Innocent Defendant Cast, Starring Ji Sung as Park Jung-woo, Uhm Ki-joon, Kwon Yu-ri, and more, the series delivers intense performances in a story of corruption, amnesia, and justice.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Innocent Defendant is a captivating South Korean legal thriller that captivated audiences with its intense storyline and powerhouse performances. The series, which aired from January to March 2017, revolves around Park Jung-woo, a prosecutor who wakes up on death row with no memory of how he got there. As he fights to uncover the truth and clear his name, the show delves into themes of corruption, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
The stellar cast, led by Ji Sung, Uhm Ki-joon, and Kwon Yu-ri, brings depth and emotion to the complex characters. Their remarkable performances, coupled with the gripping narrative, have made Innocent Defendant a standout drama in the world of K-dramas. Here’s a closer look at the main and supporting cast who brought this intense story to life.
Innocent Defendant Cast
Ji Sung as Park Jung-woo
Ji Sung portrays Park Jung-woo, a brilliant and dedicated prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. His life takes a dark turn when he wakes up on death row with no memory of how he got there. As he struggles to piece together the fragments of his past, Ji Sung masterfully showcases Jung-woo’s transformation from a confident prosecutor to a desperate man fighting for his innocence. His performance earned widespread acclaim, solidifying his status as one of South Korea’s top actors.
Uhm Ki-joon as Cha Sun-ho / Cha Min-ho
Uhm Ki-joon plays the dual role of Cha Sun-ho and Cha Min-ho, brothers entangled in a web of corruption and crime. Cha Sun-ho, the more sinister of the two, is a powerful figure whose actions set the story’s tragic events in motion. Uhm Ki-joon’s portrayal is both chilling and compelling, as he effortlessly shifts between the two complex characters, adding layers of intrigue and mystery to the plot.
Kwon Yu-ri as Seo Eun-hye
Kwon Yu-ri, also known as Yuri from Girls’ Generation, plays Seo Eun-hye, a determined and compassionate defense lawyer. She takes on Park Jung-woo’s case, driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to uncover the truth. Kwon Yu-ri’s performance is heartfelt and inspiring, as she portrays Eun-hye’s unwavering belief in Jung-woo’s innocence despite the overwhelming odds.
Oh Chang-seok as Kang Jun-hyuk
Oh Chang-seok plays Kang Jun-hyuk, Jung-woo’s best friend and a fellow prosecutor. Initially, he appears to be a loyal ally, but as the story unfolds, his character reveals hidden complexities. Oh Chang-seok’s nuanced performance adds depth to the series, highlighting the blurred lines between right and wrong within the legal system.
Uhm Hyun-kyung as Na Yeon-hee
Uhm Hyun-kyung portrays Na Yeon-hee, the ambitious and manipulative wife of Cha Sun-ho. Her character adds another layer of tension to the story, as she navigates her desires and moral conflicts amidst the unfolding chaos. Uhm Hyun-kyung’s portrayal of Na Yeon-hee is both captivating and chilling, showcasing her ability to embody a character torn between love and ambition.
Supporting Cast
Son Yeo-eun as Yoon Ji-soo
Son Yeo-eun plays Yoon Ji-soo, Park Jung-woo’s devoted wife. Her character is the emotional anchor for Jung-woo, symbolizing the life he’s desperately trying to regain. Despite the heartbreak and chaos, Ji-soo’s unwavering support and love create some of the show’s most powerful, tear-jerking moments.
Shin Rin-ah as Park Ha-yeon
Shin Rin-ah portrays Park Ha-yeon, Jung-woo’s young daughter. Her role, though limited in screen time, is incredibly impactful. Ha-yeon represents the innocence and hope that Jung-woo fights to protect, adding depth to his motivations and emphasizing the emotional stakes of his struggle.
Jo Jae-yoon as Shin Chul-sik
Jo Jae-yoon plays Shin Chul-sik, Jung-woo’s cellmate while he’s on death row. Chul-sik’s character provides both comic relief and poignant moments, offering Jung-woo unexpected support and insight as he battles his inner demons. His interactions with Jung-woo add a layer of camaraderie amidst the tension.
Kim Min-seok as Lee Sung-gyu
Kim Min-seok takes on the role of Lee Sung-gyu, a convict who becomes an unlikely ally to Jung-woo. Sung-gyu’s character is crucial in helping Jung-woo navigate the harsh realities of prison life while also providing key information that drives the plot forward.
Kim So-yeon as Oh Jung-hee
Kim So-yeon plays Oh Jung-hee, a skilled and morally conflicted prosecutor who works closely with Kang Jun-hyuk. Her character adds to the tension within the legal system, as she grapples with the ethics of her profession while facing personal dilemmas.
Lee Kyu-han as Kim Seok-joo
Lee Kyu-han portrays Kim Seok-joo, a prosecutor with a complex character arc. He plays a significant role in the legal battles and ethical conflicts that define the series.
Conclusion
Innocent Defendant stands out as a gripping South Korean legal thriller, not just for its intense storyline but also for the powerhouse performances of its cast. From Ji Sung’s masterful portrayal of Park Jung-woo to Uhm Ki-joon’s chilling dual role as Cha Sun-ho and Cha Min-ho, the main cast delivered unforgettable performances that kept audiences hooked.
The supporting cast added depth and emotional resonance, with characters like Yoon Ji-soo, Park Ha-yeon, and Shin Chul-sik bringing heart and humanity to the intense legal battles. Together, the cast created a dynamic and compelling narrative filled with suspense, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
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FAQs
Who played Park Jung-woo in Innocent Defendant?
Ji Sung portrayed Park Jung-woo, the brilliant prosecutor who wakes up on death row with amnesia, struggling to uncover the truth behind his situation.
What role did Uhm Ki-joon play in the series?
Uhm Ki-joon played dual roles as Cha Sun-ho and Cha Min-ho, brothers involved in a web of corruption and crime. His performance showcased his versatility as an actor.
Is Kwon Yu-ri from Girls’ Generation?
Yes, Kwon Yu-ri, also known as Yuri from Girls’ Generation, played the role of Seo Eun-hye, a passionate defense lawyer who takes on Jung-woo’s case.
Did Ji Sung receive any awards for his role in Innocent Defendant?
Yes, Ji Sung received critical acclaim for his role as Park Jung-woo, earning awards for his outstanding performance, including the Best Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards.
What characters did the supporting cast play?
The supporting cast included:
Son Yeo-eun as Yoon Ji-soo, Jung-woo’s wife.
Shin Rin-ah as Park Ha-yeon, Jung-woo’s daughter.
Jo Jae-yoon as Shin Chul-sik, Jung-woo’s cellmate.
Kim Min-seok as Lee Sung-gyu, a convict who aids Jung-woo.
Did the cast members work together on other projects?
Yes, many of the cast members have collaborated on other dramas and films, showcasing their strong acting chemistry beyond Innocent Defendant.
How did the cast prepare for their roles?
The actors underwent intense preparation, including understanding legal procedures, emotional depth, and even physical training for prison scenes to deliver authentic performances.
Was Innocent Defendant Ji Sung’s first legal drama?
No, Ji Sung had previously appeared in legal-themed dramas, but Innocent Defendant was one of his most critically acclaimed performances in this genre.
Are there any behind-the-scenes moments from the cast?
Yes, fans often enjoy behind-the-scenes clips showing the cast’s camaraderie, funny moments, and heartfelt interactions during filming, which added warmth to the intense drama.
Where can I watch Innocent Defendant?
Innocent Defendant is available on various streaming platforms, including Viki, Kocowa, and sometimes on Netflix, depending on your region.