Ko Si-jo works at a shoe store and is identified by Yoo Man-su as another competitor for employment. Yoo Man-su recognizes him as a devoted father, but still tricks him into stopping to help with a fake car problem and shoots him. He then hides Ko Si-jo's body in his garden, where it becomes part of the cover-up.
A mysterious and powerful demon king wearing a suit and black top hat. He intervenes in young Seon-mi's life by exorcising ghosts and orchestrating her encounter with the Monkey King. In the modern era, he operates an entertainment company, guides Seon-mi to magical wares, and collaborates with Jeo Pal-gye to trap Seon-mi and Oh-gong inside a haunted painting. He serves as a complex figure bridging the mortal and supernatural realms, often manipulating events while harboring hidden agendas.
High school teacher reflecting on past regrets and reconnecting with a former lover years later.
Elusive drug cartel boss and mastermind behind the illegal methamphetamine network.
The monarch ruling during the story, King Seonjo presides over harsh executions and public cruelty toward slaves after accusations of treason. When Japanese forces invade and the capital collapses, he abandons the palace and flees with his officials. He later appoints Lee Jong-ryeo to suppress rebellion and restore royal authority.
High-ranking criminal and impostor posing as Mr. Lee. Initially suspected by Won-ho as the true boss. Responsible for the explosion that killed Rak's mother. After a shootout with Won-ho, he is severely wounded and incarcerated, prompting Rak's disappearance and Won-ho's sequel investigation.
Ahn is praised as a top graduate at a police ceremony, then emerges as a central force in the conflict surrounding Do-soo's group and Kim Hyun-tae. He approaches Do-soo's mother and the other men, escapes Baek's team at Kim's hotel, and threatens the captives. His pursuit of revenge against Kim culminates in a choice he presents to Baek.
A young homicide detective with the Seoul police, he is the central figure of the investigation. Haunted by causing his daughter's death in a car accident, he suspects his wife may be tied to a gang-connected man's murder and tries to protect her from becoming a suspect.
Lee Gang-Sik is a prisoner serving a life sentence for robbery and murder. After fifteen years of good behavior, he receives a one-day leave to visit his family. He is the father of Joon-suk and spends the brief reunion trying to express his love and rebuild their damaged relationship.
A legendary homicide detective feared by criminals and respected within the police force, Ji-wook is the story's central figure. Born male but longing to live as a woman, he plans gender affirmation surgery and resigns, yet returns to action when a revenge plot endangers people close to him and Jang-mi.
Kim Jeong-ho is the central mapmaker, devoted to accurately recording mountains, roads, waterways, and distances for the benefit of the country and its people. After returning from years away, he works with Ba-woo to replace the lost woodblocks, defends them in court, and risks everything to save Soon-sil.
Choi Yeon-gi is involved in the televised interrogation and investigation surrounding Kim Young-hun. He loses his temper when questioning turns to the victim’s relationship with Kim, revealing personal agitation as the case is treated simultaneously as a criminal inquiry and a live entertainment spectacle.
Cha Seung-won has 49 screen credits in a career dating back to 1997. Their work spans 2 cinematic universes — most prominently Believer Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include A Korean Odyssey, No Other Choice, The Tyrant. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 2 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q490067), public domain (CC0).
