6 Things We Loved About The Premiere Of "Vincenzo"

I’m going to try very hard to not be biased about this series.

Really try.

But it might be hard.

The long-awaited series “Vincenzo” finally dropped this past weekend and there’s a lot to be said and to be excited about. The series revolves around an Italian consigliere by the name of Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong Ki) who works for the Mafia. Although there’s only been two episodes so far, a lot has happened in the storyline. Here are six things we loved about the premiere episodes of “Vincenzo.”

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

1. Song Joong Ki

Welcome to the Song Joong Ki show. The first 10 minutes is basically one long Song Joong Ki CF, and I’m not even mad about it.

Song Joong Ki’s acting as Vincenzo is perfect in setting the tone and atmosphere of the story. From the way he sports those three-piece suits to seeing him act out those thrilling action scenes, Song Joong Ki’s return to the small screen is nothing short of immaculate. The fact that he even took intensive Italian classes to perfect this particular Italian dialect is impressive and respectable.

The backdrop of Italy suits him and his character, and it only adds to the excitement of the drama. The first two episodes only provided a brief glimpse into his complicated character, but we are looking forward to seeing those layers unfold as the story progresses.

2. Production value

In the first 15 minutes of the series, we have the beautiful backdrop of Italy. Along with the visuals of Song Joong Ki acting as a hotshot Italian mafia lawyer, the setting is breathtaking. The camera angles and scenic views of vineyards and beautiful Italian interior definitely sets the tone of the story and has viewers completely entranced.

Stunning.

Here’s hoping that there’s more of Italy in the episodes to come!

3. The surprising comedic element

When the trailer first dropped for “Vincenzo,” no one could have really imagined just how much comedy would be incorporated in the script. And boy, were we surprised. Although the trailers did hint at it, it didn’t prepare viewers for the vast comedic element that the drama would be bringing. By the end of the second episode, we could see the parallels between past works of the writer Park Jae Bum, who had previously written “The Fiery Priest.” From the angry Italian mobster who gets mugged upon arriving in Korea to the Italian chef who pretends he studied in Italy, and even the ratty shower that seemed to echo the background OST, “Vincenzo” brought out all the laughs, which we couldn’t help but appreciate.

4. The chemistry between Song Joong Ki and Yoo Jae Myung

We learn that Song Joong Ki’s character was abandoned as a child and that his mother is in jail. When he meets Hong Yoo Chan (Yoo Jae Myung), the two, albeit different motives, end up joining hands to try and make sure that Geumga Plaza is not torn down. Although Yoo Chan is skeptical of Vincenzo’s true intentions, he shows compassion for him, treating him with hospitality and grace.

The two share drinks, and Yoo Chan shows Vincenzo some classic Korean traditions as well as etiquette when it comes to drinking. This part really brings out the heart and emotions of the series. Yoo Chan also calls Vincenzo the next morning and insists on coming over to his place to share a hangover meal. This is by far the most emotionally pulling element in the characters and story, and it makes you want to see how their relationship will develop.

5. Jeon Yeo Bin and supporting cast

Jeon Yeo Bin is known more for her long list of roles in movies, but many of us are familiar with her role as Lee Eun Jung, one of the three best friends in the series “Melo Is My Nature.” In “Vincenzo,” she plays the seemingly cold-hearted and oddball lawyer named Hong Cha Young. She’s eccentric, and it hasn’t been easy warming up to her character but it is still early on, so we will see! One thing is for certain, the way in which Cha Young stares off at Vincenzo towards the end of episode two had us 100 percent relating.

There are a few characters in the first two episodes that haven’t really had a chance to develop or shine just yet. There is Taecyeon who plays the intern lawyer Jang Joon Woo. At first glance, he seems goofy and jovial, but we haven’t gotten a good look at what part his character plays in the whole plotline. Everything about him seems like a mystery, but it’s exciting to see what’s in store for his character.

It was also refreshing to see the familiar faces of Kim Yeo Jin, Jo Han Chul, and as previously mentioned, Yoo Jae Myung. There are several different story lines going on that all these actors are involved in, and it is just a matter of time before we see how they are all intertwined. The cast is grand, and there are big things to be expected in character development and plot!

6. The action scenes

The one thing that felt a bit lacking in the two episodes was the amount of action. There were flashes of it in the first episode, but it didn’t seem like there was enough of it in the second. The action scenes bring an edge to the drama that makes it engrossing to watch! Vincenzo in his dark element, shooting down the hitmen who tried to kill him in the first episode, is a side of his character that I’m thoroughly curious about. We get a tiny bit more action at the end of the first episode when the thugs show up at the plaza and bully the tenants.

From what we’ve seen so far in the action scenes, they’re very captivating and it keeps viewers interested. The second episode seemed like a stark contrast to the dark, mysterious, and action-filled first episode, but hopefully we can see more of the action in the episodes to come!

Hey Soompiers, how did you like the first two episodes of “Vincenzo”? Let me know in the comments below!

binahearts is a Soompi writer whose ultimate biases are Song Joong Ki and BIGBANG, but she has been seen obsessing over Hwang In Yeop lately. She is also the author of “K-POP A To Z: The Definitive K-Pop Encyclopedia.” Make sure you follow binahearts on Instagram as she journeys through her latest Korean crazes!

Currently watching: “Youn’s Stay,” “Vincenzo,” “The Penthouse 2,” “She Would Never Know,” and “Hello, Me!”
All-time favorite dramas: “Secret Garden” and “True Beauty”
Looking forward to: Won Bin‘s return to the small screen