Doubt kdrama – Episode 1 Recap and Spoilers.
MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama Doubt first aired on Friday, October 11. The series opens with the harrowing story of Jang Tae-soo (Han Seok-kyu), a father grappling with the unimaginable dilemma: “What if my daughter killed someone?”
The first episode recorded a nationwide viewership of 5.6% and 5.5% in the metropolitan area, signaling a strong start. The climax, where Tae-soo learns of his daughter’s involvement in a murder case, peaked at an impressive 6.4%. The gripping tension that builds throughout the episode raises expectations for the many shocking twists yet to come.
Han Seok-kyu, returning to MBC after 30 years, delivered a masterful performance, drawing viewers into the emotional turmoil of a father doubting his daughter. Reactions included praise like, “It’s Han Seok-kyu after all” and “Han Seok-kyu did Han Seok-kyu” (Nielsen Korea).
While Tae-soo is a brilliant profiler at the crime scene, he struggles as a father at home. Following the death of his wife, he attempts to step into the parental role he neglected due to work. However, unexpected news reveals that Ha-bin (Chae Won-bin), his daughter, has been lying about quitting her academy and not registering at a study room. Compounding the issue, she ends up at the police station after a confrontation with runaway teenagers over a stolen cellphone.
Tae-soo’s suspicions about Ha-bin deepen when a mysterious cellphone is found in her bag. When he questions her, she coldly retorts, “Why do you think it’s a stolen cellphone?” After reviewing CCTV footage, Tae-soo feels guilt for his doubts, haunted by the memory of his deceased wife, Yoon Ji-soo (Oh Yeon-soo), who chastises him: “You read the minds of criminals like a ghost, but you don’t know the minds of children? You’re going to ruin the child too? Why did I die? It’s because of you.”
Amidst this turmoil, a murder case emerges without a body. Desiring more time with Ha-bin, Tae-soo takes on the case, postponing his return to the main office. Meanwhile, Ha-bin lies about going on a school trip and becomes unreachable, prompting Tae-soo to request a location search. The results leave him reeling—Ha-bin’s last known location matches the crime scene.
In a panic, he asks, “Why is she here?” and draws his own blood for testing. Fortunately, Ha-bin is not the victim, but Tae-soo is left bewildered by her presence at the scene. He soon learns that Ha-bin is in the emergency room and, upon rushing to the hospital, discovers she intentionally jumped into a car. This unsettling revelation leads him to suspect that she may be trying to establish an alibi or could be involved in the murder case, intensifying his internal conflict.
The first episode concludes with Tae-soo gazing at Ha-bin, confusion etched across his face, while she stares blankly back at him. This moment leaves viewers breathless, amplifying curiosity about Episode 2 and what Ha-bin might be hiding.
The premiere of Doubt sets the stage for a compelling narrative, exploring a father’s growing suspicion towards his daughter—an idea he never thought he would entertain. Han Seok-kyu’s portrayal of Tae-soo draws viewers deeper into the story. His eyes and heavy sighs convey despair, confusion, and hopelessness, leaving audiences eager for what’s to come.
Chae Won-bin, as Ha-bin, heightens anticipation for the psychological confrontation between father and daughter with her enigmatic charm. Supporting characters Han Ye-ri and Noh Jae-won from the Criminal Behavior Analysis Team showcased their strong performances, while Oh Yeon-soo, despite her limited screen time, made a powerful impression.
After the first episode, viewers praised the cast’s impeccable acting, detailed direction, and gripping script. Comments included, “It’s immersive like a movie,” “What can I say about Han Seok-kyu’s acting? He’s the best,” “The directing is incredible; I can’t look away,” “I sensed a masterpiece from the first episode,” and “Ha-bin is not a daughter of this world, but of another; she’s extraordinary.”
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