The Korean drama Chief Detective made its debut on Friday (19/4/2024) on MBC and Disney+ Hotstar, greeting fans eagerly. For those who caught the first episode, you might have questions about the grandfather who appeared at the Jongnam Police Station.
Things might get a bit confusing because this grandfather visits his grandson, portrayed by Lee Je Hoon. Is it true that this grandfather is an older version of Park Young Han? Let’s dive into the explanation!
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
1. The grandfather in the first episode is an older Park Young Han
Still cut Korean drama Chief Detective 1958 (Instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)The opening scene of Chief Detective introduces us to a grandfather named Park Young Han, portrayed by Choi Bool Am. This is confirmed by a photo displaying him with the caption “Honorary Retired Jongnam Police Station, Park Young Han.”
In 1958, Park Young Han is warmly welcomed at the Centennial Flower Petals cake shop. Even in 2024, when he comes to pick up his order, he’s served rice cakes. This mirrors a moment from 1958 when Park Young Han was a pioneering anti-corruption detective.
Additionally, Grandpa Park stops to look at a memorable photo labeled ‘Legendary Detective Team 1962,’ featuring Park Young Han (Lee Je Hoon), Kim Sang Sun (Lee Dong Hwi), Jo Gyeong Hwan (Choi Woo Sung), and Seo Ho Jung (Yoon Hyun Soo) in their 20s.
2. Lee Je Hoon’s character at the Jongnam Police Station is his grandson
Still cut Korean drama Chief Detective 1958 (Instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)Viewers might be puzzled because Grandpa Park visits the Jongnam Police Station to meet Detective Park (Lee Je Hoon). As it turns out, Detective Park is Grandpa Park’s grandson.
Aside from their similar appearance, it’s revealed that Park Young Han’s grandson also works as a detective at the Jongnam police station. Even their characteristics when they were young bear resemblance.
3. Portrayed by Choi Bool Am, Park Young Han’s character in Chief Inspector
Still cut Korean drama Chief Detective 1958 (Instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)Choi Bool Am, a veteran actor, plays the older version of Park Young Han. Known by the stage name Choi Young Han, he portrays Chief Inspector Park Young Han in the drama Chief Inspector (1971).
Chief Detective 1958 (2024) serves as a prequel to the popular drama Chief Inspector, released in 1971. The main characters in the drama include Chief Inspector Park, Detective Kim, Detective Jo, and Detective Nam.
Confirmation from Instagram @mbcdrama_now solidifies Choi Bool Am’s role as Park Young Han in old age. With this explanation, the figure of the grandfather in the first episode should no longer be confusing.