Civil Servant: Season 1, Episode 1 - New Year's Eve (2019)

The episode opens on New Year's Eve, with a bustling city filled with celebratory energy. The camera pans through a crowded street, showcasing people dressed in festive attire, laughter, and the sounds of fireworks in the distance. Among the crowd, we meet the protagonist, a young civil servant named Kim Seo-jin, who is working late at the government office. She is dedicated to her job but feels the weight of her responsibilities, especially as her colleagues prepare to leave for the celebrations.

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, Seo-jin receives a call from her superior, who informs her of a critical situation that requires her immediate attention. A high-profile case involving a missing person has escalated, and Seo-jin is tasked with leading the investigation. Despite her desire to join her friends for the New Year's festivities, she understands the importance of her duty and reluctantly agrees to stay behind.

Seo-jin gathers her team, which includes her close colleague, Park Joon-ho, who is supportive but also expresses concern for her well-being. They discuss the details of the case, which involves a young woman who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Seo-jin's determination to solve the case is evident, as she feels a personal connection to the victim, who reminds her of her younger sister.

The scene shifts to the police station, where Seo-jin and Joon-ho meet with the detectives assigned to the case. They review the evidence, including CCTV footage from the night the woman went missing. Seo-jin's keen eye catches a suspicious figure in the background, and she insists on tracking down this lead. The detectives are initially skeptical, but Seo-jin's confidence convinces them to pursue the lead further.

As they delve deeper into the investigation, Seo-jin and Joon-ho interview the victim's friends and family. Each interview reveals more about the victim's life, her struggles, and the people she interacted with. Seo-jin's empathy shines through as she connects with the grieving loved ones, promising to do everything in her power to find the missing woman. The emotional weight of the case begins to take a toll on her, but she remains resolute.

The investigation takes a turn when they discover that the victim had been involved in a secretive online community. Seo-jin and Joon-ho decide to infiltrate this group to gather more information. They create fake profiles and engage with the members, leading to tense and suspenseful interactions. Seo-jin's ability to navigate the digital landscape showcases her resourcefulness, but it also puts her in a precarious position as she risks exposing her true identity.

As the night progresses, the clock strikes midnight, and the city erupts in celebration. Seo-jin and Joon-ho take a moment to reflect on their work, feeling a mix of isolation and determination amidst the festivities outside. They share a quiet moment, acknowledging the sacrifices they make for their jobs, and vow to continue their search for the truth.

The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation when Seo-jin receives an anonymous tip about the whereabouts of the missing woman. Following the lead, she and Joon-ho rush to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The atmosphere is tense as they enter the dark, eerie building, their flashlights cutting through the shadows. They hear muffled sounds and cautiously approach, adrenaline pumping through their veins.

Inside, they find the missing woman, disheveled but alive, tied up and frightened. Seo-jin quickly assesses the situation, her heart racing as she realizes they are not alone. A figure emerges from the shadows, revealing themselves to be the kidnapper. A standoff ensues, with Seo-jin using her negotiation skills to buy time while Joon-ho discreetly calls for backup.

In a tense exchange, Seo-jin confronts the kidnapper, appealing to their humanity and trying to understand their motives. The kidnapper, agitated and unpredictable, threatens both Seo-jin and the victim. Just as the situation seems to spiral out of control, the sound of sirens fills the air, signaling the arrival of the police. In a desperate move, Seo-jin lunges at the kidnapper, creating a distraction that allows Joon-ho to free the victim.

The episode ends with the police apprehending the kidnapper, and Seo-jin and Joon-ho emerging from the warehouse, exhausted but relieved. The missing woman is reunited with her family, and Seo-jin reflects on the emotional toll of the night. As they walk back into the city, the celebrations continue around them, but Seo-jin knows that her work as a civil servant is far from over. The weight of her responsibilities lingers, setting the stage for the challenges to come in the series.

