Vagabond is one of those rare series that blends high-octane action with deep emotional storytelling, capturing audiences worldwide. Since its debut, fans have been captivated by its thrilling plot, intense performances, and the lingering mysteries that kept them hooked through every twist. With a cliffhanger ending that left many questions unanswered, fans are now eagerly waiting for updates on the highly anticipated second season.
Starring Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy, Vagabond follows the gripping journey of a stuntman whose nephew dies in a suspicious plane crash. This launches him into a deadly web of conspiracy, espionage, and government corruption. The series is packed with heart-pounding chases, undercover missions, and surprising betrayals that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
As rumors swirl and fans continue to demand closure, here’s a full breakdown of everything we know about Vagabond so far. From a possible Season 2 release date to cast updates, plot theories, and fan reception, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re rewatching the series or jumping in for the first time, this guide will help you catch up and stay informed on one of Korea’s most buzzworthy dramas. Get ready to dive back into the world of secrets, action, and suspense that is Vagabond.
Release Date
“Vagabond” officially premiered on September 20, 2019, and wrapped up on November 23, 2019. It aired on SBS TV in South Korea, occupying the Friday and Saturday 10:00 PM (KST) prime-time slot. The show had a total of 16 episodes, each lasting around 70 minutes.
Shortly after its domestic broadcast, Vagabond was made available to a global audience through Netflix, where it gained immense popularity, particularly in countries like the United States, Brazil, the Philippines, and parts of Europe. The worldwide release contributed significantly to its international fame and fan following.
Cast
The cast of Vagabond includes some of South Korea’s top actors, who brought depth and authenticity to the intense narrative:
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Lee Seung-gi as Cha Dal-geon: A passionate stuntman who becomes the unlikely hero of the story. His nephew dies in a plane crash, leading him down a dark path of secrets and conspiracies as he seeks justice.
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Bae Suzy as Go Hae-ri: An undercover National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent stationed at the Korean embassy in Morocco. She starts following orders but later joins forces with Dal-geon to uncover the truth behind the plane crash.
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Shin Sung-rok as Gi Tae-ung: The elite and sharp leader of the NIS’s information team. He plays a pivotal role in the operations and missions involving Dal-geon and Hae-ri.
Supporting cast includes:
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Moon Jeong-hee as Jessica Lee, a strong-willed and calculating arms lobbyist.
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Lee Kyung-young as Edward Park, a mysterious CEO with a hidden agenda.
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Baek Yoon-sik, Kim Min-jong, and Moon Sung-keun all portray influential political figures and NIS officials who are crucial to the story’s political underpinnings.
Plot
Vagabond follows Cha Dal-geon, a struggling stuntman whose life is shattered when a tragic plane crash kills his beloved nephew, Cha Hoon. While traveling to Morocco for the funeral proceedings, Dal-geon spots a man in the crowd he recognizes from footage taken during the flight — a man who supposedly died in the crash.
Convinced the crash wasn’t accidental, Dal-geon becomes obsessed with finding the truth. His quest puts him in contact with Go Hae-ri, an undercover NIS agent whose original mission shifts as she uncovers disturbing truths alongside him.
As the story progresses, it’s revealed that the crash was not an accident but rather part of a massive conspiracy involving corrupt government officials, military arms deals, multinational companies, and secret agencies. Dal-geon and Hae-ri risk their lives, navigating a dangerous maze of lies, assassins, double crosses, and international espionage, all while powerful forces continue to bury the truth.
Story Themes
Vagabond is not just an action thriller — it’s a political and emotional commentary layered with various themes:
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Corruption at the highest levels: The show reveals the dark side of political and corporate institutions, where human lives are traded for profits and power.
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Revenge and Justice: Dal-geon’s journey is deeply personal and driven by the pain of loss. His transformation from an ordinary man to a relentless fighter is central to the emotional weight of the show.
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Trust and Betrayal: Throughout the series, alliances shift, and characters often hide their true intentions. Trust becomes a rare and dangerous commodity.
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National Identity and Duty: Through Go Hae-ri and Gi Tae-ung, the show explores what it means to serve one’s country and the personal costs of loyalty.
Production and Filming
The production of Vagabond was massive in scale, with a reported budget of over ₩25 billion (around $USD 21 million. The show was pre-produced, meaning all filming was completed before the first episode aired — a model not common to standard Korean dramas at the time.
It was directed by Yoo In-sik, known for his dynamic pacing and visual style, and written by the duo Jang Young-chul and Jung Kyung-soon, who previously worked on political dramas like Empress Ki and Giant.
Filming took place across several international locations, including Morocco and Portugal, giving the show a global feel. The Moroccan scenes, in particular, gave the series a cinematic quality, helping distinguish it from other K-dramas that often remain within local backdrops.
Visual Style
The trailer for Vagabond was intense, cinematic, and full of promise. It begins with scenes of Dal-geon’s close bond with his nephew, which immediately creates emotional stakes. This is followed by the shocking plane crash, mysterious figures in foreign cities, and explosive action sequences.
Key elements from the trailer:
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High-speed car chases
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Explosions and gunfights
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International intrigue and embassies
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A growing bond between the two leads
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A constant sense of danger and betrayal
Critical Reception and Reviews
Vagabond received generally positive reviews, both domestically and internationally. It was praised for:
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High production value: The international settings, cinematography, and action scenes were compared to Hollywood-style thrillers.
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Lee Seung-gi’s performance: His portrayal of Dal-geon was emotional, physical, and grounded. Viewers empathized with his pain and admired his determination.
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Engaging plot: The web of conspiracy kept audiences on edge, eager for the next revelation.
Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vagabond Season 2 confirmed?
Season 2 hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but producers have hinted that they’re open to continuing the story.
What is the release date for Vagabond Season 2?
No official release date has been announced, though speculation suggests a late 2025 or early 2026 return.
Who are the lead cast members?
Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy lead the cast, delivering intense chemistry and powerhouse performances.
What is the story of Vagabond?
The series follows Cha Dal-geon, a stuntman seeking justice after his nephew’s plane crash reveals an international conspiracy.
Is Vagabond based on actual events?
No, the plot is fictional but inspired by themes of real-world espionage and political corruption.
Where can I watch Vagabond?
The show is available for streaming on Netflix with subtitles in multiple languages.
How did Season 1 end?
The season ended on a massive cliffhanger, revealing unexpected alliances and leaving Dal-geon’s fate uncertain.
What do fans think of Vagabond?
Fans loved the fast pace, action scenes, and chemistry between leads, but were frustrated by the unresolved ending.
Will the original cast return for Season 2?
If renewed, most of the main cast, including Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy, are expected to return.
Is there a trailer for Season 2?
No trailer has been released yet, but fans are keeping an eye on official updates from SBS and Netflix.
Conclusion
Vagabond delivered a compelling mix of suspense, action, and emotional drama that left fans desperately wanting more. While an official Season 2 is still pending confirmation, the demand for answers and resolution is stronger than ever. With hints from producers and the continuing popularity of the show, hopes remain high that a new season will hit screens soon. Until then, fans can revisit the intense journey of Cha Dal-geon and Go Hae-ri as they battle potent enemies and uncover global conspiracies. Keep an eye out for official updates, trailers, and announcements—because if Vagabond returns, it promises to be bigger, darker, and even more explosive than before.