Flex x Cop Review: From Playing A Cop To Actually Becoming A Great One!

All the money sure comes in handy
By: Iffah Salleh
March 13, 2024

If you’re reading this, it means our beloved K-drama is nearing its end, with just four episodes to go, and the suspense is killing us. Each week, we find ourselves eagerly awaiting Friday, hoping it arrives sooner.

Flex x Cop follows Jin Lee Soo, portrayed by Ahn Bo-Hyun, a third-generation chaebol who initially seems content with the typical lifestyle of a wealthy heir: playing cops with his friends and servants, and indulging in parties. 

However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is thrust into the role of an active police officer under the guidance of Unit Chief Lee Gang-Hyun, played by Park Ji-Hyun, who doubts his abilities. As the story unfolds, Lee Soo gradually proves himself, defying expectations and demonstrating his potential as a capable member of law enforcement.

Now, let’s take a moment to recap the last twelve episodes and reflect on how the drama has evolved as the plot thickens.

Flex x Cop

‘Flex x Cop’ is a Korean Drama exclusive to Disney+ since January 26th, 2024, starring Ahn Bo-Hyun in a captivating role. The series revolves around Jin Lee-Soo, a privileged heir to a wealthy Korean corporate dynasty, thrust unexpectedly into the world of crime-solving as a detective in the serious crime unit.

Jin Lee-Soo begins the story as a pampered second-generation heir, relying solely on his family’s wealth and influence. However, a twist of fate lands him in the serious crime unit at Gangha Police Station following an unexpected arrest operation. Initially met with resistance from unit chief Lee Gang-Hyun, Jin faces internal conflicts as he navigates his new role.

As the series progresses, Jin Lee-Soo’s character undergoes significant development. He gradually embraces the challenges of his position, realising the weight of his responsibilities. Leveraging his substantial financial resources and influential background, Jin actively contributes to the unit’s efforts in tackling major criminal cases and apprehending perpetrators.

So basically the series follows where initially, Gang-hyun is skeptical of Jin, viewing him as a disruption to her life, and I-soo trying to prove her wrong. However, a crucial turning point in their relationship brings them together as partners.

Episodes 1 to 3 Recap

Source: Disney+ Hotstar

In the premiere episode, we meet Jin Lee-Soo, a third-generation chaebol heir, who unexpectedly finds himself assisting the police in apprehending a murderer. Despite initial conflicts with Lee Gang-Hyun, a seasoned detective, Lee-Soo’s involvement leads to the capture of the criminal. 

This event propels him into a new role as a detective, supported by his brother’s intervention to save him from disgrace. Subsequent episodes delve into journey as he navigates challenges within the police force, earning recognition for his investigative skills despite facing workplace harassment and bullying.

Episode two continues Lee-Soo’s integration into the police force, where he faces scepticism and challenges from colleagues. However, his determination and competitive spirit begin to earn him respect as he becomes more involved in solving cases alongside Gang-Hyun. Meanwhile, suspicions arise surrounding Lee-Soo’s mother’s car accident, hinting at potential future plot developments.

In episode three, Lee-Soo and Gang-Hyun collaborate to solve a murder case involving complex familial dynamics and personal vendettas. As they unravel the mystery, they confront personal and professional obstacles, including internal conflicts within the police force and revelations about Gang-Hyun’s father’s past. The episode concludes with Lee-Soo’s growing commitment to his role as a detective, despite ongoing tensions within the team.

Episodes 4 to 6 Recap

Episode four sees Lee-Soo and Gang-Hyun tackling another murder case, this time involving an art gallery owner. Through meticulous investigation and collaboration, they uncover a web of deceit and betrayal within the victim’s circle, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the culprits. Lee-Soo’s growing proficiency as a detective and his willingness to confront challenges head-on earn him respect among his peers.

Episode five delves deeper into Lee-Soo’s character development as he grapples with the complexities of his new role and the responsibilities it entails. He faces personal and professional dilemmas while investigating a series of mysterious deaths, ultimately proving his worth as a skilled detective. Meanwhile, tensions escalate within the police force, revealing underlying power struggles and personal revenge that threaten to undermine their efforts to solve the case.

