Dissociative identity disorder (DID), a mental health condition. Someone with DID has multiple, distinct personalities. The various identities control a person's behavior at different times. The condition can cause memory loss, delusions, or depression.
What an excellent choice to go with the opera-like opening score; it perfectly builds up one’s anticipation level. I am sure it was the intent, very well done, and it’s not the only thing this drama does well. The foot chases, fight sequences, directing, and, of course, acting, especially Lee Ha Na, whatever it is, she’s done with her voice in the role of the villain more than works. Kudos to the production team.
And speaking of the villain, not sure if it’s too early to speculate, but I think it’s a cop. Not saying it’s Vimo's Provincial Police Commissioner Gam Jong Suk (Kil Hae Yeon) or Chief Detective Yang Bok Man (Lee Eol), but something about the two of them bothers me. I can’t place my finger on what just yet. I do, however, think the Mosim Forest case, the murders to date, the smuggling, the drugs (growing, selling, peddling), the tattoo Derek's sister mentioned, and the ease by which information flows all point to it, with Circus Man calling the shots; if not, why come to an obscure island. It all connects somehow—the mastermind at work. But there appears to be something much bigger at play here than just the Circus Man and whatever it is connected to Derek's mom's, Kosuke's, and everything else in between.
The superstitious aspect of this new case aligns perfectly with what we’ve seen from the Circus Man so far, from the lullaby to the Christmas lights. I wouldn't at all be surprised to know the Circus Man is taking advantage of the criminal elements of the Island. From Go Soo Dong (Kim Byung-Soon) and his greenhouse to Song Soo-Gil (Kwon Hyuk), the scuba diving shop owner, and his drug problem to So Yoon’s (Han Dam-Hee) drug peddling and the gang as a measure of keeping everyone in control. It speaks of his delusional mind; I can only imagine what past trauma this person must’ve endured to the extent that he develops an "alter" female personality, not just any female but Kang Kwon Joo's, to outlive the pain. To not have the needed support, be it through the healthcare system, family members, or friends; the thought of it makes my heartbreak for him.
What I’ve always liked about the Voice series is that it’s about more than just solving horrific serial murders and killings, but also about helping victims, their families, and the culprits alike find hope and resolution through the traumatic events happening to and around them. Be it in how Derek Jo counseled the wild animal man despite the atrocities he committed, or in how Kwon Joo caringly comforted a mother’s desperation for her dead son— or the easing of a grandmother’s guilt, blaming herself for her grandchild’s choices, always going above and beyond the call of duty.
It's good to have Shim Dae Shik (Baek Sung Hyun) reprise his role from season one. I think it would've been more prudent of KKJ to have him take a psych evaluation before joining the golden time team. She must've known or at least suspect he suffered from post-traumatic disorder, seeing how he came to an inch of losing his life. Despite what happened, he still seems to have his sharp instincts about him. So, I hope he's okay. I would absolutely hate it if something were to happen to him. I was right to feel off about the Chief Detective; he's either connected to what happened to Derek's mom or knew more than he let on back in the day. Vimo Island sure has some creepy people for such a small island, this new case with Kang Man Ho and his father notwithstanding.
Is it weird that I like Kang Kwon Joo a lot more as a villain than as the Center's Director; I guess it's that foreboding element that comes with being a clever villain. I can only imagine what past trauma Circus Man must've endured developing an "alter" female personality to outlive the pain, not any female's, though but Kang Kwon Joo's. There must be a relation here somehow. And what a pleasure to have Lee Kyu Hyung in this drama and an even more of a delight to have him be the Circus Man; Derek is right; he's a total nutcase. I cannot wait for his backstory; I get the feeling it will be heartbreaking. Watch Episodes 5 & 6 here.
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