'The First Responders' returns with more dynamic storyline

From left, actors Son Ho-jun, Gong Seung-yeon and Kim Rae-won pose during the press conference for the SBS series “The First Responders,” held at the network's headquarters in Yangcheon District, Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of SBS

By Lee Gyu-lee

SBS' hit series “The First Responders” has returned for a second season, with the first two episodes garnering 7.1 and 5.1 percent viewership ratings on Friday and Saturday respectively.

“When we started Season 1, the director wanted to emphasize reality and actuality, and we followed that direction. With Season 2, the story has become more dynamic and interesting, and has more dramatic elements,” lead actor, Kim Rae-won, said during a press conference, held at the network's headquarters in Yangcheon District, Seoul, Friday.

“We've upgraded and strengthened the series significantly compared to Season 1. The director's style and nuance felt different this season. So we are looking forward to the result,” Kim said.

The action procedural series, which debuted last year, revolves around people at a police station and a fire department. Talented but unsociable detective Jin Ho-gae (Kim), passionate firefighter Bong Do-jin (Son Ho-jun) and medical responder Song Seol (Gong Seung-yeon) all work together to handle emergencies to save people's lives.

The new season introduces a unit of crime scene investigators who join the first responders in solving major crimes, including serial arson.

Director Shin Kyung-soo, known for helming the period series "Nokdu Flower" and "The Roots of Throne," returns to direct the new season.

“In the new season, three departments collaborate more closely than in Season 1 to solve brutal and terrifying crimes,” the director said. “In Season 2, the serial arsonist will be revealed and the ultimate villain, who Jin Ho-gae hasn't been able to discover yet, will also get caught.”

A scene from the series “The First Responders” / Courtesy of SBS

The director shared that the new season required careful and long planning.

”I'm sure every director carefully plans and makes the piece when they start a series. But especially in the case of 'The First Responders 2,' the script was already available last year. But I thought the sequences that the writer pictured in the piece required a great effort to the point of risking lives to portray them,” he said.

“So with that mindset, we put in a substantial amount of time to discuss with staff and cast members. We've gotten such a unique mission from the writer, which was different from doing other series. And the mission was nothing like I've ever done, so it started as an interesting project from the start. We've put dedicated ourselves considerably in making this series. So I hope everyone can enjoy it.”

The cast members expressed excitement about reuniting for the new season.

“I really enjoyed the series' script from Season 1. For me, it's more about who I'm spending time with than where I go or what I eat. So because I did Season 1 with such good people, I wanted to do Season 2 together as well,” Son said.

Gong added she felt the cast members developed deeper connections with each other.

“When I first read the script, I really wanted to join and was grateful to. It was so intriguing that I had every reason to be part of it. We had such great chemistry for Season 1, so it was nice to see the other actors for a longer period of time. We feel like we've grown closer to each other,” she said.

“The First Responders 2” airs Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m.