City Hunter
Drama guideEnded

City Hunter

시티헌터
Air date: 2011-05-25
Episodes: 20 ep
Network: SBS
Rating: 7.5 / 10
Cast entries
21
Episodes
20
Locations
Not available for this drama
Food stops
Not available for this drama
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

City Hunter is a South Korean action-adventure drama that follows the story of a skilled vigilante operating in the bustling streets of Seoul. Set against a backdrop of crime and corruption, the series centers on a protagonist who seeks justice for the wronged while navigating the complexities of his own past. With a blend of thrilling action sequences and emotional drama, the show explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth.

As the vigilante takes on various criminals, he also faces challenges from law enforcement and other forces determined to bring him to justice. The intricate plot weaves together elements of crime and personal conflict, highlighting the protagonist's struggle between his desire for vengeance and his moral compass. With gripping storytelling and dynamic characters, City Hunter captivates audiences by balancing excitement with deeper emotional stakes. This series not only entertains but also prompts viewers to question the nature of justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong often blur.

Why City Hunter still captivates audiences

City Hunter remains a compelling watch because it expertly blends action with emotional complexity. At its core, the series follows Lee Yun Seong, played by Lee Min-ho, a skilled vigilante on a mission to right the wrongs of a corrupt society. What really sets this drama apart is its ability to delve into the protagonist's psyche as he grapples with themes of revenge and justice, an internal conflict that resonates deeply throughout the 20 episodes.

One of the things I keep coming back to is the way the show balances high-octane action sequences with moments of introspection. Lee Min-ho brings a palpable intensity, especially when he’s caught between his quest for vengeance and the moral implications of his actions. The chemistry between him and Park Min-young, who plays the resourceful Kim Na Na, adds another layer to the narrative. Their relationship isn’t just a romantic subplot; it’s a crucial part of the story that highlights the struggle between personal desires and greater responsibilities.

The supporting cast also deserves a nod, particularly Kim Sang-joong as Lee Jin Pyo, who embodies the complexities of mentorship and loyalty. His character’s bond with Yun Seong adds emotional weight to the series and raises questions about trust and betrayal that linger long after the credits roll.

City Hunter creates an engaging atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The vibrant streets of Seoul serve as a backdrop for both thrilling chases and tense standoffs, effectively showcasing the city’s dual nature, full of life, yet steeped in darkness. This dichotomy mirrors the central tension of the series, where the lines between hero and villain blur spectacularly.

Fans of action-packed dramas will find plenty to enjoy here. The fight scenes are not just drawn-out spectacles; they are choreographed with a finesse that makes each confrontation feel high-stakes. But it’s the moments of silence, where characters reflect on their choices, that can hit you the hardest. In an era where many action dramas focus solely on spectacle, the emotional stakes in this series elevate it to something more profound.

In terms of mood, there’s an electrifying energy that runs through the show, turning every episode into a rollercoaster ride of emotions, tension, and unexpected twists. It’s the kind of series that’ll have you questioning the very nature of justice, making it perfect for viewers who appreciate a little depth with their action. If you enjoy stories where the protagonist’s journey challenges moral boundaries while delivering heart-pounding excitement, then this is definitely worth your time.

Final verdict: a thrilling ride for action fans

City Hunter isn't just another action drama; it's a gripping tale that dives into the murky waters of justice and morality. With Lee Min-ho leading the charge as Lee Yun Seong, viewers are drawn into a world filled with crime and the personal conflicts that fuel a vigilante's quest for retribution. The show effectively marries thrilling action sequences with deeper emotional stakes, making it more than just your typical crime-fighting narrative.

What stands out is how the series explores the protagonist's internal struggles. Lee Yun Seong's journey to avenge the wronged while grappling with his own past adds layers to the excitement. The supporting cast, featuring Park Min-young as the tenacious Kim Na Na and Kim Sang-joong as the morally ambiguous Lee Jin Pyo, further enriches the storyline and keeps the tension high.

