When people think of Korean dramas, romance or family stories often come to mind first. However, Korea also has world-class masterpieces in the crime and thriller genre. The representative work of this is "Stranger" (Korean title: 비밀의 숲).
Drama Overview
- Broadcast: 2017 (tvN, Season 1), 2020 (Season 2)
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Political Thriller
- Main Cast: Cho Seung-woo, Bae Doona, Lee Joon-hyuk, Yoo Jae-myung
- Production: Studio Dragon
Stranger digs straight into the power struggles and political corruption within the prosecutor’s office. More than a simple crime drama, it explores universal themes such as power structures, human desire, and justice, gaining huge attention both domestically and internationally right after its release.
Plot (Extended Version)
The protagonist, Prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo), underwent brain surgery as a child that left him almost devoid of emotions, making him a cold and detached character. One day, he takes on a murder case tied to political lobbying and soon discovers the deep-rooted corruption within the prosecution and political world.
During the investigation, he meets Detective Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona), a warmhearted and justice-driven cop. Unlike Si-mok, who rarely expresses emotions, Yeo-jin’s empathetic and principled personality contrasts with him, yet the two gradually build a camaraderie in pursuit of truth.
Season 1 focuses on uncovering murder cases and corruption scandals that entangle prosecutors, politicians, and big business, revealing the dark face of power. Season 2 shifts toward the very real issue of jurisdiction disputes between prosecutors and police, further complicating the story with organizational conflict and political maneuvering.
The Actors’ Careers and Choices
Cho Seung-woo
Cho Seung-woo is an actor who seamlessly moves between Korean film, television, and musical theater, showcasing an impressive acting range.
- He gained public recognition through films such as The Classic and Marathon, the latter earning him major acclaim for his nuanced portrayal of a young man with autism.
- On stage, he has become a towering figure in musical theater, building a reputation as a “must-watch” performer.
- In dramas, he tends to be selective, focusing less on quantity and more on roles with depth and socially meaningful stories. His portrayal of Hwang Si-mok in Stranger perfectly aligns with his standards in choosing roles.
Bae Doona
Bae Doona is an internationally recognized actress known for her unique and unconventional project choices.
- In Korea, she built her reputation with distinctive films like Barking Dogs Never Bite, Tokyo!, and The Host, each showcasing her versatility.
- Internationally, she starred in global projects such as Cloud Atlas and Sense8, earning a worldwide fan base.
- In her drama roles, she avoids simple melodramas or light entertainment, instead preferring works with social messages and authentic characters. Han Yeo-jin in Stranger embodies this, as a righteous and compassionate detective whose personality aligns naturally with Bae Doona’s image.
Why It Appeals to U.S. Audiences
- A Genre Familiar to American Drama FansIf you enjoy the tense atmosphere of shows like Law & Order or House of Cards, the structural suspense and power struggles of Stranger will feel both familiar and refreshingly different.
- A Window into Korean SocietyBy dealing with Korea’s prosecutorial system, conflicts with the police, and political corruption, the series adds a layer of realism. It serves as an indirect way to understand Korean society.
- Immersive Acting PerformancesCho Seung-woo as the emotion-suppressed Hwang Si-mok, and Bae Doona as the warm but tough Detective Han Yeo-jin, provide the central axis that drives the drama.
- Internationally AcclaimedThe show was named one of “The Best International TV Shows of 2017” by The New York Times, proving its quality on the global stage.
In Summary
Stranger (비밀의 숲) is more than just a crime drama—it poses sharp questions about power, justice, and human nature. The careers and selective project choices of Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doona align perfectly with this work, making it one of the most impactful Korean dramas for international viewers.
👉 If you want to showcase the wide spectrum of Korean dramas to American audiences, Stranger is an absolute must-mention.
