Explore the Monster Korean drama cast and their roles in this gripping 2016 TV series, filled with revenge, corporate intrigue, and complex family dynamics.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Monster, the highly anticipated 2016 Korean drama, is filled with intense rivalries, dark secrets, and compelling characters. Set against the backdrop of Korea’s powerful chaebol families, the series takes viewers on a thrilling journey of vengeance, ambition, and survival. Let’s dive into the main cast and supporting characters who bring this fascinating story to life.
Main Cast:
Kang Ji-hwan as Kang Ki-tan / Lee Guk-cheol
Kang Ji-hwan plays the central character, Kang Ki-tan (formerly Lee Guk-cheol), a man whose life is torn apart by tragedy and betrayal. Once the heir to Sudo Hospital, Guk-cheol’s world shatters after the deaths of his parents and aunt. Blinded by a car accident, he develops superhuman hearing, an ability that becomes key to his survival. After a life-altering surgery that restores his sight, Guk-cheol adopts the new identity of Kang Ki-tan and embarks on a dangerous path of revenge against those who destroyed his life. His quest for justice leads him to establish KT Corporation, setting the stage for a fierce showdown with the powerful Dodo Group.
Sung Yu-ri as Oh Soo-yeon / Cha Jeong-eun
Sung Yu-ri portrays Oh Soo-yeon, a woman deeply connected to Kang Ki-tan’s past. As a teenager, she worked as Guk-cheol’s maid, and their bond was strong despite their different social standing. However, the passage of time and changing circumstances separate them. Now known as Oh Soo-yeon, she meets Kang Ki-tan again, though neither of them recognizes the other. Soo-yeon’s life is driven by her need to care for her autistic younger brother, which leads her to start a law firm with Min Byung-ho. Her path becomes intertwined with Ki-tan’s, bringing past memories and hidden truths to the surface.
Lee Gi-kwang as Young Lee Guk-cheol
In a key flashback role, Lee Gi-kwang portrays the younger version of Lee Guk-cheol. His portrayal gives insight into the formative experiences that shape Guk-cheol’s desire for revenge and his transformation into Kang Ki-tan. This role highlights the emotional depth and tragedy of Guk-cheol’s journey.
Park Ki-woong as Do Gun-woo
Park Ki-woong plays Do Gun-woo, the illegitimate son of Do Choong, the chairman of Dodo Group. Gun-woo’s troubled past is marked by violence and tragedy, including the murder of his stepfather and his mother’s suicide. Returning to Korea, he is manipulated by Byun Il-jae as a pawn in a battle for control of Dodo Group. As the series unfolds, Gun-woo develops a fierce rivalry with Kang Ki-tan, and eventually rises to a position of power as the Vice Chairman of Dodo Group after being acknowledged by his biological father. His character’s complex evolution adds layers to the drama’s web of intrigue.
Claudia Kim as Yoo Seong-ae
In the role of Yoo Seong-ae, a secret agent working for the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Claudia Kim plays a pivotal character tasked with infiltrating Dodo Group. Her undercover mission ties into the corporate espionage and power struggles at the heart of the drama. As her role grows, her influence on the events within Dodo Group becomes more crucial.
The Dodo Group: The Power Behind the Drama
Dodo Group is a giant chaebol that serves as the central setting for much of the intrigue in Monster. The members of the Dodo family and their associates are embroiled in a web of ambition, betrayal, and corruption. Here’s a closer look at the key members of the Dodo Group:
Park Yeong-gyu as Do Choong
Do Choong, played by Park Yeong-gyu, is the formidable chairman of Dodo Group. As the patriarch of the family, he wields significant power and influence. However, his family dynamics are anything but smooth. With two children, Do Gwang-woo and Do Shin-young, and a complicated relationship with his illegitimate son Do Gun-woo, Choong is at the center of Dodo Group’s power struggles and corporate maneuvering.
