[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Police University" Episode 3

Dong-man has realized that Seon-ho is the mystery hacker who's been helping out with the cryptocurrency investigation. It's no spoiler to note that the episode ends with Dong-man asking Seon-ho to directly assist with the case. It's what the story's obviously been leading up to. But Dong-man actually wanting Seon-ho to succeed dramatically improves the tone of "Police University" as Seon-ho now does battle with his own self-doubt and perceived insufficiencies rather than Dong-man's petty spite.

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In a truly excellent story beat, Seon-ho has staked his continued enrollment in the police academy on his success in a major training exercise. While I've criticized the pseudo-military tone of the training to date, it actually works quite well here because the capture the flag mission finally gives Seon-ho a chance to fight with intelligence rather than brute force. That Seon-ho comes up with an actual strategy is to his great credit.

Even more important is the revelation that the goal of the exercise was not to win, but to demonstrate discipline with fellow officers. We can likewise see how Seon-ho's squad goes from clearly winning by a wide margin to a razor thin finish largely because one member of the team doesn't stick to the plan. I was slightly annoyed that Seon-ho's entire squad still passes considering that. I suppose writer Moon Min-jung just couldn't bear to get rid of an antagonistic character despite having very good reason to.

Ironically, new developments in the cryptocurrency plotline retroactively justify Dong-man's maverick behavior for the opposite reason. We receive confirmation that Dong-man's investigation is actively being sabotaged within the police force. It's surprisingly bold for "Police University" to not just acknowledge official corruption, but to have characters frankly discuss police brutality. Despite initial appearances, the elder police officers don't quite fall where we would expect on such ethical questions of good cops versus bad cops.

Overall this was quite a strong episode- certainly the best so far. Unfortunately I still have one major complaint. Jung Soo-jung just isn't doing anything. Her character is portrayed as so boring and competent there just isn't much for her to do, except have the male characters make googly eyes at her. I can only hope she's better utilized in the next stage of the story, since Kang-hee is quickly emerging as the main recruit who hits the trustworthiness trifecta of being a team player, having good police skills, and also having a strong moral compass.

Review by William Schwartz

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"Police University" is directed by Yoo Kwan-mo, written by Moon Min-jung, and features Jin Young, Cha Tae-hyun, Jung Soo-jung, Choo Young-woo, Lee Dal, Yoo Young-jae. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2021/08/09~Now airing, Mon, Tue 21:30 on KBS.