Dong Chi-sung (played by Jung Jae-young) is a protagonist in Righteous Ties.
A seasoned gangster and former right-hand man of a powerful crime boss, Dong Chi-sung is the narrative’s central figure. After accepting a seven-year sentence rather than betraying his superiors, he plans and carries out a prison escape, confronts the collapse of the old criminal order, and tries to return to the people and life he lost. Jung Soon-tan (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) appears in Righteous Ties.
Jung Soon-tan is a former associate of Dong Chi-sung who was believed to be dead but is later revealed to be alive. The news reaches Dong in prison, yet Dong remains emotionally detached and treats Soon-tan as someone already lost to him, showing how deeply their former relationship has been damaged. Jang Nak-young (played by Ju Jin-mo) appears in Righteous Ties.
Jang Nak-young is one of the people Dong Chi-sung reconnects with after escaping prison. Their meeting exposes the old rivalries and changing alliances surrounding Dong’s return to the outside world, making Nak-young part of the unresolved criminal and personal conflicts that Dong must face. Chi-sung's Father (played by Shin Gu) appears in Righteous Ties.
Han Wook (played by Kim Kyu-chul) appears in Righteous Ties.
Han Wook visits Dong Chi-sung in prison alongside other associates and promises to use their connections to secure Dong’s early release. He also tells Dong that Jung Soon-tan, a former associate believed to be dead, is still alive, linking him to both the group’s continuing support and its buried past. Joo-joong (played by Choi Won-tae) appears in Righteous Ties.
Joo-joong is visited by associates from Dong Chi-sung’s criminal circle while Dong is imprisoned. They offer practical assistance, including a better place to live and insurance, while presenting themselves as businessmen rather than gangsters. These actions show the group’s attempt to maintain influence and protect its connections outside prison. Yeo Il (played by Jang Young-nam) appears in Righteous Ties.
Yeo Il is among the people Dong Chi-sung meets again after escaping prison. The encounter takes place amid renewed rivalries and shifting alliances, helping reveal that the criminal world has changed during Dong’s imprisonment and that his return is tied to unfinished personal and criminal business.
Righteous Ties (2006) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Dong Chi-sung
(played by Jung Jae-young) — protagonist
A seasoned gangster and former right-hand man of a powerful crime boss, Dong Chi-sung is the narrative’s central figure. After accepting a seven-year sentence rather than betraying his superiors, he p...
Jung Soon-tan
(played by Ryu Seung-ryong) — supporting
Jung Soon-tan is a former associate of Dong Chi-sung who was believed to be dead but is later revealed to be alive. The news reaches Dong in prison, yet Dong remains emotionally detached and treats So...
Jang Nak-young
(played by Ju Jin-mo) — supporting
Jang Nak-young is one of the people Dong Chi-sung reconnects with after escaping prison. Their meeting exposes the old rivalries and changing alliances surrounding Dong’s return to the outside world,...
Chi-sung's Father
(played by Shin Gu) — supporting
Han Wook
(played by Kim Kyu-chul) — supporting
Han Wook visits Dong Chi-sung in prison alongside other associates and promises to use their connections to secure Dong’s early release. He also tells Dong that Jung Soon-tan, a former associate belie...
Joo-joong
(played by Choi Won-tae) — supporting
Joo-joong is visited by associates from Dong Chi-sung’s criminal circle while Dong is imprisoned. They offer practical assistance, including a better place to live and insurance, while presenting them...
Yeo Il
(played by Jang Young-nam) — minor
Yeo Il is among the people Dong Chi-sung meets again after escaping prison. The encounter takes place amid renewed rivalries and shifting alliances, helping reveal that the criminal world has changed...
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
Chi-sung's Father → Dong Chi-sung
(father)
Story Dynamics
Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.
Jang Nak-young → Yeo Il
(Alliance Connected Associate)
Dong Chi-sung's post-escape meeting includes both Jang Nak-young and Yeo Il, and the meeting exposes new alliances.
Dong Chi-sung → Yeo Il
(Social Reconnected Acquaintance)
After escaping, Dong Chi-sung reconnects with people from outside, including Yeo Il.
Dong Chi-sung → Jang Nak-young
(Conflict Rival)
After escaping, Dong Chi-sung reconnects with Jang Nak-young, and their meeting exposes old rivalries.
