If you still think Korean dramas in 2025 are predictable and lack impact, you probably haven’t watched First Lady. This political thriller leaves viewers stunned, confused and addicted, with each episode offering twist after twist, making it impossible to know which character you can truly trust.
The story begins with a stunning moment: immediately after winning the presidential election, a man asks his wife, Cha Soo Yeon (played by Eugene), for a divorce, right on stage at her victory speech. Soo Yeon, who sacrificed her youth and even defied her father to support her husband’s political rise, suddenly finds herself betrayed. But is this simply the story of a failed marriage or the start of a deadly political conspiracy?
From episodes 1 to 5, the First Lady has been compared to a web of lies and deceit. Her husband’s alleged affair, ever-present secretary, and Soo Yeon’s ambiguous motivations make viewers wonder whether she is a victim or a cunning, power-obsessed manipulator. Each week, the drama upends expectations: What begins as a tender moment can end as a criminal investigation, and a pitied character one day becomes a traitor the next.
Written by Kim Hyung Wan (Dream High 2, Hidden Identity), the script reportedly took six years to complete and the payoff is clear. Fans have described First Lady as an “18+ political version of Penthouse”, due to its relentless pace, tension and toxic atmosphere. Some even joke that the drama should carry a “high blood pressure warning” for its intensity.
Basically, the show is also a psychological study. Soo Yeon is not simply a wronged wife: her obsession with becoming First Lady, or even president herself, paints her as both sympathetic and terrifying at the same time. Her strained relationship with her bullied daughter adds another emotional layer, making her one of the most complex female protagonists in recent K-drama history.
Eugene’s performance is praised as incredibly powerful. Much like his iconic role in Penthouse, his gaze alone can make viewers cringe, while his quiet self-reflections leave audiences unsettled.
As the series progresses, it is still unclear who truly controls the game. Many netizens speculate that Soo Yeon herself could be the ultimate mastermind. The uncertainty only fuels the obsession, with fans eagerly awaiting each new episode, ready to be shocked all over again.
Sources: kenh14
