South Korea-set ‘Butterfly’ packages family melodrama as an action-packed thriller

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Thrillers appear to dominate my review queue. It seems like every third show I evaluate is a thriller, although the statistics may not be entirely accurate. These thrillers come in various forms – some are rich with compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, while others rely on stereotypical portrayals and lack substance. Some are filled with action and suspense, while others seem more focused on style than substance. Often, they follow familiar storylines, but it’s their unique twist that sets them apart.

The standout feature of “Butterfly,” debuting on Wednesday on Prime Video, is its setting in South Korea, with both Korean and Korean American protagonists and antagonists. Originally a graphic novel by Arash Amel and Marguerite Bennett, this adaptation penned by Ken Woodruff and Steph Cha features characters who weren’t originally Korean, and a storyline not based in Korea. In the lead role is Daniel Dae Kim as ex-CIA agent David Jung, who was thought to be deceased, but in fact, he isn’t.

The series unfolds its storyline over six episodes, featuring unexpected events but essentially following a clear narrative. Nine years ago, David, who established a private security firm after leaving an agency, mysteriously vanished. Rumors spread that he was killed during a mission; however, it’s revealed that he’s been living incognito in South Korea with his second wife, Kim Tae-hee. Previously married to Rebecca’s (Reina Hardesty) mother, David has been absent for 23-year-old Rebecca’s upbringing. In her absence, she was raised and now works as a skilled assassin under Juno (Piper Perabo), David’s former associate at Caddis Private Intelligence. This company, which has recently expanded to Seoul, used to be partnered with David.

Prior to what seemed like his downfall, David and Juno were taking different approaches with their company – David was more idealistic, while Juno was more focused on profit. Juno often expressed, “My only enemy is tranquility,” managing to keep up a refined image while handling shady dealings. Juno’s son, Oliver (Louis Landau), was sent to live with his father in England when he was young, adopting an English accent and resembling one of Bertie Wooster’s less dominant friends. Now, Oliver works for his mother in a non-essential role and is seeking her approval.

Despite all the action scenes like running, shooting, car chases, martial arts fights, and life-threatening situations, “Butterfly” can be seen as more than just an action series. It’s akin to an action soap opera, but with a strong emphasis on family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, albeit with the addition of firearms. The political narrative, if you choose to follow it, isn’t crucial to understanding the story; what truly matters is the personal plot, which unfolds as David attempts to reconnect with Rebecca and rescue her. This situation, in turn, places him at odds not only with Juno but also with a skeptical Rebecca who doesn’t feel she needs saving.

She initially feels deeply upset towards him due to his departure, yet over time finds herself addressing him as “Dad” and exchanging playful, sharp-edged conversations with him. The future holds moments of emotional turmoil – both tears and possibly physical altercations.

In less aggressive terms, children sometimes feel frustrated with their parents’ decisions, and parents often justify their actions, whether beneficial or harmful, by stating they were made to ensure the children’s well-being. (Rebecca finds herself in a difficult situation, having to choose between her father and her foster mother, as if they were divorcing couples.) It’s remarkable how this drama filled with espionage themes is also overflowing with declarations of affection, requests for understanding, admissions of wrongdoings or apologies.

In this dialogue, while it’s filled with emotion, it might come across as a bit rigid, predictable, or overly dramatic at times. For instance, David threatens Juno by invoking his family, to which she responds by boasting about her accomplishments. The shift in tone, from ominous to sentimental and back, could potentially give you a sense of visual discomfort. Characters like Gun (Kim Ji-hoon), a handsome, long-haired assassin hired by Juno, who will likely have a larger role in the final confrontation between Good and Evil, might become more prominent as AI replaces human screenwriters. Smaller roles, such as friends, relatives, and workers, seem to be more authentic, possibly because they aren’t saddled with the burden of carrying the melodramatic narrative.

The production effectively stages and carries out each action, creating an overall impressive series. Every location, from high-end to low-budget, urban to rural, and industrial, is captured with a clear, vivid detail that enhances the drama. Beyond the conflicts and squabbles, there’s a captivating sense of travel within the show. The local cuisine, whether it’s cooking, eating, or appreciating it, serves as an emotional and cultural expression. For instance, Juno’s meager lunch hints at her troubled state, while “Butterfly” offers insights into the Korean dish, budae-jjigae, or “Army base stew.

The series seems to perpetually approach a conclusion that never truly materializes, only to continue indefinitely. You’ll notice it doesn’t conclude before it doesn’t, hinting at a potential second season. While I understand the purpose of this cliffhanger, I found the lack of resolution somewhat frustrating and perhaps even a bit manipulative. Even though life isn’t always fair, television has the potential to offer more satisfying conclusions than this.

After a short while, I’ll catch up again when “Butterfly” returns – and considering the suspenseful atmosphere and growing interest in Korean culture in America, it likely will – so I can discover what happens after the cliffhanger and how upset I should truly be about it. The show, which is decent with some good aspects, has its strengths, with Kim and Hardesty being among them. While I’d enjoy seeing them in a weekly series as detective father-daughter duo solving crimes, or engaging in espionage, or even cooking together, that would certainly be appealing.

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2025-08-12 21:31