Although The Whirlwind performed better than any other original streaming series this year, it was neither another Squid Game nor a K-drama masterpiece. The creators seemingly aimed for a Korean version of House of Cards, but the thrill is soon to be gone as the plot felt rushed and clumsy, with an overuse of power plays between the two leads. Despite the shortcomings, however, the show stands out for its portrayal of South Korean politics, diverging from the conventional approaches of K-movies and dramas. For those interested in Korean politics and its cultural representation, this aspect alone makes The Whirlwind worth watching.

The Conservative Deep State Narrative

As in many other countries, South Korea’s cultural sector has largely leaned left. This influence is evident in the country’s politically-themed films, which have consistently reflected progressive perspectives. Unlike mainstream television networks, which have been risk-averse and avoided politically sensitive themes, streaming platforms like Netflix have been bolder, exemplified by The Whirlwind.

During the decade of conservative administrations following the progressive governments of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, the cultural left responded with films that depicted their frustration and disillusionment. The election of Park Geun-hye in 2012—the daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee—was a particularly bitter pill for progressives. Her victory through democratic elections, rather than the authoritarian means of her father, led many on the left to search for explanations.

Instead of attributing Park’s win to socio-economic factors, such as her father’s contributions to raising living standards in rural areas, many progressives turned to the notion of a “conservative deep state.” This theory suggested that a coalition of conservative media, prosecutors, and the chaebols (large conglomerates) worked together to maintain conservative dominance. Films like Inside Men (2015) illustrated this narrative, portraying a corrupt alliance between media, prosecutors, and chaebols, and suggesting that real change could only come from overcoming their influence.

The Prosecutors’ Influence

The death of former president Roh Moo-hyun in 2009 marked a turning point in the left’s perception of political power in South Korea. Shortly after a conservative administration took office, prosecutors launched a bribery investigation into Roh, leading to intense public pressure and ultimately his tragic decision to take his own life. For progressives, this was seen as a politically motivated attack, with prosecutors cast as key players in a conservative conspiracy.

This perception of prosecutors as instruments of conservative power became a central theme in popular culture. Films like The King (2017) portrayed prosecutors as wielding unchecked authority, able to manipulate politicians and the public. Over time, this depiction became so ingrained that even romantic comedies featured prosecutors as powerful figures. The rise of a political party focused on “prosecutor reform,” which secured 12 seats in the National Assembly, and the election of former chief prosecutor Yoon Suk-yeol as president in 2022, illustrate how deeply this narrative has penetrated South Korean society.

Changing Political Backdrop

The impeachment of Park Geun-hye and the subsequent election of Moon Jae-in in 2017 marked a significant shift in South Korean politics. Moon, who had been Roh Moo-hyun’s chief of staff, represented a return to power for the progressives. With the progressives back in power, the cultural narrative of impending doom faded, and politically-themed films became less prominent during Moon’s administration.

The Whirlwind captures the evolving political landscape of South Korea. The once-dominant “deep state” triangle of media, prosecutors, and chaebols is now depicted as fractured, with different factions vying for influence. The only prominent conservative character in the series is repeatedly manipulated by both the protagonist and the antagonist, illustrating the decline of conservative influence.

Despite claims by Minjoo progressives that they remain underdogs, the reality is that they have established themselves as the dominant political force, particularly in the Greater Seoul area, which is home to nearly half of South Korea’s population. This shift reflects broader demographic and cultural changes that have altered the political balance in the country.

Cultural Content as a Political Tool

Cultural content serves as both a reflection of society and a tool for shaping public perception. In South Korea, movies and dramas have played a crucial role in shaping political narratives. The portrayal of prosecutors as key power brokers in dramas has had a tangible impact on public attitudes and political discourse. This feedback loop between cultural portrayals and real-world politics illustrates the power of cultural narratives in influencing public perception.

The Whirlwind offers a refreshing view on today’s South Korean politics and the cultural forces shaping them. The show itself in the context of history of politically-themed Korean films and dramas, rather than what it actually describes, highlights the shifting power dynamics, the evolving role of traditional institutions, and the cultural narratives that continue to shape public perception and political realities in South Korea today.