Zombie Detective Cast features talented actors, including Choi Jin-hyuk as Kim Mu-yeol, the amnesiac zombie detective, and Ra Mi-ran as Gong Seon-ji, a reporter who partners with him. Their dynamic performances drive the blend of mystery, humor, and supernatural intrigue in this quirky South Korean drama.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Zombie Detective is a South Korean television drama that brings a unique twist to the detective genre by blending supernatural elements with comedy and mystery. The series centers around Kim Mu-yeol, a zombie who has lost his memory and is now living as a private detective, searching for clues about his past while solving various cases. Alongside him is Gong Seon-ji, a tenacious reporter who becomes his partner, unaware of his undead nature at first. Together, they tackle strange cases while uncovering secrets, making for an entertaining and quirky mix of suspense, humor, and heart. The show aired in 2020 and is a fun ride for fans of unusual mysteries with a supernatural twist.
Zombie Detective Cast
Choi Jin-hyuk as Kim Mu-yeol
- Character Description: Choi Jin-hyuk plays Kim Mu-yeol, the central character of the show, a zombie detective who wakes up in a cemetery with no memory of his past. He is resurrected after a failed experiment, and although he’s technically undead, he keeps his human instincts, including a drive to investigate and solve mysteries. While trying to piece together who he was before becoming a zombie, Mu-yeol sets up a detective agency and starts taking on cases. His challenge lies in managing his zombie nature—he must avoid revealing his condition to others, and he struggles with things like hunger and physical limitations that come with being a zombie. Despite his condition, Mu-yeol is determined to find the truth about his past.
- Actor Background: Choi Jin-hyuk is a South Korean actor recognized for his roles in a variety of genres. He’s known for his roles in dramas like The Time I Loved You (2015), Tunnel (2017), and The Devil’s Crybaby (2018). His portrayal of a zombie detective in Zombie Detective was praised for its mix of humor, charm, and depth, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His ability to bring empathy to a character who is both an outsider and a mystery solver helped the series stand out.
Ra Mi-ran as Gong Seon-ji
- Character Description: Gong Seon-ji is a reporter and the second lead of the series, played by Ra Mi-ran. She is ambitious, bold, and very resourceful, which leads her to cross paths with Mu-yeol during her investigations. Initially, she doesn’t realize that Mu-yeol is a zombie, but as their partnership deepens, she learns more about his unusual condition. Seon-ji is not only key to helping Mu-yeol with his cases, but she also provides a grounding human perspective, balancing out the supernatural elements. As a reporter, she is determined to uncover the truth, no matter how strange or dangerous it may seem.
- Actor Background: Ra Mi-ran is one of South Korea’s most respected and versatile actresses. She is known for her ability to tackle both comedic and dramatic roles with ease. Some of her most notable works include The Lady in Dignity (2017), Matrimonial Chaos (2018), and The Unstoppable High Kick (2006). Ra Mi-ran’s comedic timing and emotional range helped her bring Seon-ji to life, making her a strong and likable counterpart to Mu-yeol.
Ahn Kil-kang as Baek Cheon-sik
- Character Description: Baek Cheon-sik is Mu-yeol’s former co-worker and a recurring character in the series. He is a shady character with a mysterious past who becomes entangled in Mu-yeol’s investigation. Baek’s complex motivations and actions create additional obstacles for Mu-yeol as he uncovers more about his past.
- Actor Background: Ahn Kil-kang is a veteran actor with a strong presence in both television and film. He’s known for his roles in The Time We Were Not in Love (2015) and The Third Charm (2018). His portrayal of Baek Cheon-sik brings a mix of tension and intrigue to the drama.
Kwon Hwa-woon as Lee Joo-hyun
- Character Description: Lee Joo-hyun is a key supporting character who works as a medical examiner. His role becomes increasingly important as the series progresses, especially when it comes to Mu-yeol’s condition and the medical aspect of his investigations. Though initially a secondary character, Lee Joo-hyun contributes significant insight into the ongoing mysteries.
- Actor Background: Kwon Hwa-woon is an actor known for his roles in various television dramas. He gained attention for his roles in Mother (2018) and The King: Eternal Monarch (2020). His nuanced portrayal of Lee Joo-hyun adds depth and complexity to the show.
Kim Hyun as Kim Ji-yeon
- Character Description: Kim Ji-yeon is a quirky and sharp woman who works alongside Mu-yeol. While she isn’t as involved in the main plot as the other characters, her interactions with the detective duo contribute to the humor and light-hearted tone of the show. She plays a supportive role in helping with various cases.
- Actor Background: Kim Hyun is an actress with notable roles in both TV dramas and films. Her performances often balance humor with sincerity, making her a natural fit for the lighter elements of Zombie Detective.
Supporting Cast
1. Park Byung-eun as Hwang Du-kwon
- Character Description: Hwang Du-kwon is a key supporting character who is involved in various subplots. He plays a critical role in the development of certain cases that Mu-yeol and Seon-ji work on. Du-kwon is a pragmatic and clever individual who brings an additional layer of tension and drama to the storyline.
- Actor Background: Park Byung-eun is an actor with a long career in both television and film. He’s known for his roles in Vagabond (2019) and The Guest (2018). His performance as Hwang Du-kwon adds a level of complexity to the show.
2. Lee Joo-bin as Joo-hee
- Character Description: Joo-hee is a secondary character in the series who plays an important role in the development of a few key plot points. Her character’s interactions with the main cast contribute to the mystery and emotional layers of the drama.
- Actor Background: Lee Joo-bin is a rising star in Korean television, known for her roles in dramas like Cheese in the Trap (2016) and My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021). She brings a sense of innocence and emotional depth to her role as Joo-hee.
