Jin-soo is one of the eight strangers recruited into the timed building game and is identified by the third-floor room. He participates in the group’s effort to extend the game while controlling costly provisions, then becomes part of the collective power struggle caused by unequal earnings and living conditions among the floors.
Idealistic college student who joins the journalists, captured by soldiers, and dies urging truth to be shared.
Head pastor of a small church who becomes a religious vigilante after misinterpreting events as divine commands. He kills a parolee, gets promoted, tortures the survivor, and attempts to frame a detective. Ultimately imprisoned but remains convinced of his mission.
Ancient alien controller seeking to reclaim Earth and awaken its dormant kind.
Former gang member turned police informant who is secretly the true mastermind behind the drug cartel, Mr. Lee. Manipulates Won-ho to seek revenge against Brian, who killed his mother. Fakes his death and the identity of his dog to maintain his criminal empire. Disappears after Brian's arrest, becoming the primary target of Won-ho's investigation in the sequel.
Jae-ha is one of Hye-won's two childhood friends in the traditional Korean village. He shares in the story's gentle recollections and food-centered moments after Hye-won's return from Seoul. As one of the friends connected to her earlier life, he helps place her renewed relationship with home within the community she left behind.
Cheon Gyeong-su is a blind acupuncture specialist whose hemeralopia allows him to see faintly at night. Recognized by Lee Hyeong-ik, he enters the palace and witnesses Crown Prince Sohyeon's death. He then risks his life trying to expose the truth, while King Injo's growing madness makes the investigation even more dangerous.
A young squad commander initially assigned to defend the strategic location of Samdunja. He reunites with Hwang Hae-chul, joins forces with the Independence Army, and helps orchestrate a successful trap against Japanese troops. Following the battle, despite being pursued, he remains committed to a crucial and dangerous new mission assigned to him.
An ace detective on the hit-and-run squad renowned for his unmatched instincts for cars. He partners with Eun Si-yeon, sharing a singular focus on bringing a reckless former F1 racer and key suspect to justice.
Jo Il-hyun is a poorly connected rookie broker at DM Securities who executes stock orders and possesses an exceptional memory for stock codes. He joins a secret program-trading operation, earns large commissions, and grows wealthy while attracting suspicion. His choices connect him to Park Chang-gu, Han Ji-chul’s investigation, and the dangerous trading conspiracy.
A fan of the murdered singer who unexpectedly becomes important to the case. Kim Dong-myung emerges while the investigation and courtroom battle are underway, holding the lost CCTV footage from the night of the murder and potentially providing evidence about what happened.
Ji-gong is one of Yong-bi’s close friends and part of the group that confronts a man attacking a woman. After the attacker dies, Ji-gong is detained with the others and pressured by Doo-man’s Father to deny his own actions and blame Yong-bi, placing his loyalty under severe strain.
Ryu Jun-yeol has 28 screen credits in a career dating back to 2010. Their work spans 3 cinematic universes — most prominently Alienoid Series with 2 titles. Signature works include Reply 1988, The 8 Show, Alienoid. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 3 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q20063575), public domain (CC0).
