Lee Je Hoon returns with a fresh role as detective Park Yeong Han in the TV show Chief Detective 1958. Premiering on April 19, 2024, this drama immediately captured significant attention, garnering a viewership rating of 10.1 percent in South Korea.
In this series set in the 1950s, amidst rampant gang activity in the capital, Lee Je Hoon portrays the determined young detective Park Yeong Han. In the initial episodes, Park Yeong Han, hailing from Hwangchun, showcases his unwavering commitment to upholding justice. Here are five key moments that highlight Park Yeong Han’s resolute nature.
(Note: Spoilers ahead)
1. Willingness to Disguise
footage of Lee Je Hoon in the drama Chief Detective 1958 (instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)To evade recognition by criminals who frequently spot him in newspapers, Park Yeong Han disguises himself as a homeless person while conducting investigations in Hwangchun. His notable record of apprehending 96 thieves, making him the top detective in Gyeonggi Province, necessitates this covert approach.
2. Fearlessness in Confronting Gangsters
footage of Lee Je Hoon in the drama Chief Detective 1958 (instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)Upon being transferred to central Seoul’s Jongnam Police Station, Park Yeong Han wastes no time in confronting gangsters. In his pursuit of Beludak, a henchman of notorious gangster Lee Jung Jae, Park Yeong Han ventures alone, armed only with a snake to intimidate the criminals. This bold move allows him to apprehend Beludak without resorting to physical altercations.
3. Refusal to Compromise
footage of Lee Je Hoon in the drama Chief Detective 1958 (instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)Upon discovering fellow detectives aiding in the smuggling of American military goods, Park Yeong Han takes swift action. Despite facing opposition, he adamantly refuses to condone such unlawful behavior, even redistributing the stolen items to rightful owners.
4. Initiative in Recruitment
footage of Lee Je Hoon, Lee Dong Hwi, Choi Woo Sung, and Yoon Hyun Soo in the drama Chief Detective 1958 (instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)Recognizing the need for a cohesive team, Park Yeong Han takes the initiative to recruit members for Unit 1. By persuading individuals like Kim Sang Sun and Jo Gyeong Hwan to join, he strengthens the unit’s capabilities.
5. Standing Firm Against Superiors
footage of Lee Je Hoon in the drama Chief Detective 1958 (instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)Park Yeong Han fearlessly challenges his superiors when their actions compromise justice. Whether it’s confronting Senior Inspector Choi Dal Sik or addressing the head of Unit 2, Byun Dae Sik, Park Yeong Han remains resolute in upholding the truth, regardless of rank or seniority.
These actions underscore Park Yeong Han’s commitment to fulfilling his promise to his father of becoming an honorable detective. As viewers anticipate his future endeavors alongside his newfound colleagues, Park Yeong Han’s dedication to justice promises to captivate audiences in the upcoming episodes of Chief Detective 1958.