Despite a solid TMDB rating of 7.486, the drama does have its pacing issues, particularly in the middle episodes. However, for fans of action and adventure, the series is a rewarding experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s ideal for those who appreciate complex characters and morally grey situations. But if you’re looking for light-hearted fare, this drama might not be your cup of tea. It's a series that lingers in your mind, challenging you to reflect on what justice truly means.

Discovery

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Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
65 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • SSD
Directors
Jin Hyuk진혁
Writers
Choi Soo-jin
Hwang Eun-kyung

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Lee Min-ho

Lee Min-hoas Lee Yun Seong

이민호
1987-06-22 · Seoul, South Korea

Lee Min-ho is a prominent South Korean actor, singer, and model, born on June 22, 1987. He rose to fame with his portrayal of Gu Jun-pyo in the hit television series Boys Over Flowers in 2009, a role that earned him the Best New Actor award at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards. This breakthrough established him as a leading man in the industry, and he continued to capture audiences with his performances in popular dramas such as City Hunter (2011) and The Heirs (2013). His role in City Hunter earned him nominations for Most Popular Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards and Outstanding Korean Actor at the Seoul International Drama Awards. In addition to his successful television career, Lee Min-ho made his film debut in the action thriller Gangnam Blues in 2015. He has also ventured into music, releasing two albums, My Everything (2013) and Song For You (2014), although he has expressed a preference for acting over pursuing a full-fledged singing career. Lee has remained a significant figure in the Hallyu wave, becoming the first Korean celebrity to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds. His recent work includes the Apple TV+ period drama Pachinko, further solidifying his status as a global star.

Notable credits on this site
Park Min-young

Park Min-youngas Kim Na Na

박민영
1986-03-04 · Seoul, South Korea

Park Min-young is a prominent South Korean actress, born on March 4, 1986. She began her journey in the entertainment industry with a commercial for SK Telecom in 2005, which marked the start of her career. A year later, she made her acting debut in the popular sitcom "Unstoppable High Kick!" and quickly gained recognition for her talent. Park is best known for her leading roles in a variety of hit television dramas, including "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" (2010), which propelled her to fame, as well as "City Hunter" (2011), "Healer" (2014), and "Remember" (2015). Her versatility as an actress has allowed her to take on diverse characters in both romantic comedies and serious dramas. More recently, she has captivated audiences in series such as "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" (2018) and "Her Private Life" (2019), further solidifying her status as a beloved figure in the South Korean entertainment landscape.

Lee Jun-hyuk

Lee Jun-hyukas Kim Young Joo

이준혁
1984-03-13 · Seoul, South Korea

Lee Jun-hyuk is a South Korean actor known for his diverse roles across film and television. His career showcases a range of performances that highlight his versatility and dedication to the craft. Though there are other actors with similar names, Lee Jun-hyuk has carved out his own identity in the competitive Korean entertainment industry. With a commitment to portraying complex characters, Lee has gained recognition for his ability to bring depth to various roles. His work not only captivates audiences but also contributes to the rich tapestry of contemporary Korean drama and film. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Lee Jun-hyuk remains a prominent figure in the world of South Korean acting.

Notable credits on this site
Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. Episode 1
    Ep 1Episode 1
    2011-05-25 · 65 min

    After his entire unit is betrayed by their country, Jin-pyo decides to raise his late friend's son up, as a warrior, in order to get revenge on the five politicians that were in charge of his unit's mission.

  2. Episode 2
    Ep 2Episode 2
    2011-05-26 · 65 min

    Yun-seong goes under cover, as a doctor for the Blue House, in order to get close to his first target, Senator Lee Kyung-wan. Kim Na-na gets a job as a bodyguard to the president's daughter.

  3. Episode 3
    Ep 3Episode 3
    2011-06-01 · 65 min

    Yun-seong tries to gather enough evidence to expose Kyung-wan's true colors.

  4. Episode 4
    Ep 4Episode 4
    2011-06-02 · 65 min

    Jin-pyo decides to take his revenge into his own hands. Now he and Yun-seong are in a race to catch the rest of the politicians.

