Pinocchio (2014) Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

Pinocchio is a 2014 South Korean television drama series that follows the lives of young reporters as they navigate the world of news reporting and uncover the truth behind various incidents. In Season 1 Episode 1, titled "Episode 1," we are introduced to the intriguing story and key characters that will shape the narrative of the series.

The episode begins with a prologue set in 2005, where we see a young boy named Ki Ha-myung living happily with his family. Ki Ha-myung's father is a firefighter, and his older brother Ki Jae-myung dreams of becoming a pro baseball player. However, a tragic incident occurs, leading to a devastating fire that claims the lives of Ha-myung's father and brother. This incident lays the foundation for the protagonist's journey throughout the series.

Fast forward to the present day, and we meet Ki Ha-myung, now a young man played by Lee Jong-suk. Ha-myung has undergone a significant transformation and now goes by the name Choi Dal-po. He has adopted an alias to escape the traumatic memories of his past. Dal-po lives with his adoptive father, Choi Gong-pil, a kind and warm-hearted man who used to be a star reporter.

Dal-po's adoptive father has always dreamt of seeing his son become a reporter, just like him. Dal-po, however, resents the profession due to the false news that was spread about his family during the tragic fire incident. Despite his feelings, Dal-po plays along, disguising his disinterest in becoming a reporter. However, deep down, he carries the skills and passion for reporting within him, waiting to be unleashed.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to the determined and ambitious Choi In-ha, portrayed by Park Shin-hye. In-ha is a news reporter trainee who suffers from a unique condition known as the Pinocchio Syndrome. This condition causes her to hiccup whenever she tells a lie, making it impossible for her to deceive anyone. In-ha possesses an unwavering sense of justice and dreams of becoming a credible and truthful reporter.

In-ha's mother, Song Cha-ok (played by Jin Kyung), is one of the top news anchors in the country. Despite her mother's success, In-ha faces challenges and criticism due to her condition. However, she remains determined to overcome these obstacles and prove her worth as a capable reporter.

Fate brings Dal-po and In-ha together when they both find themselves in the same newsroom as rookie reporters. There, they encounter Seo Bum-jo (played by Kim Young-kwang), the heir to a major media company and the epitome of a chaebol heir. Bum-jo becomes instantly attracted to In-ha and develops feelings for her, while Dal-po also finds himself drawn to her endearing personality.

As the episode progresses, Dal-po, In-ha, and Bum-jo face various challenges in their pursuit of truth and justice. They navigate through the pressure of the competitive news industry, commencing their journey as reporters and facing their respective pasts. With Dal-po's hidden talents, In-ha's unwavering determination, and Bum-jo's influence, this trio embarks on a thrilling ride to uncover the truth behind critical incidents.

Within this first episode, we witness the formation of friendships, the blossoming of romance, and the determination to overcome personal obstacles. "Episode 1" lays the groundwork for an intriguing and emotionally charged narrative that will grip viewers' attention throughout Pinocchio's first season.

With its relatable characters, dynamic storytelling, and exploration of the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, Pinocchio promises a thrilling and emotionally engaging viewing experience. In this episode, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the future adventures and challenges that await the characters, as they strive to become true reporters who can change the world with their words and actions.