The Global Phenomenon of Vincenzo
Since its release in 2021, Vincenzo has solidified its place as one of the most iconic Korean dramas in recent history. Starring Song Joong-ki as a Korean-Italian Mafia lawyer, the show successfully blended dark comedy, intense action, and legal thrills. While millions of fans watched the series, there are many behind-the-scenes details and production secrets that remain unknown to the casual viewer. In this article, we dive deep into 14 fascinating facts that define the legacy of this masterpiece.
1. The CGI Magic: Italy Was Never Actually Visited
Perhaps the most shocking fact for fans is that the breathtaking scenes set in Italy were entirely created using Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions at the time of filming, the production team could not fly to Italy. Instead, they used high-quality green screens and digital rendering to recreate the vineyards, Italian architecture, and the majestic cathedrals. The result was so seamless that even native Italians were impressed by the visual accuracy.
2. Song Joong-ki’s Intensive Italian Lessons
To play the role of Vincenzo Cassano convincingly, Song Joong-ki had to learn Italian. Despite having no prior knowledge of the language, he worked tirelessly with a professional language coach. He focused not just on the vocabulary but on the specific intonation and regional dialects of a person who had lived in Italy since childhood. Song Joong-ki later admitted in interviews that the Italian language was one of the hardest parts of his preparation, often practicing his lines while driving or eating.
3. The Scriptwriter Behind the Dark Comedy
The unique tone of the show—a mix of extreme violence and slapstick humor—is the signature style of scriptwriter Park Jae-bum. Park is well-known for his previous hits like The Fiery Priest and Good Manager. His ability to craft complex anti-heroes who operate in a ‘grey area’ of morality is what gave Vincenzo its distinctive edge, moving away from the traditional ‘perfect hero’ trope found in many K-Dramas.
4. Jeon Yeo-been’s Breakout Performance
While Song Joong-ki was already a global superstar, Jeon Yeo-been, who played Hong Cha-young, saw her popularity skyrocket through this series. Her portrayal of a quirky, ambitious, and fiercely loyal lawyer was a breath of fresh air. Initially, some viewers were skeptical of her over-the-top acting in early episodes, but they soon realized it was a calculated character choice that perfectly complemented Vincenzo’s stoic nature.
5. Taecyeon’s First Major Villain Role
Ok Taec-yeon, a member of the K-pop group 2PM, took a massive career risk by playing the primary antagonist, Jang Jun-woo. Known for his ‘nice guy’ image, his transformation into a psychopathic corporate leader was a revelation. His dual performance as the clumsy intern and the ruthless chairman of Babel Group showcased his versatility as an actor and remains one of the most discussed plot twists in the series.
6. The Significance of ‘Inzaghi’ the Pigeon
One of the most beloved side characters wasn’t human at all. Inzaghi, the pigeon that frequently annoyed Vincenzo, became a symbol of the show’s absurdist humor. The name is a tribute to the famous Italian footballer Filippo Inzaghi. What started as a comedic nuisance eventually turned into a plot device that saved Vincenzo’s life, highlighting the show’s theme that even the smallest allies can change the course of a battle.
Production and Cultural Impact
7. High Viewership and Ratings
Vincenzo was a massive commercial success for the cable network tvN. It consistently ranked at the top of its time slot and ended with a peak viewership rating of 14.6% nationwide in South Korea. This performance placed it among the top 10 highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. Its success on Netflix further expanded its reach, staying in the global Top 10 for several consecutive weeks.
8. Geumga Plaza: A Real Location
While the Italian scenes were CGI, the iconic Geumga Plaza is a real building in Seoul. The filming took place at the Sewoon Plaza, an electronics market built in the 1960s. The location was chosen for its vintage, slightly gritty aesthetic, which perfectly contrasted with the sleek, modern skyscrapers owned by the Babel Group. Today, the area has become a popular tourist spot for fans wishing to relive scenes from the drama.
9. The Product Placement Controversy
Despite its success, the show faced a minor controversy regarding product placement (PPL). In one episode, the characters were shown eating a Chinese-branded instant bibimbap. This sparked a backlash among Korean viewers due to cultural sensitivities surrounding the origin of bibimbap. The production team eventually issued an apology and removed the scene from international streaming platforms to respect the audience’s sentiments.
10. The Chemistry of the ‘Jipuragi’ Trio
The heart of the show was the relationship between Vincenzo, Hong Cha-young, and the paralegal Nam Joo-sung. Actors Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been, and Yoon Byung-hee reportedly shared a strong bond off-screen as well. This genuine camaraderie translated into their on-screen performances, making the ‘Jipuragi Law Firm’ scenes some of the most heartwarming moments in an otherwise dark series.
11. Vincenzo’s Expensive Wardrobe
To portray a high-ranking Mafia consigliere, the costume department spared no expense. Vincenzo was almost always seen in bespoke Italian suits (Booralro) and luxury watches from brands like Breitling, Zenith, and TAG Heuer. His wardrobe was designed to project power, discipline, and wealth, contrasting sharply with the more casual and colorful outfits of the Geumga Plaza tenants.
12. The Influence of ‘The Godfather’
The series pays numerous homages to classic Mafia cinema, particularly The Godfather. From the lighting choices in Vincenzo’s office to the philosophical monologues about justice and evil, the influence is clear. However, the show subverts these tropes by adding a uniquely Korean perspective on corporate corruption and social hierarchy.
13. Social Justice and the ‘Dark Hero’
Vincenzo resonated with audiences because it addressed real-world frustrations with the legal system. The tagline, ‘Only evil can punish evil,’ struck a chord with viewers who feel that traditional law often fails to hold the powerful accountable. By using Mafia tactics to take down a corrupt conglomerate, Vincenzo acted as a cathartic ‘dark hero’ for the modern age.
14. The Cameos and Easter Eggs
The show is filled with cameos from famous actors and references to the cast’s previous works. For instance, there were nods to Song Joong-ki’s role in Space Sweepers and Descendants of the Sun. These ‘Easter eggs’ provided an extra layer of enjoyment for dedicated K-Drama fans who enjoy spotting meta-references within the industry.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
Vincenzo is more than just a revenge story; it is a complex narrative about family, justice, and the thin line between good and evil. Its combination of high-budget production, stellar acting, and a daring script has set a new standard for the industry. Whether you are a fan of the action, the romance, or the comedy, these facts prove that every detail of the show was crafted with precision and passion. As the Hallyu wave continues to grow, Vincenzo remains a shining example of the creative potential of Korean storytelling.
