"XX What Did I Do So Wrong?" The Horrible Empathy Among 20s-30s in 'D.P.'

Netflix Drama 'D.P.' Highlights Military Abuse
Veterans Say "Too Real, Felt Uncomfortable," "Still Probably Like That" Frustrated

Editor's NoteRecently, the Netflix drama 'D.P.' has gained immense popularity. Centered around various harsh abuses occurring in the military, many men in their 20s and 30s empathize deeply with the drama, often sharing their own experiences of victimization. We examined why this drama resonates so strongly among young people and the kind of 'horrifying empathy' that lies beneath its popularity. Additionally, since the article contains descriptions of some scenes from 'D.P.', readers who have not yet watched the series are advised to be cautious of spoilers.

Joseokbong (played by Jo Hyun-chul). Photo by Netflix Original Drama

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I was momentarily stunned as memories of being scolded and beaten by senior soldiers during my military service came to mind."

The Netflix original drama , released on the 27th, is gaining great popularity among those about to enlist or veterans who have completed their service.

D.P. stands for Deserter Pursuit, a military police unit tasked with capturing deserters. The drama follows Corporal Han Oh-yeol (played by Koo Kyo-hwan) and Private Ahn Jun-ho (played by Jung Hae-in) as they urgently pursue deserters.

In the process, some deserters flee because they can no longer endure harsh abuses. This is one of the main reasons why men in their 20s and 30s strongly empathize with 'D.P.'. The drama highlights various injustices within the military, including violence, sexual harassment, and coercive hierarchical obedience.

The abuses depicted in the drama are diverse: forcing a soldier to wear a gas mask and pouring water inside because of loud snoring, compelling masturbation, spraying insecticide on the face, various verbal abuses, and in Private Ahn's case, mockery targeting his parents by a senior. The drama also effectively shows why such horrific incidents remain hidden and fail to be properly exposed to the outside world.

Veteran sergeants unanimously praised the drama's accuracy in portrayal but expressed bitterness. Although 'D.P.' is very popular, looking beneath the surface reveals that the shared sentiment is not a pleasant empathy but a kind of traumatic memory. It is a painful recollection being revisited and discussed as a topic.

A scene from the Netflix original drama . Photo by Netflix

Kim, a company employee in his 30s, said, "Looking back at my military days, honestly, all I remember is being beaten and scolded by seniors." He added, "The funny thing is, at the time, I thought to myself, 'Well, I guess this is acceptable,' and 'Getting hit is just part of the job.'" He then said, "Watching the drama made me uncomfortable as it brought back those memories."

Another office worker in his 40s, Lee, said, "The setting of D.P. is 2014, and I served in the military during that time." He lamented, "Harsh treatment was not only physical but also mental torment. I think that period was particularly harsh." He raised his voice, saying, "There is a scene where the character visits the senior who tormented him, and watching that made me tear up a bit."

Park, in his late 20s, said, "The phrase I heard most often was 'Are you crazy?'" He expressed frustration, saying, "The various verbal abuses in daily life made me feel like I was going to have a nervous breakdown." He emphasized, "I hope the juniors currently serving in the military do not have to experience such daily hardships."

A scene from the Netflix original drama . Photo by Netflix

Such harsh abuses still persist. According to a survey by the Military Human Rights Center, as of 2020, the number of consultations related to human rights violations due to COVID-19 containment measures and sexual violence within the military significantly increased. The '2020 Annual Report' released by the Military Human Rights Center shows that the total number of consultations supported by the center was 1,710, about a 2.4% increase from 1,669 in 2019.

Among COVID-19 related issues, the most frequently reported violation was 'freedom of privacy' (211 cases), accounting for 19% of the total. Notably, consultations related to sexual violence within the military also rose sharply.

Rape and attempted rape consultations increased from 3 cases in 2019 to 16 in 2020. Sexual harassment cases rose from 44 to 55 during the same period. Sexual molestation cases decreased from 52 to 44. Violence within the military also saw a slight increase.

While the three major types of violence in the military?harsh treatment, verbal abuse, and physical assault?had been showing a decreasing trend annually, in 2020, consultations for physical assault and verbal abuse increased by 4.25% and 5.36%, respectively. However, harsh treatment decreased by 15.8%. The center emphasized, "It has been seven years since the significant military reform following the concealment of Private Yoon's death in 2014, but it is now a time that requires thorough review and focused management of mid- to long-term plans."

Meanwhile, in the drama, Private Jo Seok-bong (played by Jo Hyun-chul), who develops schizophrenia after being indiscriminately beaten by seniors and deserts, responds to a corporal's remark that "the military can change" as follows:

"You know the canteen cup in our unit? Do you know what’s written on it? It says 1953, from the Korean War... The canteen cup hasn’t even changed, so what are you talking about...?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.