INTERVIEW 'Shadow Detective' Lee Sung-min on crafting detective character
Actor Lee Sung-min plays the role of detective, Kim Taek-rok, in the Disney+ series “Shadow Detective.” Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea
By Lee Gyu-lee
Actor Lee Sung-min expressed satisfaction with his role as a dedicated veteran detective in his latest series “Shadow Detective,” which recently wrapped up its second season.
Actor Lee Sung-min / Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea
“I feel we've created a memorable series and a new kind of detective character,” the actor said during an interview with The Korea Times, held at a cafe in Jongno District, Monday. “There are many popular detective characters in Korea. But we've created a unique detective character that is nothing like any of them.”
The Disney+ original series revolves around detective Kim Taek-rok (Lee), who was planning for a peaceful life after retirement. But his life is turned upside down when he receives a mysterious phone, leading him to become the prime suspect in a murder case.
The second season followed Kim getting transferred to a different division after getting acquitted of the murder. Although he caught the mysterious man who framed him, he continues trying to uncover the bigger power behind the corruption and near-death threats made to him and his loved ones, even if it means facing the dark truth about his past.
The actor said the story of Kim making amends for his past intrigued him enough to join the series.
“I liked how the detective rectifies the mistakes that he made in the past … He finds himself at the start of the series of crimes. In season two, (he finds out) the organization he made with good intentions has been turning into a monster, becoming an incredibly powerful crime ring. And he manages to turn it around to the right place,” he said.
“Also, I thought the character was interesting in that he reflects on and blames himself, so he always keeps writing notes and set things right by bringing up his past deeds.”
A scene from the series “Shadow Detective.” Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea
He added Kim's journey and his way of life in dedicating himself to correcting the wrongs is a meaningful message.
“Rather than the story about the organization, which started out good but deviated, the story about Kim's life, the path he has taken, the way he approaches cases and his colleagues give more meanings to the viewers,” he said. “That's the message this Kim Taek-rok character delivers. I personally feel that I've portrayed an incredible detective character.”
The actor shared that the series was intended to be delivered over two seasons from the start with the director explaining the full picture of the plot at the early stage of the production. But he expressed that he hopes for another season.
“There was no discussion about (the third season), but personally, I hope we can do it. Working on this series was so nice. We had great teamwork and developed a sense of bonding among our co-stars. So if there can be a third season, the cast members will really like it,” he said.
The actor with a 38-year-long acting career won Best Actor at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards for his role as a ruthless chaebol patriarch in the smash-hit series “Reborn Rich,” in April. Despite the accolade, Lee noted he has tried not to get too carried away with the win.
“I don't place huge meaning on it. What I want to do as an actor is to meet the audience with a fantastic character in a good series. That's the way I should go forward. Taking on a well-made series will be my mission going forward,” he said.