3. Jo Jae-yun as Choi Jae-suk
- Character Description: Choi Jae-suk is a character who serves as an ally to the main cast. He provides comic relief but also has his own personal struggles that add another layer to the series. His presence in the drama helps bring lighter moments amidst the more serious investigations.
- Actor Background: Jo Jae-yun is a talented actor known for his roles in both film and television. He has appeared in The Wailing (2016) and Crash Landing on You (2019), showcasing his range in both comedy and drama.
4. Kim Ki-doo as Oh Jae-hyuk
- Character Description: Oh Jae-hyuk is another supporting character in Zombie Detective. He plays an important part in the various cases the detective duo works on. His interactions with both Mu-yeol and Seon-ji often offer new perspectives and lead to key breakthroughs in their investigations.
- Actor Background: Kim Ki-doo is a versatile actor who has appeared in several popular K-dramas, including Money Flower (2017) and The Last Empress (2018). His role as Oh Jae-hyuk adds an intriguing layer to the drama’s detective work.
5. Kim Jung-yeon as Min Ji-young
- Character Description: Min Ji-young is a minor character in the drama who adds to the development of certain investigations. While her role is not as central as the main cast, her presence still contributes to the unfolding storylines.
- Actor Background: Kim Jung-yeon is an actress known for her supporting roles in dramas such as A Korean Odyssey (2017) and My Beautiful Bride (2015). Her portrayal of Min Ji-young brings subtlety and nuance to her character.
6. Kim Kwang-kyu as Jang Bum-gyu
- Character Description: Jang Bum-gyu is a character who plays a role in the backstory of the central plot. His character is important for revealing crucial information about Mu-yeol’s past and the mysterious events surrounding his transformation into a zombie.
- Actor Background: Kim Kwang-kyu is a veteran actor known for his supporting roles in dramas like The Fiery Priest (2019) and My Husband Oh Jak-doo (2018). His performance as Jang Bum-gyu adds gravitas to the unfolding mystery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zombie Detective is a unique and entertaining South Korean drama that successfully combines supernatural elements with detective work, comedy, and mystery. The show revolves around Kim Mu-yeol, an amnesiac zombie turned detective, and his partner, Gong Seon-ji, a determined reporter. Their partnership forms the heart of the story as they work together to solve various cases, all while uncovering secrets about Mu-yeol’s past.
The main cast, led by Choi Jin-hyuk and Ra Mi-ran, delivers strong performances that blend humor, suspense, and emotional depth. The supporting cast further enhances the drama, adding richness to the plot through their diverse roles and interactions with the leads.
What makes Zombie Detective stand out is its ability to mix humor with darker themes, keeping viewers entertained with quirky moments, unexpected twists, and heartwarming character dynamics. The show is perfect for those who enjoy supernatural mysteries with a lighthearted twist, and it offers a fresh take on the zombie genre.
The Killing Vote Cast & Their Role (2023) Thriller Drama
(FAQs)
Who plays the main character, Kim Mu-yeol, in Zombie Detective?
Choi Jin-hyuk plays the role of Kim Mu-yeol, the zombie detective who works to uncover his past while solving various mysteries. His portrayal of the amnesiac zombie is central to the show’s mix of humor and drama.
Who is the actress playing Gong Seon-ji?
Ra Mi-ran portrays Gong Seon-ji, the determined reporter who partners with Kim Mu-yeol in his detective work. Ra Mi-ran’s performance brings a blend of wit, warmth, and strength to her character.
What other famous roles has Choi Jin-hyuk played?
Choi Jin-hyuk is known for his roles in several popular dramas, including The Time I Loved You (2015), Tunnel (2017), and The Devil’s Crybaby (2018). He has a reputation for playing both serious and comedic characters, showcasing his versatility.
Has Ra Mi-ran starred in any other notable dramas?
Yes! Ra Mi-ran is a well-known actress, with notable performances in The Lady in Dignity (2017), Matrimonial Chaos (2018), and The Unstoppable High Kick (2006). She’s praised for her strong comedic timing and dramatic depth.
Who is the actor behind Hwang Du-kwon?
Park Byung-eun plays Hwang Du-kwon, a key supporting character. He is known for his roles in Vagabond (2019) and The Guest (2018), where his performances often bring an air of mystery and intensity to his characters.
Is Zombie Detective Choi Jin-hyuk’s first time playing a supernatural role?
No, Choi Jin-hyuk has played supernatural characters before, such as in The Master’s Sun (2013), where he portrays a character with special abilities. However, playing a zombie detective is a unique and different role for him.
What other roles has Ra Mi-ran been praised for?
Ra Mi-ran has gained recognition for her role in The Lady in Dignity (2017), where she played a complex character in a high-society drama. She was also praised for her role in Matrimonial Chaos (2018), a romantic-comedy that highlighted her ability to handle both humor and heartfelt drama.
Who plays the villain or antagonist in Zombie Detective?
Ahn Kil-kang plays Baek Cheon-sik, a shady character with a mysterious past who gets involved with the main characters. His role adds tension and intrigue to the plot, making him a pivotal figure in the story’s unfolding mystery.
Does Zombie Detective feature any rookie actors?
While the series primarily stars established actors like Choi Jin-hyuk and Ra Mi-ran, it also features talented newcomers, including Lee Joo-bin (Joo-hee) and Kwon Hwa-woon (Lee Joo-hyun), who contribute fresh energy to the supporting roles.
What type of roles does the supporting cast play in the drama?
The supporting cast in Zombie Detective plays a mix of characters, ranging from allies and friends of the leads to mysterious figures who add layers to the overall mystery. Their interactions with the main cast provide both dramatic and comedic moments throughout the series.