A drama once slotted as a backup has become an unlikely ratings powerhouse, proving that strong writing and veteran acting can triumph even without idol star power.
While trilogies are common in Korean cinema such as Park Chan Wook’s Vengeance Trilogy and Yoo Ha’s Street Trilogy they also exist in television. Writers like Kim Eun Sook, Kim Ji Woo, and So Hyun Kyung are known for themed three-part drama series. Among them, screenwriter Park Kyung Soo created his own Power Trilogy, beginning with SBS’s The Chaser in 2012, which later became a landmark in Korean drama history.
Actor Son Hyun Joo, once regarded as a reliable supporting actor but never a lead, found his breakthrough role in The Chaser. His portrayal of Baek Hong Suk, a detective driven by the loss of his daughter and wife, captivated viewers. Against early skepticism, Son delivered a career-defining performance, earning the SBS Drama Awards’ Grand Prize and cementing his place as a top actor.
The Chaser premiered in May 2012 under unusual circumstances. Originally, SBS planned to air The King of Dramas starring Kim Myung Min and Jung Ryeo Won, but production delays forced the network to replace it with The Chaser. The gamble paid off: starting modestly, the drama soared in popularity, ultimately achieving a peak rating of 22.6%, ranking first in its time slot.
What made the success even more striking was the lack of idol casting. At a time when many dramas relied on K-pop stars to boost viewership, The Chaser showcased only seasoned actors, relying on compelling storytelling and outstanding performances. In his acceptance speech, Son Hyun Joo highlighted this strength, stating, “Our drama has no idols, no flashy stars, but we had veteran actors like Park Geun Hyung.”
The drama aired its finale on July 17, 2012—ironically Constitution Day in Korea. Thematically, it resonated deeply, as the story centered on justice, corruption, and the abuse of legal power by elites. Viewers praised not only its gripping narrative but also its symbolic timing.
Veteran actor Kim Sang Joong took on the role of Kang Dong Yoon, a presidential candidate who hides his involvement in a young girl’s death, embodying corruption at the highest levels. Supporting roles by Kim Sung Ryung, Go Joon Hee, and Park Hyo Joo added layers of intrigue and depth, making the ensemble cast a key factor in the drama’s critical and commercial success.
With no idol stars, no flashy hype, and initially little promotion, The Chaser emerged as an unexpected home run, remembered as one of SBS’s boldest and most rewarding programming decisions.
Sources: Daum
You must be logged in to post a comment.