D.P.
D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) is a South Korean drama series available on Netflix, adapted from a popular webtoon. The narrative follows a military police unit tasked with apprehending soldiers who have deserted their posts. The series is set within the harsh environment of mandatory military service in South Korea, unflinchingly exploring themes of systemic bullying, hazing, and the profound psychological and physical abuse endured by young recruits. It delves into the reasons behind desertion, often highlighting the desperate circumstances and intense suffering faced by soldiers. The show is known for its gritty, realistic, and often heartbreaking portrayal of military life and its societal implications, making it suitable for a mature audience.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe series, particularly in Season 2, features an LGBTQ+ character, Jang Seong-min (Nina), who is a gay deserter and performs as a drag queen. His storyline highlights the severe discrimination and violent bullying faced by queer individuals within the military. This representation is integral to the show's critique of systemic issues.
In Season 2, Episode 3, 'Curtain Call,' the character Jang Seong-min, who performs as Nina the drag queen, is depicted as an 'LGBT deserter' and his story is tragic, involving violent bullying within the military for being 'different.' This episode, and the series overall, acknowledges that 'Gay and transgender soldiers are also a leading target of bullying' in the Korean military.
Violence
HighD.P. contains pervasive and graphic depictions of violence, including brutal physical assaults, hazing, and psychological torment within the military. This violence is central to the plot, showcasing the harsh realities faced by soldiers.
Soldiers are subjected to brutal physical abuse, such as being 'pushed to the wall with nails,' 'beating, burning their 'private area' hair, putting burning cigarettes on people.' In Season 2, a former soldier, Kim Ru-ri, perpetrates a mass shooting in the barracks, killing two and injuring eleven, which is a graphic and intense act of violence.
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe series explicitly includes themes and depictions of sexual harassment and assault as part of the systemic abuse within the military. This content is disturbing and non-consensual, contributing to the high parental guidance rating.
Major trigger warnings for the series explicitly include 'sexual assault/harassment.' One specific example details how the character Cho Sukbong was 'forced to strip and masturbate to 'entertain' his superiors' and was 'sexually harassed and ridiculed.'
Profanity
HighStrong and frequent profanity is present throughout the series, used by various characters, particularly military superiors, reflecting the stressful and abusive environment depicted.
The series carries explicit trigger warnings for 'swearing.' Sergeant Park Beom-Gu frequently 'curses and nags' at his subordinates, An Jun-Ho and Han Ho-Yeol, reflecting the prevalent harsh language in the military setting.
Scary & Intense Content
HighD.P. is characterized by its intense and disturbing content, including psychological trauma, depictions of suicide, and horrifying instances of abuse. The overall tone is dark and bleak, causing significant emotional distress.
The series carries major trigger warnings for 'suicide' and 'depression,' reflecting the profound psychological impact of military life and bullying on characters. The finale of Season 1, involving Cho Sukbong's desperate and violent breakdown due to sustained abuse, is described as deeply 'heartbreaking' and an 'emotional meltdown.'
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighThe core premise of D.P. revolves around soldiers rebelling against military authority by deserting. Furthermore, pervasive disrespect and abuse of power are central to the military hierarchy depicted, with superiors routinely demeaning and brutalizing subordinates.
The central plot involves a unit whose mission is to apprehend 'deserters,' soldiers who have rebelled against mandatory service by going AWOL. The series consistently portrays high-ranking soldiers inflicting 'brutal violence' and 'harsh curses' upon lower-ranking recruits, demonstrating severe disrespect and abuse of authority.
Substance Use
MediumThe series includes depictions of smoking, which is explicitly listed as a content warning. While not focused on illegal drug abuse, the presence of smoking by characters is realistic for the military setting.
Smoking is listed as a major trigger warning for the series. Characters, particularly soldiers, are shown smoking, which is a common portrayal in military dramas reflecting the environment and coping mechanisms of the characters.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile not explicitly anti-Christian, Season 2 introduces General Gu Ja-woon, who is described as a 'churchgoing villain.' He actively orchestrates cover-ups of military abuses and dismisses victims' trauma, potentially implying a critique of religious hypocrisy rather than Christianity itself.
General Gu Ja-woon, a key antagonist in Season 2, is portrayed as a 'churchgoing villain' who actively engages in 'orchestrat[ing] several cover-ups' of military abuses and 'labelling military-abuse victims that turned violent as mentally unstable.' This depiction connects a character of faith with corrupt actions and systemic injustice, raising questions about the role of individuals in power who may claim religious adherence while acting immorally.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no identifiable content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural themes in D.P. The series maintains a realistic drama genre focusing on military life.
The narrative of D.P. is grounded in the realistic portrayal of South Korean military service and its social commentary, with no elements of fantasy or the supernatural found in available reviews or plot summaries.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
16+ (Mature Teens and Adults) due to frequent, graphic violence, pervasive bullying, strong language, sexual harassment, and intense thematic elements including suicide and psychological trauma.
Additional Notes
The series often uses its intense and graphic content to highlight serious social issues within the South Korean military system, prompting important discussions about human rights, mental health, and institutional accountability. While difficult to watch, its impactful storytelling has been widely praised for its bravery in exposing these realities.
Related Reviews
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