“Shadow Detective” was released in 2022-2023, has 2 seasons, 8 episodes each, and is currently streaming on DisneyPlus/Hulu. It’s a Hulu Original Korean drama series categorized as Action, Mystery, Crime, Thriller and Suspense.
♦ Season 1: Homicide and Special Crimes Investigation Unit
In “Shadow Detective” Season 1, Kim Taek-Rok, a 30-year veteran police investigator assigned to the Homicide and Special Crimes Investigation Unit (HSCIU) is framed for killing fellow officers when in actuality he wanted to save their lives.
To complicate matters, the real murderer knows that he is in the early stages of dementia and is playing a game. Either the real killer gets caught or the murders continue and he keeps getting framed for committing them.
Why can’t Taek-Rok just retire peacefully? He has served and protected the public for 30 years. It’s time. He was so close! But then the nightmare began.
Detective Taekrok’s fight for survival takes several twists and turns. The people he is accused of murdering were his friends. Proving his innocence is very challenging because evidently, the real murderer also knows him, communicates with him regularly via untraceable calls, and dares to call him “Friend”. He suspects the killer is someone in law enforcement.
♦ Season 2: Women and Juvenile Affairs Investigation Team
In “Shadow Detective” Season 2, Kim Taek-Rok, is still allowed to work as an investigator, however, he is reassigned to the Women and Juvenile Affairs Investigation Team (WJAIT). Since his work with the HSCI Unit had so much notoriety and controversy, his new boss, the head of the WJAIT, keeps an eye on him. Several burglaries are taking place and it is suspected that either women and/or juveniles are involved.
In addition, Taek Rok reopens the case of his fellow officer’s shocking death. He was clearly shot by someone from a distance with a high-powered rifle. Somebody wanted to close his mouth permanently. Taek Rok wanted to know who.
Main Characters:
- Kim Taek-Rok (played by Lee Sung-Min, “Remember”, “Hunt”)
- Lee Sung-A (played by Kyung Soo-Jin)
- Son Kyung-Chan (played by Lee Hak-Joo, “My Dearest”, “Dream”)
Viewership and Rating:
SEASON 1:
- IMDb: 7 out of 10 stars
- My Drama List: 7.9 out of 10 stars
- Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5 out of 5 stars
SEASON 2:
- IMDb: 7 out of 10 stars
- My Drama List: 8 out of 10 stars
- Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5 out of 5 stars
My personal rating is 8 out of 10 stars for both seasons. My rating is because Lee Sung-Min convincingly portrayed his character as Kim Taek-Rok, a veteran investigator. As soon as the viewer was introduced to the main character they respected his loyalty, bravery, wisdom, and experience in law enforcement, but also liked him as a person.
You felt sympathy since he was suffering from dementia. But you admired the way that he would get up each day and perform whatever duties were required. Of course, when they framed him for murder he worked even harder.
- Lee Sung-Min will play the main character in “A Bloody Lucky Day” (2023). It’s based on a webtoon of the same name, is streaming on Paramount Plus, and is on my watchlist.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
- ‘Shadow Detective’ review: police K-drama makes you the sleuth | NME
- Disney+ K-drama review: Shadow Detective – Lee Sung-min in brooding, convoluted crime drama that longs for better days | South China Morning Post
- ‘Shadow Detective’ returns for Season 2 as more intricate thriller | The Korea Times
- Shadow Detective 2: A Deep Dive into the Mind of a Detective | Seoulbeats
- Disney+ K-drama review: Shadow Detective season 2 – Lee Sung-min crime thriller series reaches a gripping conclusion | South China Morning Post
TRAILERS/TEASERS:
Times, Dis. “Shadow Detective | Official Trailer.” YouTube Video. YouTube, October 23, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40qPo97WUao.
UK, Dubbed. “Shadow Detective 2 | English Trailer | Disney+.” YouTube Video. YouTube, June 25, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BZ0de2Ohwg.
