The Devil Judge - Revenge, Redemption and everything in between

     It's been years since I last wrote an entry. Facebook and Instagram are much more convenient avenues for self expression. It has also been an equally long time since I've last felt impressed enough to record down an experience. For someone who hardly watches tv (I don't even have access to a Netflix account), it is a big deal when I feel the urge to share my thoughts on a drama show.

    "The Devil Judge" is a Korean drama series (spanning July to August 2021) starring Ji Sung as Kang Yo-han (Chief Judge), Kim Min-jung as Jung Sun-ah (Yo-han's greatest rival and the mastermind behind the evil machinations that plague the nation), Park Jin-young as Kim Ga-on (an Associate Judge and Yo-han's unofficial sidekick), and a host of other well-known names. The show is set in a dystopian South Korea where public justice is meted out by democratic vote in an live courtroom show presided over by Chief Judge Kang Yo-han, assisted by two other Associate Judges. At the same time, the President and political elites collude with the Social Responsibility Foundation to enrich themselves by exploiting the common folk.

    I thoroughly enjoyed the show for several reasons. Firstly, it spans only sixteen ninety minute episodes. I dislike draggy soap operas that go on forever. Secondly, the twists and turns in the plot keeps one perpetually at the edge of the seat. I found myself wondering what to do if I were in the position of protagonist and antagonist. The toing-and-froing as each tries to get the better of the other while manipulating public opinion is simply mind-blowing. Thirdly, there are numerous real-life themes that can be discussed with the show as a starting point.

    One recurring theme is the complexity of human feeling. The literal love-hate relationship between the main character and the villain is fleshed out by the excellent acting. Can one love and hate at the same time, or does this ambiguity drive one mad? Themes of trust and seeming manipulation of the trust are also central to the plot. Is the hero really a hero, or is he secretly villainous? Can human beings be taken at face value or when can we take each other's words to be the truth.The plot also questions whether the viewer is part of an ignorant and blind population that is being manipulated by the media and the powerful political elite that controls it (especially in this pandemic situation).

     I am of the opinion that the twist at the end of the series itself warrants the time spent watching it. One can as easily watch it for the action and intrigue or allow it to trigger deeper conversations such as those about power in society, manipulation, and what really constitutes fact and fiction. Don' take my word for it. Catch it yourself.

Time for a Break - Como at Point Yamu, Phuket

     This year I decided not to go for the company incentive trip to Athens; instead I'll be putting time aside to spend with the family. The wifey and I decided that it'd be an opportunity to really relax. Hence we chose the Como property at Point Yamu, Phuket. Many would think us nuts for spending a week here, but that's how we roll.
      The resort is a half hour drive from Phuket International Airport. The squalor that one passes along the way, almost makes one feel guilty that you're heading into the lap of luxury - almost. We soon arrived at Como. The resort overlooks the ocean and several smaller islands in the distance. What greeted us was an instagram-worthy scene.

View from our room - island paradise

     Today we take it real slow...

Learning origami at the Kid's Club.
Enjoying a chrysanthemum- flavoured popsicle.
Taking a dip in the infinity pool.

     Then it's back to the room for an afternoon nap. We had to force ourselves to get up for dinner, because a surprise awaited the little one.

Yummy Thai food. It wasn't the
least bit spicy (even the adult portions)

Special post-birthday birthday
surprise for the little munchkin. 

Sunset - an apt way to end a
tiring but fulfilling day.

Time for a Break - Como at Point Yamu, Phuket: Day 2

     After a leisurely breakfast, we gathered at the resort lobby. It was to be a 25min shuttle ride to the marina. On arrival, we were told that the usual speedboat had engine troubles and we had to use motorized sampans. Unexpected adventure that it was, I was pleasantly surprised that the sampans glided very smoothly across the seemingly choppy water. Nevertheless, the Lil Muchkin was apprehensive and held on to us for the entire ride.

     We soon reached Como's private beach. Deck chairs and parasols lined the relatively short and narrow beachfront. We promptly chose our spot and our chairs were prepred with towels by the ever-attentive staff. Besides the beach, one may enjoy the use of a swimming pool and a bar/restaurant. Use of the kayaks and surfboards, as well as sunscreen are complimentary. 

     While frolicking in the water, I felt as if something cut my left arm. At first I thought that it was just the saltwater acting on my sunburn. However the sensation started getting more intense. It soon felt like chilli padi was rubbed into my skin. I examined my arm and pulled off a translucent tentacle. That's when I realized that this was no sunburn. I never knew that you could treat jellyfish stings with vinegar, but apparently that's how it's done. The medic poured white vinegar over my arm, and that was it. One of the staff informed us that I was quite fortunate that it was a translucent jellyfish instead of a coloured one.

It probably wasn't this guy but here's
a pic for keepsake.

     The Lil Muchkin was tired out after out beach outings. She promptly fell asleep after we arrived back at the hotel. The wifey took the chance to visit the spa while I kept an eye on the little one. 

     We ended our day with in-room dining. The soft-shell crab burger and grilled filet were really not bad. I wouldn't hesitate to go for a second helping if I could. Thus concluded an eventful day.

Time for a Break - Como at Point Yamu, Phuket: Day 3 & 4

     Day 3 and 4 are officially designated "free and easy" days. Breakfast is usually a repetitive affair. However, here we've not had to repeat the main dish so far. That says a lot when we're dining in a single restaurant for almost a week. After breakfast it was bubble time!

     Then we went for a swim. Followed by a poolside lunch of pizza and Phad Thai. The highlight of the day was kite-making for the Lil Muchkin. It was also my chance to get some me-time at the Como Shambhala spa. That's our arrangement - the wifey and I took turns to be with the little one while the other hit the spa or gym.

     The Muchkin was so tired out that she fell asleep mid-way through dinner.

Octopus... tenderly grilled, pun intended

Scallops and onions 

     It never ceases to amaze me how God answers our prayer for favour on the Little One. Wherever she goes, the wait staff would be so taken by her that we would get extra service or complimentary stuff. Here's no exception...

Free off-menu mangoes -
the favourite of both my gals

     Today it rained unceasingly. Thank God we've already been to the Beach Club. The Little Muchkin was kept occupied at the Kid's Club decorating a cupcake. This gave me the opportunity to hit the gym.

It was also kid's Thai kickboxing day at the Club. The Lil Muchkin didn't really take to it. She lost intetedt after a few punches. But here's one for the record...

     To end the day, we had dinner at the Thai restaurant.

600g steamed sea bass. The chilli sauce was gorgeous 

Como's version of Mango Sticky Rice,
with a tinge of jasmine