Poster for The Worst of Evil

The Worst of Evil (2023) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Set in the 1980s, a husband and wife, both detectives, infiltrate a massive criminal organization responsible for the illegal drug trade between Korea, China, and Japan.

TV-MA • 2023 • 1 season

8.4
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

This intense South Korean crime thriller follows an undercover police officer who infiltrates a powerful drug cartel in 1990s Seoul. The series earns its mature rating primarily for frequent, brutal, and often graphic gang violence, which includes stabbings, shootings, and bloody beatdowns in nearly every episode. The plot is centered entirely around the illegal drug trade, featuring pervasive substance use and constant smoking, and is… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Ji Chang-wook
Ji Chang-wook
Wi Ha-jun
Wi Ha-jun
Lim Se-mi
Lim Se-mi
BIBI
BIBI
Im Sung-jae
Im Sung-jae
Cha Rae-hyung
Cha Rae-hyung
Lee Shin-ki
Lee Shin-ki
Jeong Jae-kwang
Jeong Jae-kwang
Bae Myeong-jin
Bae Myeong-jin
Ji Seung-hyun
Ji Seung-hyun
Yoon Kyung-ho
Yoon Kyung-ho
Kim Beom-soo
Kim Beom-soo
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Is The Worst of Evil appropriate for kids?

This intense South Korean crime thriller follows an undercover police officer who infiltrates a powerful drug cartel in 1990s Seoul. The series earns its mature rating primarily for frequent, brutal, and often graphic gang violence, which includes stabbings, shootings, and… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Worst of Evil Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 8/10
Language Intense 8/10
Sex/Nudity Strong 6/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in The Worst of Evil

Sexual content is moderate but explicit in implication. Episode 7 contains a scene in a nightclub where a male character gropes a female character's breast, though no nudity is shown. Episode 8 features two intense kissing scenes between different couples, one in a car and another in a room, along with a woman seen in a bra. An ongoing implied affair and romantic tension are central to the plot, involving manipulation and emotional entanglement.

Violence and gore in The Worst of Evil

The series depicts severe and graphic violence, centering on frequent gang fights that result in significant injuries and deaths. Characters are repeatedly shown being stabbed, shot, beaten, and mutilated with explicit blood and gore. Fight scenes are brutal and extended, emphasizing the harsh realities of the criminal underworld. Torture and other forms of physical abuse are also present.

Language in The Worst of Evil

Frequent use of strong profanity, including f-words and other expletives, is present throughout the series, reflecting the harsh environment of the criminal underworld and the stress on the characters. This is consistent across episodes, contributing to the TV-MA rating.

Mature themes in The Worst of Evil

The series explores dark and mature themes including identity crisis, betrayal, the corrosive nature of crime, loyalty, and the psychological impact of undercover work. It delves into the moral ambiguities faced by those operating within law enforcement and criminal organizations, with characters grappling with their choices and the blurring lines between right and wrong. The themes of adultery and moral compromise are also central to the narrative, particularly concerning the entangled relationships.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Worst of Evil appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Worst of Evil is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. This intense South Korean crime thriller follows an undercover police officer who infiltrates a powerful drug cartel in 1990s Seoul. The series earns its mature rating primarily for frequent, brutal, and often graphic…

What age rating does The Worst of Evil have?

The Worst of Evil is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is The Worst of Evil about?

This intense South Korean crime thriller follows an undercover police officer who infiltrates a powerful drug cartel in 1990s Seoul. The series earns its mature rating primarily for frequent, brutal, and often graphic gang violence, which includes stabbings, shootings, and bloody beatdowns in nearly every episode. The…

How many seasons does The Worst of Evil have?

The Worst of Evil has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in The Worst of Evil?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across The Worst of Evil.

How violent is The Worst of Evil?

Violence isn't a standout concern across The Worst of Evil per our reviewers.

Is the language in The Worst of Evil appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Worst of Evil.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Worst of Evil?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across The Worst of Evil.

What mature themes appear in The Worst of Evil?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of The Worst of Evil.

Where can I read the full The Worst of Evil parent guide?

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