Discover the talented Signal korean drama cast and their roles, from Lee Je-hoon’s Park Hae-young to Kim Hye-soo’s Cha Soo-hyun, in this gripping crime thriller.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Signal is a captivating crime thriller that takes viewers on a journey through time, where the past and present collide in a race to solve cold cases. With its intriguing storyline and unforgettable characters, the drama keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. What truly makes Signal stand out is its incredible cast, each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. From Lee Je-hoon’s intense portrayal of Park Hae-young to Kim Hye-soo’s powerful performance as Cha Soo-hyun, the characters come to life in a way that makes the show impossible to forget. Let’s take a closer look at the talented actors who bring these complex characters to life in Signal.
Main Cast and Their Roles

Lee Je-hoon as Park Hae-young
The Jaded and Hot-Headed Criminal Profiler
First up is the main character, Park Hae-young, played by the talented Lee Je-hoon. Park is a criminal profiler who’s a bit rough around the edges. Jaded by his past and quick to jump into action, he’s not afraid to bend the rules in order to solve a case. What makes Park unique, however, is the mysterious walkie-talkie he finds by chance. This walkie-talkie becomes the key to connecting him with a detective from the past, Lee Jae-han, and helps him solve cold cases that have stumped police for decades. Lee Je-hoon perfectly captures Park’s complex nature—his frustration, his drive, and his vulnerability.
Kim Hye-soo as Cha Soo-hyun
The First Female Officer in the Special Task Force
Then we have Cha Soo-hyun, portrayed by the iconic Kim Hye-soo. Soo-hyun is a seasoned police officer and the leader of the Seoul Cold Case Squad. What’s remarkable about her is that she’s the first female officer to hold this position, which already gives her character a sense of strength and perseverance. However, her journey is deeply personal—she has been searching for her mentor and unrequited love, Lee Jae-han, for over 15 years, believing him to be dead. Kim Hye-soo does an amazing job of portraying Soo-hyun’s determination, emotional struggle, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Cho Jin-woong as Lee Jae-han
The Socially Inept Detective from the Past
Ah, Lee Jae-han—he’s the heart of Signal’s time-bending mystery. Played by Cho Jin-woong, Jae-han is a detective from the past (1989-2000). Despite being socially awkward and somewhat inept in dealing with people, Jae-han is a deeply virtuous character. He’s not just a dedicated cop; he’s also passionate, quick-tempered, and moral in ways that make him stand out. Through the mysterious walkie-talkie, Jae-han forms an unlikely but strong connection with Park Hae-young, and their bond becomes central to solving the cold cases. Cho Jin-woong brings a unique mix of vulnerability and strength to this role, making Jae-han one of the most memorable characters in the show.
Supporting Cast and Their Roles

Jang Hyun-sung as Kim Bum-joo
The Corrupt Police Superintendent
In every crime thriller, there’s always a character who adds an element of intrigue and moral complexity, and Kim Bum-joo is that guy. Played by Jang Hyun-sung, Kim Bum-joo is a corrupt police superintendent who has his own agenda, often putting his personal interests before justice. While not the main antagonist, his role in the investigation complicates things for the cold case squad, making his character an essential part of the drama. Jang Hyun-sung’s portrayal adds depth to the moral ambiguity of the series, keeping viewers on edge.
Jung Hae-kyun as Ahn Chi-soo
The Ambitious Section Chief
Ahn Chi-soo, portrayed by Jung Hae-kyun, is the section chief of the Seoul Cold Case Squad. On the surface, he may appear to be a loyal subordinate to the corrupt Kim Bum-joo, but as the series progresses, Ahn’s ambition and moral dilemmas come to light. His desire to rise in the ranks often places him in difficult situations, making him an unpredictable character. Jung Hae-kyun adds a layer of complexity to Ahn Chi-soo, making him more than just a typical “villain.”
Kim Won-hae as Kim Gye-chul
The Comic Relief Police Officer
Every serious drama needs a bit of humor to lighten the mood, and Kim Won-hae’s character, Kim Gye-chul, brings that much-needed comic relief. A member of the cold case squad, Kim is often seen cracking jokes and offering lighthearted moments. But despite his humorous exterior, he’s a dedicated officer who contributes to the investigation. Kim Won-hae strikes the perfect balance between humor and seriousness, reminding us that even in the most intense situations, laughter can provide a much-needed escape.
Jung Han-bi as Oh Yoon-seo
The Colonel Who Adds Authority
Jung Han-bi plays Oh Yoon-seo, a no-nonsense colonel who adds a layer of authority to the police squad. As a supporting character, she doesn’t always get as much screen time, but when she does, she commands attention. Her role is pivotal in ensuring the squad stays on track and that their efforts are properly guided. Jung Han-bi portrays her with a sense of professionalism and strength, making Yoon-seo a valuable asset to the team.
