Through the Darkness

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Drama: Through the Darkness /Those Who Read Hearts of Evil (literal title)
Revised romanization: Akui Maeumeul Ilneun Jadeul
Hangul: 악의 마음을 읽는 자들
Director: Park Bo-Ram
Writer: Kwon Il-Yong (nonfiction novel), Go Na-Moo (nonfiction novel), Seol Yi-Na
Network: SBS
Episodes: 12
Release Date: January 14 - March 12, 2022
Runtime: Friday & Saturday 22:00-23:10
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

A story of criminal profilers who struggle to read the minds of serial murderers.

Song Ha-Young (Kim Nam-Gil) is a criminal profiler. He is calm and has charisma. He digs up cases and looks deeply into the human mind.

Notes

"Through the Darkness" takes over SBS' Friday & Saturday 22:00 time slot previously occupied by "Now, We Are Breaking Up" and followed by "Again My Life" on April 8, 2022.
Based on non fiction novel "Akui Maeumeul Ilneun Jadeul" by profiler Kwon Il-Yong & writer Go Na-Moo (published September 28, 2018 by Alma).
Ep. 7 & 8, which was originally scheduled to air February 4th & 5th, 2022, will air February 25th & 26th, 2022. The three week delay is due to broadcasting of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Cast

Crime Behavior Analysis Team



Kim Nam-Gil	Jin Sun-Kyu	Ryeo Un
Song Ha-Young	Kook Young-Soo	Jung Woo-Joo

Special Crime Squad



Kim So-Jin	Lee Dae-Yeon	Kim Won-Hae	Jung Soon-Won	Seo Dong-Gab
Yoon Tae-Goo	Baek Joon-Sik	Heo Gil-Pyo	Nam Il-Young	Kim Bong-Sik

Police



Jo Young-Jin	Hong Woo-Jin	Jeong Man-Sik	Moon Dong-Hyeok	Oh Hee-Joon
Commissioner General Lee Jin-Chul	Oh In-Tak	Captain Park Dae-Woong	Moon Tae-Soo	Kang Yoo-Min (ep.1-2)



Bang Jung-Hyun	Park Yoo-Mil	Lee Ki-Sub	Bae Sung-Il	Seon Yool-Woo
detective (ep.1)	Lim Hyun-Joo (ep.3)	Kang Jin-Goo (ep.3)	detective (ep.3)	detective



Hwang In-Joon	Lee Jae-Woo	Yoo Yong	Kim Nak-Gyoon
detective (ep.5)	Detective Kim (ep.7)	detective (ep.7)	detective (ep.10)

Media



Ha Do-Kwon	Kong Seong-Ha	Lee Ha-Nee	Shin Dong-Eun
Shin Ki-Ho	Reporter Choi Yoon-Ji	Reporter Im Moo-Sik	reporter

Song Ha-Young's Family

Kim Hye-Ok

Park Young-Shin

Song Ha-Young's Past



Lee Chun-Moo	Park Jin-Young
Song Ha-Young (child)	doctor (ep.1)

Red Cap Case



Yoon Hye-Ri	Oh Kyung-Joo	Kim Hyun	Ko Gun-Han	Oh Seung-Hoon
Choi Hwa-Yeon (ep.1-2)	Bang Ki-Hoon (ep.1-2)	Choi Hwa-Yeon's mother	Yang Yong-Chul	Cho Kang-Moo (ep.2)



Hwang Jung-Min	Kim Deok-Ju	Choi Da-Young	Heo Sun-Haeng	Lee Si-Young
Turtle Supermarket owner (ep.1)	Choi Hwa-Yeon's landlord (ep.1)	nurse (ep.1)	medical examiner (ep.1)	neighborhood single mother (ep.1)

Cheon Dong-Bin

deliveryman (ep.2)

