How far does human greed go?
This is the core message that runs through the story of 'Fine: The Villains Searching for Treasure Under the Sea' (hereafter, Fine).
The drama Fine, released by Disney+ on the 16th of last month, is set in 1970s Jeolla-do, providing viewers with entertainment through its retro style and charming dialect. It portrays the true nature of human greed through various characters. "What is going on now?" "Is it normal to dunk someone? How much will you pay?" Sometimes it's comedic, and other times it's chilling.
Everyone has greed and desires. When these desires grow, human relationships crumble. There is no 'just enough.' In Fine, even while searching for treasure together, if someone becomes a hindrance, betrayal can occur at any moment. Childhood friends are merely obstacles in the presence of gold and silver treasures. No one should be trusted.
Fine is based on a webtoon by writer Yun Tae-ho, known for 'Misaeng.' Director Kang Yun-seong, who gained fame for directing 'The Outlaws' and 'Casino' as a 'character manufacturer,' took the helm. He uniquely expressed the characters who gather with desires and purposes. Director Kang noted, "I wanted to show the true nature of human greed."
Particularly, Ryu Seung-yong and Im Soo-jung stand out. Ryu Seung-yong, playing the leader of the village villains, Kwan-seok, is a meticulous and quick-witted character. He will stop at nothing as long as it brings in money. In contrast, Kwan-seok's nephew Hee-dong (Yang Se-jong) reacts physically before thinking.
Mrs. Jeong-sook (Im Soo-jung), who chases money, has shed her previous innocent image. Her bold red lipstick instantly expresses her greed. Jeong-sook is always sensitive to her interests. One can also feel sympathy for her. She tells one villain in a secret space to love her. Like an ordinary relationship, yet it's also heart-wrenching.
Fine contains three elements: comedy, a love story, and the greatest human dilemma of greed. Perhaps that's why Fine has maintained the No. 1 spot in the Disney+ institutional sector in Korea since its release.
Can readers really maintain their relationships and avoid betraying friends in the face of enormous money? While the degree of betrayal may vary, it is certainly not easy. However, we understand well that excessive desire brings about great calamity.
The 11-episode Fine is currently available up to the 7th episode. Director Kang ended the final episode of 'Casino' Season 2 (2023) with the protagonist Choi Moo-sik (Choi Min-sik) dying. It's impossible to predict what kind of conclusion Fine will have.