Lee Yoo-jun as Jung Han-ki
The Forensic Scientist Who Makes a Difference
No police investigation is complete without the expertise of forensic science, and Jung Han-ki, played by Lee Yoo-jun, brings that knowledge to the cold case squad. A forensic scientist and key member of the team, Han-ki’s contributions are crucial in solving the cases that Park and Soo-hyun tackle. His role may not be as flashy as some of the other characters, but his expertise and attention to detail are essential for piecing together the puzzle.
Kim Min-kyu as Hwang Eui-kyung
The Junior Officer with Admiration for the Team
Kim Min-kyu plays Hwang Eui-kyung, a junior officer who works diligently behind the scenes. He may not be as involved in the heavy lifting of the investigations, but his admiration for the squad is clear. Eui-kyung’s role highlights the dynamics of the cold case squad, showing the respect and camaraderie between the officers. His character adds warmth to the series and reminds us of the importance of teamwork.
Conclusion
Signal is more than just a crime drama; it’s a masterful blend of heart-pounding suspense and emotional depth, brought to life by a stellar cast. From Lee Je-hoon’s intense portrayal of Park Hae-young to Kim Hye-soo’s powerful performance as Cha Soo-hyun, the actors embody their roles in ways that make every twist and turn of the plot even more captivating.
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FAQs About Signal Korean Drama Cast:
What is Signal about?
Signal is a South Korean crime drama that follows the story of a criminal profiler, Park Hae-young, who uses a mysterious walkie-talkie to communicate with a detective from the past, Lee Jae-han. Together, they work to solve cold cases spanning decades.
Who plays Park Hae-young in Signal?
Park Hae-young is played by Lee Je-hoon, a talented actor known for his roles in dramas like Move to Heaven and The King’s Affection.
What is Cha Soo-hyun’s role in Signal?
Cha Soo-hyun, portrayed by Kim Hye-soo, is the first female officer in the Special Task Force and leads the Seoul Cold Case Squad. She is also on a personal mission to find her former mentor, Lee Jae-han, whom she believes to be dead.
Who is Lee Jae-han, and who plays him?
Lee Jae-han, played by Cho Jin-woong, is a detective from the past (1989-2000) who communicates with Park Hae-young through the walkie-talkie. Though socially awkward, Jae-han is a virtuous and passionate investigator.
How does the walkie-talkie work in Signal?
The walkie-talkie serves as the key plot device in Signal, allowing Park Hae-young and Lee Jae-han to communicate across different time periods—Park in the present day and Jae-han in the past. Their conversations help solve cold cases and prevent future crimes.
What themes does Signal explore?
Signal explores themes such as justice, time, fate, and the emotional toll of solving unresolved cases. It also delves into the relationships between the main characters and their personal struggles.
How many episodes are in Signal?
Signal consists of 16 episodes, each running about 60 minutes. The series originally aired in 2016.
Is Signal based on a true story?
While Signal is not directly based on real events, it is inspired by actual unsolved criminal cases in South Korea, blending fact with fiction for a thrilling narrative.
Who are the supporting characters in Signal?
Some notable supporting characters include Kim Bum-joo (Jang Hyun-sung), a corrupt police superintendent, Ahn Chi-soo (Jung Hae-kyun), a morally gray section chief, and Kim Gye-chul (Kim Won-hae), the comic relief police officer.
What makes the cast of Signal stand out?
The cast of Signal is full of seasoned actors who bring depth to their characters. From Lee Je-hoon’s intense portrayal of a driven profiler to Kim Hye-soo’s emotional performance as a woman in search of closure, each actor adds layers to the story.
Who is the director of Signal?
Signal is directed by Kim Won-suk, known for his work on other popular K-dramas like Misaeng and My Mister. His direction helps elevate the show’s suspense and emotional depth.
Does Signal have a second season?
While Signal was a hit, it does not have a second season. However, the drama was so popular that it led to a spin-off and inspired other crime thrillers in Korean drama.
Is Signal available for streaming?
Yes, Signal is available on various streaming platforms, including Netflix and Viki, depending on your region.
How did Signal impact the crime thriller genre in K-dramas?
Signal set a new standard for K-dramas in the crime thriller genre. Its innovative use of time travel, complex characters, and real-life case inspirations elevated the genre and inspired many subsequent series.
What is the significance of the walkie-talkie in Signal?
The walkie-talkie is more than just a tool for communication—it’s a symbol of hope, connection, and the possibility of changing fate. It allows the characters from different time periods to work together, solving crimes and giving the series its emotional and thematic depth.
By: Filmitalks.in