  5. Episode 5
    Ep 5Episode 5
    2011-06-08 · 65 min

    The next target is the Minister of Defense, Seo Yong-hak, who is in favor to win the presidential election. In the meantime, Yun-seong tries to mend his relationship with Na-na.

  6. Episode 6
    Ep 6Episode 6
    2011-06-09 · 65 min

    Yun-seong and Na-na move in together so that he can protect her. Yun-seong and Sik-Joong try to gather enough evidence to take Yong-hak down.

  7. Episode 7
    Ep 7Episode 7
    2011-06-15 · 65 min

    Yun-seong and Shin-joong plan to expose that Yong-hak's sons' illnesses are fake, so that they'll join the army. Yun-seong finally agrees to tutor Da-hye.

  8. Episode 8
    Ep 8Episode 8
    2011-06-16 · 65 min

    Yun-seong tries to make sure Na-na isn't around for when he tries to take down Yong-hak again.

  9. Episode 9
    Ep 9Episode 9
    2011-06-22 · 65 min

    Yun-seong and Jin-pyo's next target is Kim Jong-sik, the former Minister of Education and Young-joo's father. Yun-seong tries to cut himself out of Na-na's life in order to protect her.

  10. Episode 10
    Ep 10Episode 10
    2011-06-23 · 65 min

    Young-joo believes that Yun-seong is the City Hunter, but he can't prove it. Na-na tries to deal with the knowledge of knowing Yun-seong is the City Hunter and her feelings for him. Kyung-hee finds out that she has leukemia.

  11. Episode 11
    Ep 11Episode 11
    2011-06-29 · 65 min

    Yun-seong quits his job at the Blue House in order to cut himself out of Na-na's life. Jin-pyo plans to use Yun-seong's mother as a hostage in order to keep Yun-seong under control.

  12. Episode 12
    Ep 12Episode 12
    2011-06-30 · 65 min

    Na-na offers to help Yun-seong take down the rest of the politicians. Young-joo tries to persuade his father to come clean with the money that he's stealing from the college.

  13. Episode 13
    Ep 13Episode 13
    2011-07-06 · 65 min

    Young-joo has been taken off the City Hunter case, be he rufes to give up. Shik-joong searches for Yun-seong's mother. Yun-seong and Na-na try to gather the proof that will take Jong-sik down.

  14. Episode 14
    Ep 14Episode 14
    2011-07-07 · 65 min

    Tensions grow higher between Yun-seong and Jin-pyo. Kyung-hee finally finds out that Yun-seong is her long lost son. The next target is Haewon Group president Chun Jae-man.

  15. Episode 15
    Ep 15Episode 15
    2011-07-13 · 65 min

    There have been complaints from employees working at Haewon Group's company about working with toxins. Kyung-hee receives Yun-seong's bone morrow. Young-joo investigates Yun-seong's background.

  16. Episode 16
    Ep 16Episode 16
    2011-07-14 · 65 min

    Yun-seong tries to cut himself out of Na-na's life, once again. Jae-min is growing desprate to keep his employees under control.

  17. Episode 17
    Ep 17Episode 17
    2011-07-20 · 65 min

    Jae-min is on to Jin-pyo. Na-na has been assigned to protect the president. Yun-seong tries his best to get over Na-na. Young-joo is back on the City Hunter case.

  18. Episode 18
    Ep 18Episode 18
    2011-07-21 · 65 min

    Yun-seong tries to carry out Jin-pyo's plan. Jae-min starts making desperate moves to save Haewon from going into bankruptcy. Young-joo tries to catch Jae-min before the City Hunter does.

  19. Episode 19
    Ep 19Episode 19
    2011-07-27 · 65 min

    Young-joo now knows that Yun-seong is the City Hunter. Jae-min escapes. Yun-seong learns a long kept secret about his father.

  20. Episode 20
    Ep 20Episode 20
    2011-07-28 · 65 min

    Yun-seong and Jin-pyo's fifth and final target is Choi Eung-chan, the South Korean President.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube