A police officer in Gokseong whose daughter, Hyo-jin, becomes infected by a mysterious illness. He desperately investigates the origin of the outbreak, questioning a Japanese stranger and a local shaman, before ultimately facing the devastating consequences of his choices.
The intended target of Gu-nam's assassination contract. He is ambushed and murdered by his own driver and accomplices in his apartment stairwell before Gu-nam arrives. His death triggers the entire conspiracy, and it is later revealed his wife hired the hit due to her own infidelity.
Local vendor providing atmospheric background.
Key protagonist navigating complex conflicts in the Villains storyline.
Experienced gambler or mentor figure in the Hidden Card storyline.
Diligent public prosecutor leading the 1990 crackdown on organized crime in Busan. He investigates Ik-hyun's crimes, including embezzlement and the murder of a hotel owner, and successfully brings down the city's mob network, earning a presidential award.
Former KCIA director testifying against the South Korean President in the US Senate. He surrenders his manuscript to Kim Gyu-pyeong but hints at offshore corruption. While visiting Paris, he is kidnapped and assassinated by Kim's team to eliminate political threats, with his body later disposed of at a chicken farm.
Kim Cha-in is a prosecutor who, together with Do Chang-hak, uses Han Do-kyung to investigate Mayor Park Sung-bae's corruption and crimes. He threatens Han and exploits the detective's personal financial weakness, making him one of the forces that drives Han deeper into the conflict.
Tae-il's barber brother with whom Tae-il lives alongside Young-il's family.
A detective ordered by senior leadership to purge Busan of alleged communists, even through fabricated evidence. He denies in court that Park Jin-woo and the other students were tortured, falsely attributing their injuries to self-harm, and reports the Medical Officer's testimony to his superiors so that it can be neutralized.
A top strategist specializing in election manipulation who joins forces with Mayor Byun Jong-gu to orchestrate his political rise and third-term re-election campaign.
Jung Jae-gon's former superior who lost his police badge due to corruption. He exerts pressure on Jae-gon to quickly close the Hwang Choong-nam murder investigation.
Kwak Do-won has 37 screen credits in a career dating back to 2003. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently Steel Rain Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include The Wailing, Villains, Steel Rain. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 4 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q10855431), public domain (CC0).
