My Name (TV Series)

My Name is a South Korean television series in the action, crime, and thriller genres. It is directed by Kim Jin-min and written by Kim Ba-da. The series was released on the Netflix platform on 15 October 2021. Comprising eight episodes, it attracted attention for its strong female lead, dark atmosphere, and intense action sequences.

The series centers on Oh Hye-jin, whose life is upended following the mysterious death of her father. Determined to find her father’s killer, Oh Hye-jin is willing to risk everything. However, this quest leads her to Choi Mu-jin, one of the most powerful figures in the underworld. Mu-jin takes her under his protection and recruits her into his criminal organization, Dongcheon.

During her training, Ji-woo is equipped with martial arts, firearms, and infiltration techniques—key stages in her transformation. Under Mu-jin’s guidance, Ji-woo infiltrates the police force under a false identity as Oh Hye-jin. She now exists simultaneously as a member of the mafia and an agent of the legal system. Over time, she develops a bond of trust with Detective Jeon Pil-do, a fellow officer. Yet as Ji-woo struggles to maintain her dual identity, she must pay the personal cost of her revenge. The series evolves into a psychological unraveling as the character navigates between the concepts of “justice” and “loyalty.”

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• Ji-woo / Oh Hye-jin (Han So-hee): After her father’s death, she loses her innocence. In her pursuit of strength, Ji-woo infiltrates the criminal world and gradually begins to question her own identity, her understanding of justice, and her drive for revenge. The character offers a rare example in South Korean dramas of female power, resilience, and internal conflict.
• Choi Mu-jin (Park Hee-soon): Leader of the Dongcheon organization. He approaches Ji-woo with a promise to reveal the truth behind her father’s death. His coldness, authoritarianism, and manipulative nature make him the series’ quintessential “gray character.” Mu-jin’s influence over Ji-woo creates a dynamic that is both paternal and tragically addictive.
• Jeon Pil-do (Ahn Bo-hyun): Ji-woo’s partner within the police force. Initially suspicious of her, he gradually develops empathy. Pil-do becomes the only human connection and emotional refuge in Ji-woo’s dark world.

My Name creates an atmosphere steeped in darkness and gloom through its somber color palette. Camera angles, particularly in close-up fight scenes, emphasize the character’s physical pain and inner rage.

Major themes include:

• Revenge and Justice: Ji-woo’s journey explores the psychological consequences of personal revenge replacing the ideal of justice.
• Identity and Loyalty: Living a double life, Ji-woo questions which world she truly belongs to.
• Female Power and Trauma: Amidst the male-dominated worlds of crime and law enforcement, Ji-woo is reborn physically and emotionally.
• Isolation and Manipulation: Mu-jin’s influence over Ji-woo presents a relationship dynamic that is both protective and destructive.

My Name was released globally on the Netflix platform on 15 October 2021. The series is directed by Kim Jin-min and written by Kim Ba-da. Produced by Studio Santa Claus Entertainment, filming took place in various cities across South Korea, particularly in atmospheres dominated by gray tones and shadowy lighting.

The eight-episode series stands out for Han So-hee’s physically demanding action performances. Realistic martial arts techniques and precise choreography enhance the show’s action aesthetic. Thanks to its high production quality and cinematic editing, My Name has secured its place among Netflix’s globally acclaimed Korean productions.

My Name garnered significant attention during its release for its acting and technical achievements. Lead actress Han So-hee was nominated for Best New Actress at the 2022 Baek Sang Art Awards.^【1】

• Nomination for Best New Actress: Han So-hee
• Nomination for Best Supporting Actor: Ahn Bo-hyun
• Nomination for Best New Actor: Chang Ryul