MBC’s highly anticipated drama, “Chief Detective 1958,” has treated fans to a sneak peek with photos and a video from its script reading session. “Chief Detective 1958” serves as a prequel to the iconic Korean series “Chief Inspector,” which enjoyed an impressive 18-year run from 1971 to 1989, peaking at an extraordinary 70 per cent rating during its heyday.
While the original show was set in the 1970s and 1980s, “Chief Detective 1958” takes viewers further back in time, landing in 1958. The narrative revolves around Park Young Han, an impassioned detective boasting the highest arrest rate for petty thieves. He teams up with three charismatic colleagues to challenge the prevailing norms of corruption.
The script reading, attended by Director Kim Sung Hoon and writer Kim Young Shin, showcased the stellar cast, including Lee Je Hoon, Lee Dong Hwi, Choi Woo Sung, Yoon Hyun Soo, Seo Eun Soo, Choi Duk Moon, Jung Soo Bin, and Choi Bool Am.
Lee Je Hoon seamlessly transformed into the younger version of Park Young Han, a resolute detective freshly arrived in Seoul from the countryside. He skillfully embodied Park Young Han’s tenacity for justice while revealing the character’s humane side.
Veteran actor Choi Bool Am, who portrayed Park Young Han in the original series, participated in the script reading, creating anticipation for his guest appearance in “Chief Detective 1958” and the chemistry he will share with Lee Je Hoon.
Lee Dong Hwi left a lasting impression with his portrayal of Detective Kim Sang Soon, known as the “crazy dog” of the Jongnam Police Station. The dynamic between Lee Je Hoon and Lee Dong Hwi added charm to the characters, enhancing the overall appeal of the drama.
Choi Woo Sung delivered an outstanding performance as Jo Kyung Hwan, a young man with remarkable strength aspiring to emulate Park Young Han. Yoon Hyun Soo excelled as Seo Ho Jung, an individual with an elite background who later became the “strategist” of the Jongnam Police Station.
Seo Eun Soo took on the role of Lee Hye Joo, the beautiful and knowledgeable owner of the bookstore Jongnam Seorim. Her seamless portrayal and chemistry with Lee Je Hoon elicited a heartwarming response from viewers.
The script reading also featured Choi Duk Moon, portraying Park Young Han’s mentor Yoo Dae Chun, a seasoned police officer with a strong sense of duty, and Jung Soo Bin, who played Bong Nan Sil, a high school girl and a mystery novel enthusiast.
Reflecting on the script reading, the production team of “Chief Detective 1958” expressed, “The actors exhibited perfect synergy. The addition of Choi Bool Am, who portrayed Park Young Han in the original series, made the script reading even more meaningful.”
Fans can catch a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes camaraderie in the clip from the script reading, heightening the anticipation for the drama’s premiere.