Ep 1. Korea

In Locked Up Abroad season 2 episode 1, we are taken on a harrowing journey with American student Chris Parnell as he ventures to South Korea in search of adventure and personal growth. Looking to escape the mundane routine of college life, Chris jumps at the opportunity to teach English in Korea, looking forward to the chance to travel, learn about new cultures, and meet new people. Little does he know, his decision to follow his dreams will lead him down a path of terror and despair, as he finds himself locked up in one of the country's most notorious prisons.

From the start, it's clear that Chris is in over his head. Despite his enthusiasm and eagerness to embrace the culture, Chris finds it difficult to adapt to the strict rules and regulations of Korean society. His inability to speak the language fluently and fit in with the locals only amplifies his feelings of being an outsider, and he quickly turns to alcohol to alleviate his stress. But as his drinking spirals out of control, Chris finds himself involved in a car accident that will change his life forever.

In the aftermath of the crash, Chris is arrested and charged with DUI and vehicular manslaughter. Despite his protests of innocence, he is quickly tried and convicted in a court system that is foreign to him, and sentenced to serve a year in prison. From here, the episode delves into the details of Chris' life inside the prison, detailing the brutal conditions, harsh treatment, and psychological toll that incarceration takes on him.

Throughout the episode, we see Chris struggling to find his place in the Korean prison system, fighting to survive against all odds. From the moment he enters the facility, he is plunged into a world of violence, corruption, and fear, where the rules are constantly changing and danger lurks around every corner. With limited access to food, medical care, and other basic necessities, Chris must find a way to stay alive in a hostile environment, relying on his own wits and the kindness of his fellow inmates to get by.

Despite the hardships he faces, however, Chris remains determined to find a way out. Throughout his time in prison, he never loses hope, using his experiences as a means of personal growth and self-reflection. As such, the episode offers a powerful testimony to the resilience of the human spirit, and the ability of individuals to thrive in the face of adversity.

Overall, Locked Up Abroad season 2 episode 1 is a gripping and emotional look at one man's journey through the squalor of a Korean prison. With its honest portrayal of life behind bars, the episode delivers a searing indictment of a criminal justice system that is too often cruel and unjust. But at its core, the episode is a tribute to the power of the human spirit, and the resilience of those who refuse to lose hope, no matter how dark the circumstances may be. For anyone looking to experience a compelling and thought-provoking story, this episode is an absolute must-watch.