Jeong Bo-seok as Byun Il-jae
The main antagonist of the series, Byun Il-jae, played by Jeong Bo-seok, is a man driven by greed and ambition. Il-jae is responsible for the deaths of Guk-cheol’s parents and the theft of his inheritance. As a former prosecutor turned legal mastermind for Dodo Group, he is ruthless in his quest to take control of the company. His plans ultimately lead to his undoing, but not before he wreaks havoc on everyone around him.
Park Hoon as Oh Choong-dong
Oh Choong-dong, played by Park Hoon, is Byun Il-jae’s loyal servant. Despite his role as Il-jae’s right-hand man, Choong-dong’s character has moments of internal conflict as he navigates the shifting allegiances within Dodo Group.
Lee Deok-hwa as Hwang Jae-man
Hwang Jae-man, portrayed by Lee Deok-hwa, is a corrupt politician with deep ties to Dodo Group. As Do Choong’s brother-in-law and the father-in-law of Byun Il-jae, Jae-man’s political machinations add another layer of complexity to the family drama.
Kim Bo-yeon as Hwang Gwi-ja
Hwang Gwi-ja, portrayed by Kim Bo-yeon, is Do Choong’s wife. She harbors deep resentment towards Do Gun-woo, blaming him for the disgrace her family endured. As tensions within the family escalate, Gwi-ja’s bitterness adds fuel to the fire.
Supporting Cast and Key Characters
Jin Tae-hyun as Do Gwang-woo
The unscrupulous CEO of Dodo Group and Do Choong’s eldest son, Do Gwang-woo is a master manipulator who doesn’t hesitate to blackmail and betray others to secure his own rise to power.
Jo Bo-ah as Do Shin-young
The youngest daughter of Do Choong, Do Shin-young is a bratty and spoiled rich girl who develops a crush on Kang Ki-tan, calling him “Kang Ga-din.” Her character adds a touch of naivety and humor to the intense drama.
Kim Hye-eun as Hwang Ji-soo
The politically driven daughter of Hwang Jae-man, Hwang Ji-soo becomes embroiled in an affair with Byun Il-jae, and later becomes complicit in a cover-up.
Jung Woong-in as Moon Tae-gwang
A dedicated employee of Dodo Group, Moon Tae-gwang is fired after a confrontation with Gwang-woo. He later joins KT Corporation, where he swears loyalty to Kang Ki-tan in exchange for his help in clearing his debts.
Kim Dong-hee as Lee Soo-tak
A hardworking, nerdy employee at Dodo Group, Lee Soo-tak becomes another casualty of the company’s internal power struggles. He eventually joins KT Corporation, helping Kang Ki-tan build his own empire.
Conclusion
Monster is a drama that promises to deliver a rollercoaster of emotions, from intense revenge plots to familial betrayals, all set within the cutthroat world of chaebols. With a stellar ensemble cast bringing these rich, complex characters to life, viewers are in for a thrilling ride. Whether you’re captivated by the revenge-driven storyline, the power dynamics, or the intricate relationships between characters, Monster offers something for every drama lover.
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FAQs About Monster Korean Drama Cast:
What is Monster about?
Monster is a Korean drama revolving around a man named Kang Ki-tan (formerly Lee Guk-cheol), who seeks revenge on those responsible for destroying his life. The series explores themes of power, family, betrayal, and corporate intrigue, set within the high-stakes world of a chaebol family.
Who plays the main character, Kang Ki-tan?
The role of Kang Ki-tan (formerly Lee Guk-cheol) is portrayed by Kang Ji-hwan. His character is complex, seeking vengeance after the tragic deaths of his parents and a life-altering accident that leaves him blind.
What is the significance of Kang Ki-tan’s heightened sense of hearing?
After a car accident blinds him, Kang Ki-tan develops a heightened sense of hearing, an ability that becomes superhuman and plays a crucial role in his survival and eventual revenge plot.