In the ending of "Civil Servant," season 1, episode 1 titled "New Year's Eve," the main character, a civil servant named Kim Seo-jin, faces a critical moment as he navigates the complexities of his job and personal life. The episode concludes with Seo-jin making a pivotal decision that impacts his future and the lives of those around him, setting the stage for the challenges he will face moving forward.

As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, the atmosphere is charged with tension and anticipation, reflective of the New Year's Eve setting. The clock ticks down to midnight, symbolizing both an ending and a new beginning. Seo-jin is seen grappling with the weight of his responsibilities, both as a civil servant and as a person caught in a web of personal dilemmas.

In the final scenes, Seo-jin receives a call that forces him to confront a moral dilemma. He is torn between following orders from his superiors and doing what he believes is right. The urgency of the situation escalates as he realizes that his decision could have significant repercussions for the people involved. The camera captures his internal struggle, showcasing his furrowed brow and clenched fists, emphasizing the gravity of the moment.

As the countdown to midnight continues, Seo-jin makes a decisive choice. He opts to prioritize his ethical beliefs over blind obedience, a choice that reflects his growth as a character. This moment is underscored by the sounds of celebration outside, contrasting with the weight of his decision. The scene shifts to a close-up of Seo-jin's face, revealing a mix of determination and apprehension as he prepares to face the consequences of his actions.

The episode concludes with Seo-jin stepping out into the bustling streets, where fireworks illuminate the night sky. The celebration around him serves as a backdrop to his newfound resolve. He understands that the path ahead will be fraught with challenges, but he is ready to embrace them, symbolizing a fresh start not just for the new year, but for his own journey as a civil servant.

In this ending, Seo-jin's fate is one of transformation. He emerges from the episode with a clearer sense of purpose, ready to tackle the complexities of his role in public service. The other characters, while not as prominently featured in the conclusion, are left in a state of uncertainty, reflecting the broader themes of conflict and moral ambiguity that permeate the narrative. The episode closes on a note of hope and determination, setting the stage for the unfolding story in the episodes to come.

In the first episode of "Civil Servant," titled "New Year's Eve," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or teasers after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative and character development throughout the episode, setting the stage for the unfolding story without any extra content following the main storyline.

The New Year's Eve setting serves as a backdrop for the characters' personal reflections and resolutions. It heightens the emotional stakes as they confront their past decisions and the consequences of their actions, particularly in the context of their civil service roles.

The main character, who is deeply affected by their past experiences in the civil service, struggles with feelings of guilt and responsibility. This backstory drives their determination to make a difference, even as they face challenges that test their resolve.

Supporting characters provide contrasting perspectives that challenge the main character's views. Their interactions reveal the complexities of civil service work and highlight the main character's internal conflicts, ultimately influencing their decisions throughout the episode.

During the New Year's Eve celebration, the main character faces unexpected obstacles, including a crisis that requires immediate attention. This situation forces them to prioritize their duties over personal celebrations, showcasing their commitment to their role.

Character dynamics shift as tensions rise during the New Year's Eve events. Initial camaraderie among the characters is tested by differing priorities and moral dilemmas, leading to confrontations that reveal deeper motivations and relationships.

In the first episode of "Civil Servant," titled "New Year's Eve," there are several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

1. Violence and Threats: The episode includes scenes where characters face threats and confrontations that may be intense or frightening, showcasing the dangers associated with their roles in civil service.

2. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety and fear related to their jobs and personal lives, which may be heavy for younger viewers to process.

3. Mature Themes: The narrative touches on themes of betrayal, loyalty, and moral dilemmas, which may be complex and difficult for children to fully understand.

4. Language: There may be instances of strong language or harsh dialogue that could be inappropriate for younger audiences.

5. Tense Situations: The pacing includes moments of high tension and suspense that could be unsettling for sensitive viewers.

These aspects contribute to a more mature viewing experience, making it potentially less suitable for children or those who are sensitive to such themes.