In the sixth episode, Gang-hyun and her team delve into the investigation of funeral photographers responsible for a string of murders aimed at obtaining a valuable Korean seal. Initially met with resistance from Gang-hyun’s senior, the case is eventually passed to her team amid suspicions of a previous serial killer case being prematurely closed. 

Meanwhile, Lee-Soo seeks information from an underground source, Mr. Yoon, regarding the missing seal, leading to the discovery of a secret auction. Disguised, Lee-Soo and Gang-hyun attend the auction and successfully acquire the seal, only to realise that the culprits have outsmarted them by disposing of the GPS tracker. 

Undeterred, Lee-Soo sets up a trap by posing as a buyer on the dark web, with Gang-hyun’s father reluctantly agreeing to play the role of an elderly target. When the criminals fall for the bait and attempt to execute their plan, they remain oblivious to the true identity of their intended victim, setting the stage for a pivotal confrontation.

Episodes 7 to 9 Recap

In episodes seven to nine, Team One faces a series of complex cases that test their investigative skills and interpersonal dynamics.

Team One investigates the mysterious death of an IT legend, delving into the complexities of his personal and professional life. As they unravel the case, Lee-soo’s past trauma resurfaces, revealing the truth about his mother’s death and his complicated relationship with his family. Meanwhile, Gang-hyun navigates her mother’s matchmaking attempts while balancing her growing feelings for Lee-soo.

Amidst personal challenges, Team One confronts a murder case involving a famous actress in episode nine. With twists and turns, they uncover hidden motives and suspects within the entertainment industry, leading to a tense confrontation with the true culprit. As the team grapples with professional and personal dilemmas, they must rely on each other to solve the case and confront their own demons.

Episodes 10 to 12 Recap

Source: Disney+ Hotstar

In episodes 10 to 12 of the series, the storyline delves deeper into the complexities of the ongoing investigation surrounding Yu-ra’s murder, an actress, while also introducing a new case involving the mysterious Oryun Community. The narrative unfolds with the team’s relentless pursuit of justice, led by Kang-hyun and her unconventional methods, as they peel back layers of deception and intrigue.

The investigation into Yu-ra’s murder takes a significant turn as Sang-tae, Yu-ra’s manager, emerges as a prime suspect due to his disturbing obsession with the victim. Through meticulous detective work and strategic manipulation, the team manages to extract a confession from Sang-tae, ultimately leading to his arrest. 

Simultaneously, the narrative introduces a new mystery involving the enigmatic Oryun Community, which adds another layer of complexity to the plot.

As Gang-hyun goes undercover to infiltrate the cult, Lee-soo employs his unique charm and resourcefulness to gather crucial information from a different angle. Their collaborative efforts shed light on the cult’s illicit activities, unveiling a web of deceit and danger that threatens not only their lives but also those of others involved.

Gang-hyun’s near-death experience, followed by Leei-soo’s heroic rescue, deepens their bond and mutual respect for each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, Lee-soo’s personal journey, particularly his strained relationship with his father, adds emotional depth to the narrative, hinting at unresolved conflicts and future revelations.

Overall Thoughts

Source: Disney+ Hotstar

Not A Light Viewing

This drama initially presents itself as a lighthearted and fun K-drama, but as the plot thickens, it becomes evident that it’s far from predictable. While there are moments of humour and levity, the narrative takes a poignant turn when Lee-Soo uncovers the truth about his mother’s death, leaving both him and the viewers emotionally shaken. 

The actors and actresses deliver exceptional performances, seamlessly portraying their characters with depth and authenticity, whether in action-packed scenes or emotional moments.

Thick & Twisted Storyline

Admittedly, there were moments where my interest waned, especially during the middle episodes. The fear of a potentially tragic ending or a more complex storyline left me somewhat hesitant to fully invest in the unfolding events. At times, it felt reminiscent of a soap opera, with its twists, betrayals, and intricate plotlines.

However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there’s much more to unravel. The stage is set for further character development, intricate investigations, and unexpected twists that promise to keep viewers captivated and on the edge of their seats. 

The series indeed continues to deliver gripping storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, providing an immersive viewing experience that keeps audiences eagerly awaiting each new episode.

Be Ready For Answers

As we approach the final four episodes of the series, it’s clear that there’s still a lot to uncover and digest. Brace yourselves for potential shocks and unanswered questions as the series reaches its conclusion.

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