The drama Crashes (2024) concluded on June 18, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with its riveting plot focused on traffic crimes, a stellar cast, and adrenaline-pumping car chase scenes. Garnering a remarkable rating of 6.6% according to Nielsen Korea, it became ENA channel’s second most popular drama after Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022). Many fans speculated that Lee Hyun Soo’s (Ko Eun Mi) accident would be the finale’s focal point. However, the story took an unexpected turn with the disappearance of a high school student on Hwapyeong Island.
1. Lee Hyun Soo’s Case Ended Satisfactorily
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Lee Hyun Soo’s case was particularly gripping due to Cha Yeon Ho’s (Lee Min Ki) direct involvement as the accused. Initially, it seemed Cha Yeon Ho was the perpetrator, but it was later revealed that the true culprit was Pyo Jung Wook (Kang Ki Doong). Despite being a minor at the time, Pyo Jung Wook was protected by his father, Pyo Myung Hak (Heo Jung Do), who attempted to shift all the blame to his son. However, Pyo Jung Wook, angered by his father’s actions, implicated him as well. Thanks to the Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) team’s diligent efforts, both Pyo Myung Hak, Pyo Jung Wook, and their accomplice, Yang Seok Chan (Lee Yoo Joon), received their deserved punishments.
2. The TCI Team’s Struggle Against Corruption
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The resolution of Lee Hyun Soo’s case also unearthed a significant corruption scandal involving Pyo Myung Hak and other high-ranking police officers. Lee Tae Ju (Oh Eui Sik) possessed crucial evidence of this corruption on a USB drive. This evidence led to multiple charges against Pyo Myung Hak, including corruption, resulting in his removal from office. Amidst this turmoil, Min So Hee (Kwak Sun Young) sensed an even larger corruption case, implicating Lee Tae Ju. In response, police officials disbanded the TCI team to cover up the scandal.
3. A New Challenge on Hwapyeong Island
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Following the TCI team’s disbandment, Cha Yeon Ho was reassigned to the tranquil Hwapyeong Island, known for its low crime rate. However, the sudden disappearance of high school student Lee Seung A (Han Ji Won) disrupted the island’s peace. Despite the TCI team’s dissolution, former members rallied to assist Cha Yeon Ho during their time off. Their teamwork successfully resolved the case, earning Cha Yeon Ho, Min So Hee, Woo Dong Ki (Lee Ho Cheol), and Eo Hyun Kyung (Moon Hee) promotions and accolades. Meanwhile, Jung Chae Man (Heo Sung Tae) chose to resign from the police force.
4. Re-formation of the TCI Team
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The drama culminated with Shin So Jung (Park Ji Young), Director of the National Investigation Service, convincing Jung Chae Man to re-form the TCI team. Recognizing the team’s value, Shin So Jung persuaded Jung Chae Man, reminding him of his original motivation. The re-formed TCI team, now under the National Investigation Service, was granted greater authority than regular police. The drama ended with Min So Hee’s determination to expose the corruption involving Lee Tae Ju, leaving many plot threads unresolved.
While Crashes concluded on a high note, it also left viewers eagerly anticipating a potential second season. Let’s hope for more thrilling episodes to continue this captivating story!
