A group of college students enter the Korean National Police University together.  The series moves from hazing and life as a freshman, all the way through to their graduation. We follow their lives through joys and struggles as they work hard to fulfill their life dream and become police officers.  Along the way, they find friendship, romance, and their fair share of unsolved crimes.  But a past secret will bring tragedy to the group and threaten to tear apart their close friendship.

Chae Soo Bin as Go Eun Gang

Unlike most of her classmates, Go Eun Gang didn’t always dream of becoming a Police Officer.  But when the tutor she has a crush on gets into KNPU, she is determined to follow him.  But Eun Gang is the kind of person who always gives her full heart to what she is doing, and studying to be the perfect cop is no different.  Not only does she discover a love of law and justice, but she finds her girlhood crush is no competition for the heart-fluttering attraction she feels for Seung Hyun.  And the support of her new friends brings her true joy.  But when they lose one of their own, she will stop at nothing to expose the villain and see justice served.

Go Eun Gang is spunky and fearless in the face of danger.  Her unswerving perserverance is what drives this group to success.  I love her character for her strength and fighting spirit.  Even when Ha Na tried to hold her at a distance, Eun Gang refused to give up on her and eventually made her a part of their group.  Chae Soo Bin has an infectious enthusiasm that brought this role to life.  I think the part may have fallen flat without her natural charm to pull the audience in.  I loved the chemistry she had with Kang Daniel.  Their relationship felt smooth and natural.  

Park Yoo Na as Ki Han Na

Ki Han Na becomes Eung Gang’s roommate after they move out of their initial training.  Their relationship is rocky in the beginning, but Eun Gang is determined to become her friend.  Han Na was raised by a single mother who works as a hostess in a bar.  Han Na is constantly trying to pay off her mother’s debts.  Her personal debt to a Police Detective who has helped out with her mother in the past leads her to be a spy among her classmates.  

 ♥ Squad Goals

The interaction between this group of characters is fun and interesting.  The loyalty that they develop with each other keeps the storylines fresh and engaging all the way through.  Some of the scenes with the whole group together are my favorites of this whole drama.  The cast has a natural chemistry that makes their bond feel realistic.  Whether they are having fun and being silly or sharing moments of emotional vulnerability, I enjoyed watching them together.  

♥ Professor Cha

I love Kim Sang Ho as an actor.  And watching Professor Cha shift from being the former detective with a troubled past to being the trusted advisor that the students come to whenever they are unsure of what to do, was perfect.  His quiet concern for his students and his vow to protect them at all costs, made this character very endearing.  His guilt for what happened in the past to Tak’s brother was not overplayed, as he struggled with how much he was willing to bring out into the open.  

Dae Il

So, I know I often complain about secondary characters getting killed, but lots of people seem to agree with me on this one.  Dae Il’s death was heartbreaking and pretty pointless.  There were other ways for them to get that key piece of evidence.  I do thank the writers for giving us a hint to prepare for a tragedy, although I must confess, I really held out hope they were only bluffing.  I really wish he had lived to get to share a romantic moment with Han Na.  

Professor Bang

Maybe it was because I liked Professor Cha so much, that I found the sudden absense of his teaching partner Professor Bang strange.  There is a definite shift between the early scenes that take place during training and the later ones when they become full-time students.  We see quite a few characters quietly disappear.  But the show took the time to give Cha and Bang their own backstory and personal relationship.  It wasn’t like there was a whole faculty of teachers that we met.  So why not give her a part in the growth of her students?

“Rookie Cops” ends as we knew it would from the beginning.   Our officers in training go head to head with Han Sol and his thugs.  Tak comes back and Han Na gets a chance to prove her loyalty to the team by working as a double agent and saving Eun Gang.  Han Sol and his cronies are all taken into custody for their crimes.  Unfortunately, that includes Commissioner Wi, who turns himself in.  After being awarded for their bravery, our crew settles into university, each pursuing their own interests, although obviously still close.  And at each special occasion, Dae Il is remembered fondly, especially by Han Na.  The series ends with their graduation and a romantic kiss between our leads.