The year 2024 hasn’t been particularly stellar for thriller dramas, and unfortunately, Connection doesn’t break that trend. While the show starts with an intriguing premise—Detective Jeong Gyeong waking up drugged and disoriented in a subway station—it quickly loses its way. The writing feels overly eager to keep things happening, but this comes at the cost of coherence, resulting in a narrative riddled with plotholes—a common pitfall for many K-dramas.

Loose ends abound, and storylines fail to tie together in a convincing manner. While the direction meets the usual high standards of Korean dramas, the acting leaves much to be desired. Performances are inconsistent, marked by excessive screaming and overacting that cheapen what could have been impactful moments. Instead of delivering a taut thriller, Connection leans too heavily into makjang melodrama, undermining its potential.

In contrast, Doubt stands out as the only truly exceptional thriller this year. Compared to that, Connection feels like a missed opportunity in what could have been a far more compelling drama landscape for 2024.