts and catching them to prevent crimes perfectly fulfills his idea of 'fun'.
Repetitive angles but with refreshing action
Kim Woo-bin's physical capabilities are dutifully explored by the director in Officer Black Belt, with a good dose of stylised action. It is not everyday that you see a towering personality like Kim Woo-bin throwing kicks and punches for the sake of justice. His easy-going attitude, sprinkled with the right amount of humour makes Officer Black Belt a binge-worth entertainer. Kim Woo-bin's look transformation, from the blonde to black, adds to the seriousness of the movie. Matching his talent to the task, Kim Sung-kyun, who plays probation officer Kim Sun-min, takes Kim Woo-Bin under his wings.

Kim Woo-bin's camaraderie with Kim Sung-kyun deserves a special mention! His nerdy friends, armed with their own talents and geeky ideas, bring plenty of humor to the adventure. But, the biggest stumbling block for this solid team is the narrative. The predictable plot involving the pursuit of ex-convicts becomes a bit repetitive, and Kim Woo-bin's constant ability to avert disaster can make it feel monotonous. However, the narrative gains momentum in the final act as Kim Woo-bin and Kim Sung-kyun are cleverly ensnared by their arch-nemesis. While the positive ending is expected, the last 15 minutes deliver an engaging ride. Edgy crimes, elusive criminals, and thrilling chases—along with more screen time for the dynamic duo—could have truly elevated Officer Black Belt into a standout crime thriller.
Watch it or skip it?
If you are looking for a break from the mushy Korean content being dished out on the internet, then Officer Black Belt is right up your alley. It will make you feel the emotions, without the need to cry, it serves action, without the gore and is humorous enough to make you smile in parts.