This 2020 South Korean romantic crime drama television series follows Cha Ji-won, a detective who begins to suspect that her seemingly perfect husband, Baek Hee-sung, is hiding a dark past and may be connected to a series of unsolved murders.

Flower of Evil (Review) is indeed the correct answer for the 2020 South Korean romantic crime drama described. The series centers on Cha Ji-won, a detective portrayed by Moon Chae-won, who slowly uncovers the unsettling truth about her husband, Baek Hee-sung, played by Lee Joon-gi. What appears to be a perfect family life with a loving husband and father masks a sinister past, as Baek Hee-sung is actually living under a false identity, hiding his connection to a series of unsolved murders.

The drama masterfully builds suspense as Ji-won's investigation into an old serial murder case begins to point disturbingly close to home, forcing her to confront the possibility that the man she loves is a psychopath. This creates a thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamic, where Hee-sung goes to extreme lengths to maintain his facade while Ji-won, with her keen detective skills, navigates her growing suspicions. The series delves into complex themes of identity, trust, and the nature of evil, questioning whether love can truly exist amidst such profound deception.

Screenwriter Yoo Jung-hee revealed that the drama's title, "Flower of Evil," was inspired by Charles Baudelaire's poetry collection "Les Fleurs du mal." She explained that the title reflects the ambiguity and chaos that arise when societal values become blurred, and represents the characters' internal struggles and transformations. The show garnered significant attention for its shocking premise and engaging storyline, with critics praising the lead actors' phenomenal performances in portraying such intricate and conflicted characters. The drama's impactful episode endings and its focus on character development over gratuitous violence further cemented its status as a compelling thriller.