Stranger
Drama guideEnded

Stranger

비밀의 숲
Air date: 2017-06-10
Episodes: 32 ep
Network: tvN
Rating: 8.3 / 10
Cast entries
21
Episodes
16
Locations
3
Food stops
Not available for this drama
Story

Synopsis

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

In the crime drama Stranger, Hwang Shi Mok, who underwent brain surgery in childhood to control his violent temper, now finds himself devoid of emotions. As a prosecutor renowned for his sharp intelligence and logical reasoning, he is isolated due to his lack of empathy and social skills. Hwang stands out as one of the few incorruptible prosecutors who refuses bribes. His life takes a turn when he encounters a stabbing victim during a corruption investigation, leading him to meet Lieutenant Han Yeo Jin at the crime scene. Together, they embark on a quest to uncover the deep-seated corruption within the prosecutors' office while solving a complex serial murder case.

The series has garnered critical acclaim for its strong writing and direction, setting a new standard for Korean crime dramas. It explores themes of justice and moral integrity against a backdrop of systemic corruption, showcasing the compelling partnership between Hwang and Han as they navigate a web of deceit and intrigue.

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Secret Forest

    비밀의 숲
    2173 Songdang-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 송당리 2173

    The Secret Forest is a serene and mystical place that offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for leisurely walks. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and has been featured in various music videos. / The Jeju Secret Forest is known for its romantic atmosphere, where participants in the drama 'Kiss is Just a Kiss' walked along the cedar forest path. The enchanting scenery is a highlight for visitors.

    The Secret Forest can be explored for an entrance fee of 4,000 won. There are no steep paths, and the area is not large, making it easy to stroll around with elderly parents or young children. Just a few steps from the entrance of the Secret Forest, you can feel a mystical atmosphere as if you've entered another world.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Andol Oreum Secret Forest

    안돌오름 비밀의숲
    Sondang-ri San 66-2, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 송당리 산 66-2

    This location served as a filming site for the drama 'Welcome to Samdalri'. It features beautiful cedar trees and a serene atmosphere, perfect for a healing experience. / Andol Oreum is a scenic area that complements the beauty of the Secret Forest, providing a great backdrop for photos.

    Before coming, I found out that the wedding photo shoot location in the drama Welcome to Samdalri, which I enjoyed watching, is actually the Secret Forest at Jeju Songdang, a must-visit place called Andoreum.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Welcome to Samdali

    웰컴 투 삼달리
    4257-2 Jungsangan-gandong-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 중산간동로 4257-2

    This location is known for its beautiful scenery and is a popular spot for wedding and snap photography. It has various photo zones and is well-maintained throughout the year.

    The Forest of Secrets has reportedly transformed into a tourist destination as the filming location for the drama Welcome to Samdalri.
    blog.naver.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

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

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • Studio DragonStudio Dragon
  • IOK CompanyIOK Company
  • Signal Entertainment Group
  • Ace FactoryAce Factory
  • CJ ENMCJ ENM
Creators
Lee Su-yeon이수연
An Gil-ho안길호
Yu Je-won유제원
Directors
Park Hyeon-seok박현석
Kang Sook강숙
Yu Je-won유제원
Writers
Lee Su-yeon이수연

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.

Cho Seung-woo

Cho Seung-wooas Hwang Si-mok

조승우
1980-03-28 · Seoul, South Korea

Cho Seung-woo, born on March 28, 1980, is a highly acclaimed South Korean actor celebrated for his versatility across film, television, and musical theatre. He made his debut in the film "Chunhyang" (2000), a role he secured from a competitive audition process that saw him chosen from a pool of over a thousand candidates. This early success set the stage for a career characterized by astute role selection and critical acclaim. His filmography includes standout performances in "The Classic" (2003), "Marathon" (2005), and "Tazza: The High Rollers" (2006), showcasing a remarkable range that spans both realism and intense character portrayals. Cho gained further recognition on television, particularly for his role as Hwang Si-mok in the acclaimed series "Stranger" (2017–2020), where his nuanced performance garnered widespread praise and solidified his status as a leading actor. In addition to his screen work, Cho Seung-woo is a prominent figure in Korean musical theatre, known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. His performances in productions such as "Jekyll & Hyde" and "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" have significantly contributed to the popularity of musicals in South Korea. Cho's disciplined approach to acting and ability to fully embody diverse roles continue to earn him both critical and public admiration, marking him as a standout talent in the entertainment industry.

Bae Doona

Bae Doonaas Han Yeo-jin

배두나
1979-10-11 · Jongno, Seoul, South Korea

Bae Doona, born on October 11, 1979, is a prominent South Korean actress and photographer known for her diverse roles in both film and television. She began her career as a model before gaining significant recognition for her performances in landmark films such as "Barking Dogs Never Bite" (2000), "Take Care of My Cat" (2001), and "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" (2002). Her portrayal of a political activist in "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" marked her as a notable talent in the industry. Bae's international acclaim surged with her roles in "The Host" (2006) as archer Park Nam-joo and in the unique film "Air Doll" (2009) as a lifelike sex doll. She continued to build her reputation with standout performances in the critically acclaimed films "A Girl at My Door" (2014) and "Tunnel" (2016). On television, she gained recognition for her leading roles in the crime thriller "Stranger" (2017–2020) and the Netflix series "Kingdom" (2019–2020). Bae's work extends to international projects as well, including appearances in the Wachowski films "Cloud Atlas" (2012) and "Jupiter Ascending" (2015), as well as the Netflix series "Sense8" (2015–2018). More recently, she has starred in the films "Broker" and "Next Sohee," both released in 2022.

