100 Days of Deception Episodes 1-2 Review: Watch or Skip?
The Binge Team- October 12, 2026
100 Days of Deception (100일의 거짓말) premiered on October 10, 2026, and I had already cleared my entire weekend because I was ready to dive into a serious historical drama. I wanted a story that would keep me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath as the tension built. Set in Gyeongseong in 1932, during the Japanese colonial period in Korea, this historical espionage thriller airs on tvN and streams internationally on Netflix. After watching the first two episodes, I couldn't help noticing some similarities to Mr. Sunshine, especially the political intrigue and the slow-burn romance set against a troubled period in Korean history.
The story focuses on Lee Ga-gyeong (Kim You-jung), a street pickpocket with a razor-sharp mind and quick reflexes. Having grown up surviving on the streets, she knows how to think fast and stay one step ahead of danger. But her life takes a dramatic turn when she accepts a mission from Gu-guk-dan, an underground Korean independence movement fighting against Japanese colonial rule. Recruited by the American missionary group Sons of Sui, she takes on a dangerous undercover assignment as an interpreter at the Japanese Government-General of Korea for 100 days.
Standing in her way is Kim Tae-ung (Park Jin-young), also known as Sato Hideo. Born in Joseon and adopted into a prominent Japanese family, he is a highly skilled interpreter who leads a double life of his own. With secrets, conflicting loyalties, and political tensions surrounding them, neither character can afford to let their guard down. Adding even more intensity to the story are the talented Kim Hyun-joo and Jin Seon-kyu, who bring a menacing presence to the political conflicts as Yoo So-ran and Sato Shinichi, respectively.
100 Days of Deception Episodes 1-2 Review: What I Loved
Episode 1 wastes little time showing us the brutal reality of life under Japanese colonial rule. We get to see Lee Ga-gyeong in action as she pulls off some clever pickpocketing tricks before getting caught up in a dangerous mission with the resistance. What I appreciate is how the drama goes beyond the usual spy thriller setup to explore the political climate of the time. It shows the oppressive surveillance system and the impossible choices ordinary Koreans faced as they tried to survive, cooperate with the authorities, or openly resist Japanese rule.
And Kim You-jung? She's already stealing the show. She moves effortlessly between Ga-gyeong's street-smart confidence and her attempts to pass herself off as a capable interpreter. Her expressive eyes capture the character's sharp instincts, streetwise attitude, and occasional flashes of humor. It's so much fun watching her use her wits to get out of tricky situations, even when the stakes are dangerously high.
Episode 2 is where the psychological tension really starts to build, especially inside the offices of the Japanese Government-General. The political conflict gets more personal as Yoo So-ran struggles with a devastating personal tragedy while secretly plotting revenge against Sato Shinichi. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-ung begins to suspect Ga-gyeong. Played by Park Jin-young, Tae-ung has a cool, unreadable expression that makes it difficult to figure out what he's thinking. Every interaction between the two leads feels like a dangerous game of chess, with neither willing to reveal too much.
I also like that the drama doesn't make its political conflicts feel black and white. The characters have their own motives, secrets, and reasons for making difficult choices. However, the transition from the lighter, comedic pickpocketing scenes to the brutal violence of the historical setting can feel a little abrupt in these early episodes. Still, the contrast adds depth to Ga-gyeong's world and reminds us just how dangerous her mission really is.
100 Days of Deception Review: My Verdict After Episode 2
The final scene of Episode 2 delivers a massive cliffhanger that turns everything upside down. When an attack targeting high-ranking Japanese officials erupts inside the compound, panic takes over. Caught in the middle of the gunfire, Lee Ga-gyeong tries to send Tae-ung a secret signal. Standing across the room, Kim Tae-ung appears to recognize her hand movements and understand the code she is trying to communicate. The tension in this scene had me holding my breath!
Later, Tae-ung searches for Ga-gyeong but can't find her. The two end up meeting again by chance at a pawnshop, adding another interesting twist to the story.
After two hours of watching, my verdict is a definite yes! I'd recommend giving this historical spy thriller a try. The drama combines political intrigue, historical conflict, and compelling chemistry between the leads without making its espionage plot feel slow or repetitive. There is enough suspense to keep me invested, and that cliffhanger has definitely left me wanting more.
✦ Watch This If You Loved
I'd highly recommend 100 Days of Deception, if you enjoy historical dramas with political intrigue, a slow-burn romance, and characters caught in dangerous situations.
Looking for more dramas like 100 Days of Deception? Check out our similar picks below:
Drama Info
Title100 Days of Deception (2026)
Total Episodes16 (Ongoing)
Review
1 & 2 Episodes
1 & 2 Episodes
CountrySouth Korea
GenreHistorical · Thriller · Action · Romance
Release DateOct 10th to Nov 29th · 2026
StreamNetflix
Netflix
Main Cast
Kim Ji Won
Lee Ga-gyeong
Park Jin Young
Kim Tae-ung/Sato Hideo
MAB Score (For Episodes 1 & 2)8.9/10Overall Rating
8.9/10
Overall Rating
Story
Acting
Chemistry