Netflix quietly released one of the bestK-dramasin recent years calledSong Of The Banditsin 2023.Netflix is home to many exceptional K-dramassuch as its most-watched series of all time,Squid Game, which returns for its highly anticipated second seasonon June 27, 2025. The rise in popularity of K-dramas and K-pop has produced several global phenomenons in music, film, and television. Some of theK-dramas with the highest budgetsare also available to watch on Netflix.
Song Of The Banditsis a historical action western that takes place in the early 20th century. Season 1 of the series spans nine episodes, which were directed by Joon-Jyeok Hwang ofBlack Dog(2019) acclaim.Song Of The Banditsis set in the tumultuous period of Japanese colonial rule over Koreawhere a group of people end up in the lawless land of Gando. The Western aspects of the series are some of its most fascinating and immersive qualities. It stars Kim Nam-gil, Seohyun, and Yoo Jae-myung.
Netflix Released Song Of The Bandits In 2023 - Why The K-Drama Western Is Worth Watching
It has high critic and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes
Song of the Banditsreceived positive reviews after it was released on Netflix on August 08, 2025. It earned aRotten Tomatoes score of 86% and an audience score of 88%,making it one of the more successful K-Dramas currently streaming on Netflix. Stephanie Morgan ofCommon Sense Mediawrote in her review, “Song of Bandits shines with a captivating setting and heart-pumping action sequences, made all the more fun with its playful soundtrack.”
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Although season 2 has yet to be confirmed,there is a strong push for the series to continue beyond its initial season. Critics also praise the undeniably great production value of the K-drama series. Jonathan Wilson ofReady Set Cutnoted, “On a purely technical level Song of the Bandits is inarguably impressive, but it also delivers well-rounded characters whose plights you’ll buy into on a fundamental level.“The Hinduwrites, “Fast-paced and filled with twists that carry forth an otherwise slow story, Song of the Bandits makes for an easy, entertaining binge.”
What Makes Song Of The Bandits Stand Out As A Western
It masterfully blends impressive action sequences and classic Western tropes
Song of the Banditsis worth checking out as a modern-day neo-Westernbecause it masterfully blends impressive action sequences and classic Western genre tropes. Pierce Conran of theSouth China Morning Postwrites, “With its dusty vistas, bleeding heroes and a hefty budget to realise its vision, Song of the Bandits has a clear desire to entertain, and it often looks the part. But what this tune is missing is a little soul.” Many of the performances, particularly that of Lee Ho-jung, are exceptional and are another reason to check outSong of the Bandits.
Song of the Bandits
Cast
Song of the Bandits is set in the lawless land of Gando, where fierce bandits are determined to protect their homeland and loved ones, facing life-or-death situations.
