Go ‘Extra'

New Netflix series shows yet again that crime does not pay

- Regina Mae Parungao

How far will you go for dreams to come true? The question probably pops up every now and then, especially in making big decisions that could affect or even change your life forever.

On new Netflix series “Extracurricular,” the characters’ answer chills the heart: Commit crime.

Now available for streaming, the story revolves around Jisoo. He comes off as a shy model student, but he is actually the mastermind behind a criminal act. He’s doing it for money in order to save up for college tuition.

His risky double life seems to run without a hitch, until he gets mixed up with rich girl Gyuri and reckless troublemaker Minhee. Their bad choices come with irreversible consequences.

In an email interview, director Kim Jinmin said “Extracurricular” covers topics like sex trafficking, aggravated assault, extortion, theft, and more.

Given its themes, the director revealed how he likes the series to resonate with the audience.

“In my view, it is a luxury to say ‘Just accept what you can’t avoid.’ What happens in the show may strike you as shocking, but what the characters do in the story can very well happen in real life. Therefore, we are never exempt from all the responsibilities,” he said.

He approached sensitive aspects of the series with caution.

“Rather than making the story didactic, I wanted to tell the story in an entertaining way,” he said.” I think it is now up to the audience to feel what this show tries to convey, and I hope it can give you some food for thought.”