Notable credits on this site
Lee Jun-hyuk

Lee Jun-hyukas Seo Dong-jae

이준혁
1984-03-13 · Seoul, South Korea

Lee Jun-hyuk is a South Korean actor known for his versatile performances across various genres in film and television. With a career that spans several years, he has garnered attention for his ability to embody diverse characters, showcasing a range of emotions and depth in his roles. Though not much detailed information is readily available about his early life and career beginnings, Lee Jun-hyuk has made a significant impact in the industry with his talent and dedication. His work continues to resonate with audiences, contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary South Korean cinema and drama. As he progresses in his career, fans eagerly anticipate his future projects and the dynamic performances he will undoubtedly deliver.

Jeon Hye-jin

Jeon Hye-jinas Choi Bit

전혜진
1976-08-10 · Seoul, South Korea

Jeon Hye-jin is a South Korean actress born on August 10, 1976. With a career spanning several years, she has made a notable mark in the South Korean entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her performances. While specific details about her filmography are limited, her recognition stems from her talent and contributions to various projects. Jeon Hye-jin is part of a larger group of actresses sharing her name, but she has established her identity within the realm of acting. Her body of work continues to reflect her dedication to the craft, making her a respected figure in her field.

Notable credits on this site
Choi Mu-sung

Choi Mu-sungas Woo Tae-ha

최무성
1968-01-12 · Busan, South Korea

Choi Mu-sung is a talented South Korean actor, born on January 12, 1968. He has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry with his compelling performances in various film and television projects. Notably, Choi gained widespread recognition for his roles in critically acclaimed works such as "I Saw the Devil," "Mr. Sunshine," and the beloved series "Reply 1988." His versatility allows him to seamlessly transition between intense dramas and lighter, nostalgic narratives, endearing him to a diverse audience. With a career that showcases his dedication to his craft, Choi Mu-sung continues to be a prominent figure in South Korean cinema and television.

Streaming

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Season 1 episodes shown (16). 32 episodes total across all seasons.

  1. I Am Innocent
    Ep 1I Am Innocent
    2017-06-10 · 77 min

    As a teen, prosecutor Hwang Si-mok received surgical treatment for his abnormally developed brain, but the procedure left behind serious side effects.

  2. Just Turn On The Lights
    Ep 2Just Turn On The Lights
    2017-06-11 · 69 min

    The convict's strong plea for his innocence prompts Si-mok to review the CCTV clip. At the Yongsan police station, he runs into officer Han Yeo-jin.

  3. A New Possible Suspect
    Ep 3A New Possible Suspect
    2017-06-17 · 76 min

    Si-mok volunteers to appear on live national TV to discuss Kang Jin-seob. He also makes a bold promise to find the culprit within two months.

  4. Kwon Min Ah
    Ep 4Kwon Min Ah
    2017-06-18 · 69 min

    Rumors quickly spread about Si-mok's violent nature. Regardless, he persists in his investigation. He finds his mentee, Young Eun-su, suspicious.

  5. The Second Huam-dong Case
    Ep 5The Second Huam-dong Case
    2017-06-24 · 63 min

    Si-mok, puzzled by the details of the most recent murder case, visits the victim's home to seek more clues. Yeo-jin joins him in the investigation.

  6. The Ringtone
    Ep 6The Ringtone
    2017-06-25 · 64 min

    New pieces of evidence only increase the list of possible suspects. In the midst of the confusion, a few begin to question Si-mok's innocence.

  7. Ga Young's Phone
    Ep 7Ga Young's Phone
    2017-07-01 · 71 min

    Si-mok and Yeo-jin team up to covertly pursue Seo Dong-jae. Just as Dong-jae is about to throw something into the Han River, Yeo-jin stops him.

  8. Western Seoul Prosecutors' Office
    Ep 8Western Seoul Prosecutors' Office
    2017-07-02 · 67 min

    Enraged by what the police did to Park Kyung-wan, Yeo-jin tries to confront her superior but is stopped by Si-mok, who warns her of the consequences.

  9. Special Investigation
    Ep 9Special Investigation
    2017-07-08 · 66 min

    Si-mok selects key lawyers and police officers to be part of the special investigations team. Their probe begins with Dong-jae as the starting point.

  10. Revelation
    Ep 10Revelation
    2017-07-09 · 67 min

    Fearing for Ga-young's safety, Yeo-jin proceeds to transfer her to a different hospital. A nurse informs Yeo-jin of something strange that happened.

  11. Cold and Damp
    Ep 11Cold and Damp
    2017-07-15 · 68 min

    The truth behind Ga-young's convulsions is revealed. Chang-jun's wife receives a travel ban. Woo-gyun asks Chang-jun to help him get out of his mess.

  12. Disbandment
    Ep 12Disbandment
    2017-07-16 · 66 min

    Si-mok and Yeo-jin discover perplexing leads while searching Kyung-wan's basement. Dong-jae goes back to Chang-jun's office to fetch his cell phone.

  13. 0 and 7
    Ep 130 and 7
    2017-07-22 · 67 min

    Returning home from the rooftop party, Si-mok discovers that an intruder has left something in his bedroom. Yeo-jin and Geon come over right away.

  14. Another Body
    Ep 14Another Body
    2017-07-23 · 66 min

    Yeo-jin suspects a new killer is involved in the latest murder incident. Meanwhile, Si-mok collapses after leaving the autopsy.

  15. Accomplice
    Ep 15Accomplice
    2017-07-29 · 77 min

    Yeo-jin collects evidence as Si-mok interrogates the suspect. Many questions get answered, but the most important problem of all remains to be solved.

  16. A Monster
    Ep 16A Monster
    2017-07-30 · 86 min

    Si-mok sets out to meet the one he believes is the real murderer. He gets his hands on a bag that will determine the futures of many people.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

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

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube