The Apartment Job: They Didn't Only Steal Money, They Stole My Heart

This Netflix k-drama follows former gang boss Park Hae-kang (Ji-sung) who desperately needs cash and intends to steal an apartment complex's fund by running for resident association president, only to uncover deep local corruption and dangerous schemes.

I loved this show, I truly believe it's one of the best recent k-drama releases I've seen. It really emulates the hilarity and vivacity synonymous with early 2000's Korean comedies. Well, with a k-drama veteran like Ji-sung as the lead role, that was bound to happen. My favorite tropes abounded in this show, like found family, hilarious hijinks, and misfits uniting to take down a common enemy. The writing was amazing, with every character so believable in their triumphs and struggles that I found myself rooting for them every step of the way despite their morally ambiguous goals. These men are definitely not what you'd picture of gang members; they're lovable, brotherly, and ridiculous.

One of my favorite parts of this show was the character development. They all grow into better versions of themselves that they aspire to be by the end of the show. And even though they're posing as a fake family, they genuinely support each other in ways that sometimes blood relatives don't. They can count on each other, showing such a heartwarming transition from strangers to a real family. Initially needing money for their own individual reasons, they all unexpectedly become accidental heroes who bond with the other apartment residents and aim to protect their home from systemic fraud.

This show was an amazing watch, keeping me constantly invested. I wanted to know what would happen next: how the power dynamics would shift, how the relationships would evolve, and if they would actually steal from people they were becoming increasingly attached to. You'll have to watch to find the answer to that last part. It was so thoroughly entertaining, I found myself laughing constantly. I'm not really sure how they did it, but the writers and producers mastered the art of being silly without being cringy. Anyone creating a petition for a season 2? Because I'll definitely sign.