Who is Oh Soo-yeon and what is her connection to Kang Ki-tan?
Oh Soo-yeon, played by Sung Yu-ri, is a character from Kang Ki-tan’s past. She worked as a maid for him when they were both younger, and their bond was strong despite their different social standing. However, the passage of time and changing circumstances separate them. Now known as Oh Soo-yeon, she meets Kang Ki-tan again, though neither of them recognizes the other. Soo-yeon’s life is driven by her need to care for her autistic younger brother, which leads her to start a law firm with Min Byung-ho. Her path becomes intertwined with Ki-tan’s, bringing past memories and hidden truths to the surface.
Is there a romance between Kang Ki-tan and Oh Soo-yeon?
While the relationship between Kang Ki-tan and Oh Soo-yeon is initially complicated, their past connection and growing relationship over the course of the series form a significant part of the drama. Their evolving bond adds emotional depth to the plot.
What role does Do Gun-woo play in the story?
Do Gun-woo, portrayed by Park Ki-woong, is the illegitimate son of Do Choong, the chairman of Dodo Group. Gun-woo’s troubled past is marked by violence and tragedy, including the murder of his stepfather and his mother’s suicide. Returning to Korea, he is manipulated by Byun Il-jae as a pawn in a battle for control of Dodo Group. As the series unfolds, Gun-woo develops a fierce rivalry with Kang Ki-tan, and eventually rises to power within Dodo Group, creating further tension in the narrative.
What is the significance of the Dodo Group in the story?
Dodo Group is a powerful chaebol conglomerate at the center of the drama’s corporate intrigue. Several key characters, including Kang Ki-tan, work within or against the Dodo Group, making it a central theme throughout the series.
Who is the main antagonist in Monster?
The main antagonist is Byun Il-jae, played by Jeong Bo-seok. He is responsible for the deaths of Kang Ki-tan’s parents and his subsequent downfall. Il-jae’s ruthless ambition drives much of the conflict in the series.
What is the relationship between Do Choong and Do Gun-woo?
Do Choong, the chairman of Dodo Group, is the biological father of Do Gun-woo, though Gun-woo was initially kept secret. Their complex relationship adds tension to the corporate power struggles in the drama.
Who is Yoo Seong-ae and what role does she play?
Yoo Seong-ae, played by Claudia Kim, is an undercover agent working for the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Her mission to infiltrate Dodo Group plays a crucial part in the espionage aspect of the series.
How does Monster explore family dynamics?
The series delves deeply into the dysfunctional family relationships within the Dodo Group. From power struggles between Do Choong and his children to the bitterness between Gun-woo and other family members, family dynamics are a major plot driver.
How does Kang Ki-tan seek revenge on his enemies?
Kang Ki-tan uses his intelligence, new identity, and business acumen to build KT Corporation as a vehicle for his revenge. He targets those responsible for his suffering, including the powerful figures within Dodo Group.
Is there a law firm subplot in the drama?
Yes, Oh Soo-yeon and Min Byung-ho start a law firm in the series. This subplot adds a legal dimension to the story, as Soo-yeon navigates her personal and professional struggles, including her loyalty to Kang Ki-tan.
How does Moon Tae-gwang fit into the plot?
Moon Tae-gwang, played by Jung Woong-in, is a dedicated employee at Dodo Group who is eventually fired. After struggling with poverty, he joins Kang Ki-tan’s KT Corporation and becomes a loyal ally to Ki-tan, further strengthening his pursuit of revenge.
How does Lee Soo-tak contribute to the story?
Lee Soo-tak, played by Kim Dong-hee, is a hardworking, nerdy employee at Dodo Group. He becomes another casualty of the company’s internal power struggles. He eventually joins KT Corporation, helping Kang Ki-tan build his own empire.
Will there be a second season of Monster?
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding a second season. However, considering the intense plot and character developments, it’s possible that a continuation could be explored in the future, depending on viewer reception.
By: Filmitalks.in