‘Vigilante’: South Korean Crime Thriller About a Police Student Turned Vigilante Debuts on Disney+ and Hulu
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A webtoon-inspired crime thriller
South Korean crime-action series Vigilante, based on a popular Naver webtoon by Kim Kyu-sam, premiered on Disney+ on Nov. 8, 2023. The eight-episode first season was released in select international markets through Nov. 29, with two episodes arriving each Wednesday. In the United States, the series is also available on Hulu.
Promoted as the story of a “dark hero created by the world,” the drama explores the tension between justice and revenge through a young man who takes the law into his own hands. Studio N announced plans to adapt the original webtoon into a film in September 2019, before lead actor Nam Joo-hyuk was officially cast in April 2022.
A police academy student by day, vigilante by night
The central character, Kim Ji-yong, is an exemplary student at the Korean National Police University. After dark, however, he becomes the Vigilante, targeting criminals who have committed serious offenses but received relatively light sentences or escaped punishment altogether.
His activities attract the attention of Choi Mi-ryeo, a reporter for fictional broadcaster MBS who investigates and reports on the vigilante's actions. Jo Heon, a metropolitan investigation unit chief at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, learns about the mysterious figure through the journalist and launches an operation to capture him.
The situation becomes more complicated when a vice chairman of the fictional DK Group emerges as an enthusiastic supporter. He knows Kim's real identity and wants to develop the vigilante into a genuine hero. The competing agendas of the journalist, police investigator and powerful corporate executive drive the series' central conflict.
Nam Joo-hyuk leads an ensemble cast
Nam Joo-hyuk plays Kim Ji-yong, while Yoo Ji-tae portrays investigator Jo Heon. Yoo's character is described as a physically imposing figure, and the actor gained 20 kilograms (about 44 pounds) to embody the role.
The principal cast also includes Lee Joon-hyuk and Kim So-jin. Supporting performances feature Lee Seung-woo as Min Sun-wook, a judo-trained model student and friend of Kim; Cho Han-joon as Hwang Joon; Kwon Hae-hyo as police academy professor Lee Joon-yeop; and Lee Hae-young as Eom Jae-hyeop, a former senior police official who becomes the academy's dean.
Yoon Kyung-ho plays Kim Sam-doo, a company executive acquitted of charges related to ordering a murder, while Shin Jung-geun portrays Bang, an experienced contract killer. Jeon Bae-soo makes a special appearance as Seok Seung-cheol, a presidential office chief of staff and close associate of Eom.
Busan film festival premiere and second season
Before its streaming debut, Vigilante premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival on Oct. 5, 2023, as part of the festival's On Screen section. Three of its eight episodes were screened at the event.
A second season has also been confirmed and entered production, extending the story of the Korean drama beyond its original eight-episode run.
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