Zombie Detective is a 2020 South Korean fantasy-comedy television series that aired on KBS2 from September 21 to October 27, 2020. The series stars Choi Jin-hyuk as Kim Moo-young, a zombie who, after being resurrected two years ago, has lost all memories of his past life. He assumes the identity of a private detective to uncover the truth behind his existence.
Park Ju-hyun plays Gong Sun-ji, a former investigative journalist who becomes his assistant and discovers his secret. Together, they navigate various cases while delving into the mysteries surrounding Moo-young’s past. The show blends elements of horror, fantasy, and comedy, offering a unique take on the zombie genre. It received positive reviews for its engaging storyline and the performances of the lead actors. The series is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, making it accessible to international audiences.
Release Date and Broadcast Information
Zombie Detective premiered on September 21, 2020, and concluded on October 27, 2020. It aired on the South Korean network KBS2 and had 24 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long. The series was also made available for international audiences, offering subtitles on various streaming platforms.
Main Cast and Characters
Choi Jin-hyuk as Kim Moo-young / Kang Min-ho: A man who is resurrected as a zombie after an accident, with no memory of his past. He adopts the identity of a private detective to uncover the truth about his previous life.
-
Park Ju-hyun as Gong Sun-ji: A former investigative journalist who becomes Moo-young’s assistant. She is determined, resourceful, and plays a crucial role in solving cases alongside Moo-young.
-
Kwon Hwa-woon as Cha Do-hyun: A police officer who becomes involved with Moo-young and Sun-ji in their investigative endeavors.
-
Tae Hang-ho as Lee Sung-rok: A supporting character who adds depth to the storyline.
-
Hwang Bo-ra as Gong Sun-young: A supporting character who contributes to the narrative’s development.
-
Ahn Se-ha as Lee Tae-kyun: A supporting character who interacts with the main cast.
Plot and Storyline
The story centers around Kim Moo-young, a man who is resurrected as a zombie after an accident. With no memory of his previous life, he adopts a new identity as a private detective named Kang Min-ho. He begins solving various cases to uncover the truth about his past.
Alongside him is Gong Sun-ji, a former investigative journalist who becomes his assistant. Initially unaware of Moo-young’s true nature as a zombie, Sun-ji gradually learns the truth as they solve cases together. As the investigation progresses, the two discover shocking truths about Moo-young’s former life and the circumstances surrounding his resurrection.
The show blends elements of mystery, comedy, and the supernatural as Moo-young and Sun-ji navigate their growing bond while solving cases that challenge their understanding of life and death.
Themes and Genre
Zombie Detective blends several genres, including comedy, mystery, and fantasy. The series explores a number of profound themes:
-
Identity and Self-Discovery: Moo-young’s quest to understand his past and who he really is as he slowly uncovers the truth about his resurrection.
-
Life and Death: The series reflects on what it means to be alive, with Moo-young stuck between life and death as a zombie.
-
Humanity and Morality: The moral dilemmas faced by Moo-young, a zombie trying to interact with humans, touch on themes of what makes a person truly human.
-
Teamwork and Friendship: The developing relationship between Moo-young and Sun-ji as they solve cases together forms a central part of the story, showcasing the power of teamwork and friendship in overcoming challenges.
Production Quality and Direction
Directed by Shim Jae-hyun and written by Baek Eun-jin, Zombie Detective features strong production values. The series makes excellent use of cinematography to create a mix of eerie and comedic moments, drawing from both supernatural and human drama elements.
The special effects used to portray Moo-young as a zombie are handled well, and the atmosphere of the show balances the lighthearted humor with darker, suspenseful tones. The pacing is steady, allowing for both character development and plot progression. The direction ensures that the unique mix of genres is executed effectively, offering both laughs and moments of tension.
Reception and Impact
Upon its release, Zombie Detective attracted attention for its fresh take on the zombie genre, combining elements of mystery and comedy. It received positive feedback for its humor and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Choi Jin-hyuk, whose portrayal of a zombie detective brought a unique twist to the genre.
The series scored well with viewers, with many appreciating the mix of lighthearted moments and more profound philosophical questions about life, death, and identity. While some viewers found the pacing to be slower in parts, most enjoyed the quirky charm of the characters and the mystery-driven plot.
Zombie Detective became a standout K-drama, especially among fans of supernatural genres, contributing to the growing popularity of Korean dramas with unconventional narratives.
Where to Watch
Zombie Detective is available to stream on various platforms that carry Korean dramas. The series is accessible to international audiences with subtitles, making it easy for non-Korean-speaking viewers to follow. Availability may vary depending on the region, so it’s advisable to check streaming services to find the series in your area.
Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Zombie Detective first aired?
The series premiered on September 21, 2020, and concluded on October 27, 2020.
How many episodes are there?
Zombie Detective consists of 24 episodes.
Where can I watch the series?
The drama can be streamed on Rakuten Viki.
Who are the prominent cast members?
Choi Jin-hyuk stars as Kim Moo-young, and Park Ju-hyun plays Gong Sun-ji.
What genre does the series belong to?
It is a blend of fantasy, comedy, and mystery.
Is the series based on a webtoon or novel?
No, it is an original work created for television.
What is the central plot of the series?
The story follows a zombie detective and his assistant as they solve various cases while uncovering the mysteries of his past life.
Was the series well-received?
Yes, it received positive reviews for its unique concept and the performances of the lead actors.
Is there a possibility of a sequel or continuation?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a sequel.
What makes this series unique?
Its combination of zombie elements with detective work and comedy sets it apart from other K-dramas.
Conclusion
Zombie Detective offers a refreshing and humorous take on the zombie genre, combining elements of fantasy, comedy, and mystery. The series stands out for its unique premise and engaging storyline, which keeps viewers entertained throughout its 24 episodes. The chemistry between the lead actors, Choi Jin-hyuk and Park Ju-hyun, adds depth to the narrative, making it both heartwarming and thrilling. While the show explores themes of identity and redemption, it also provides lighthearted moments that balance the darker aspects of the story. Its availability on platforms like Rakuten Viki ensures that international audiences can enjoy this distinctive K-drama. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural tales or detective mysteries, Zombie Detective offers an enjoyable viewing experience.