Overseasidol.com — The crime drama”The Punishment” officially premiered on December 25 and is now streaming exclusively on iQIYI.
Produced by iQIYI and directed by Tian Yi and Yi Yong, the series is adapted from Shu Zhongmin’s novel A Brief History of Heroes.
Written by Sun Ran, Yuan Jinsong, Peng Chenran, and Li Mingkang, the drama delivers a hard-hitting and realistic portrayal of crime, justice, and human nature.
Starring Jonny Huang Jingyu, Eric Wang Chuanjun, and Liang Jie in leading roles, with special appearances by acclaimed veteran actors Li Youbin, Sa Rina, and Zhang Tong, this drama quickly gained traction upon release.
Within just 24 hours, the series secured a spot in iQIYI’s Premium Collection, driven by soaring viewership, strong word-of-mouth, and intense audience engagement, making it one of the most talked-about crime dramas of the year-end season.
As a follow-up to the blockbuster The Punishment, the second installment continues the franchise’s signature gritty realism and fast-paced storytelling.
The narrative is set in motion by the mysterious death of a criminal investigation team leader, officially ruled as a suicide.
This shocking incident becomes the catalyst for exposing a deeply entrenched criminal network and the shadowy protection behind it.
Set in Hanzhou City, the story follows investigators Ye Tianyou and Qin Feng as they confront powerful criminal forces head-on.
From undercover operations at illegal gambling dens to high-risk missions clouded by false accusations, every step toward justice is fraught with danger.
As evidence disappears and internal threats emerge, the investigation expands to include land disputes in Longwan Bay and an extensive money-laundering operation, gradually revealing the scale of the underground empire.
The series enhances its suspense through a multi-threaded narrative structure, frequently using flashbacks at the beginning of episodes to plant clues and deepen the mystery.
The intertwined pasts of Qin Feng, Liu Tianye, and Wen Jiangyan, who were raised together by Wen Ma, intersect with the long-buried Xu Li case from 2002.
Meanwhile, Liu Tianye’s descent into moral corruption under the influence of power and greed adds a compelling layer of human conflict to the story.
With its powerful message that justice must prevail and the law stands above all, The Punishment goes beyond conventional crime drama.
It portrays the enduring struggle between good and evil, personal bonds versus legal principles, and the unwavering resolve of law enforcement officers fighting to protect fairness and truth.