Changeui Neighborhood Case



Noh Ha-Yeon	Lee Hun-Joo	Ki Hwan	Kwon Eun-Sung	Lee Jong-Yoon
Lee Soo-Hyun	Lee Soo-Hyun's mother (ep.3-4)	Lee Soo-Hyun's father (ep.3-4)	Lee Ji-Wook (ep.3-4)	Jang Deuk-Hok (ep.3)



Son Young-Soon	Jung Chung-Gu	Lee Jae-Eun	Woo Jung-Kook	Jung Young-Keum
elderly recycler (ep.3-4)	film developer (ep.3)	Motel Owner Mrs. Kim (ep.3)	Cho Hyun-Gil	landlord (ep.4)

Choi Nam-Wook

convenience store owner (ep.4)

Serial Murder Case



Han Joon-Woo	Kim Joong-Hee	Seo Myung-Chan	Hong Ye-Ji	Sung No-Jin
Gu Young-Chun	Nam Ki-Tae	Professor Han Seok-Hoon (ep.5)	bookstore employee (ep.6)	forensics examiner



Kim Kyung-Min	Lee Geun-Hoo	Kim Bum-Joon	Kim Joo-A	Choi Min-Hyeok
Professor An	Kwak Man-Hyun (ep.7)	witness (ep.7)	columbarium employee (ep.9)	victim (ep.9)



Han Dae-Gwan	Kim Hyun-Tae
victim's father (ep.9)	witness (ep.9)

Gyeonggi Bus Stop Missing Women Cases



Na Chul	Choi Sol-Hee	Hong Eun-Jeong	Jung Yu-Yeon	Noh Eun-Ha
Woo Ho-Sung	Yang Ji-Sook (ep.10-11)	Manyeon bus stop woman (ep.11)	Geumchan Village woman (ep.11)	ATM woman (ep.11)



BohRaNah	Kim Bong-Hee	Kim Bong-Soo
massage parlor owner (ep.12)	Yang Ji-Sook's mother (ep.12)	Yang Ji-Sook's father (ep.12)

Others



Kim Yun-Seul	Koo Sung-Hwan	Oh Kyu-Taek
cotton candy girl (ep.1)	Hwang Dae-Sun (ep.5)	man drinking with prosecutor (ep.5)

Additional Cast Members:

Kim Gwan-Mo - undercover cop in drag (ep.1)
Lee Dong-Kyu - anchorman (ep.7)
Lee Ye-Joo - tree girl

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Date	Episode	AGB
Date	Episode	Nationwide	Seoul
2022-01-14	1	6.2% (14th)	-
2022-01-15	2	7.5% (7th)	8.1% (5th)
2022-01-21	3	7.9% (9th)	8.6% (9th)
2022-01-22	4	8.2% (5th)	8.6% (2nd)
2022-01-28	5	7.5% (10th)	8.1% (8th)
2022-01-29	6	6.9% (9th)	7.8% (6th)
2022-02-25	7	7.4% (8th)	8.0% (5th)
2022-02-26	8	5.0% (19th)	5.1% (17th)
2022-03-04	9	8.3% (3rd)	8.9% (3rd)
2022-03-05	10	6.0% (12th)	6.2% (11th)
2022-03-11	11	7.3% (7th)	7.9% (6th)
2022-03-12	12	7.0% (8th)	7.6% (5th)

Source: AGB Nielson

Awards

2022 SBS Drama Awards - December 31, 2022
- Grand Prize (Kim Nam-Gil)
- Excellent Actor (Jin Sun-Kyu)
- Best New Actor (Ryeo Un)
- Best New Actress (Kong Seong-Ha)

Comments

Jennie Feb 04 2023 11:58 am Such a great drama !!!!!!!!!!! 10/10 must watch

Unknown Feb 03 2023 1:52 am I love everything about this except the female lead?

Mike S Nov 29 2022 6:53 am I really enoyed season 1, the plots are interesting and there's some very good acting... I hope there is a 2nd season.

Maryam Nov 05 2022 2:55 pm It’s really a good series and definitely need part 2 Song Ha Young is really cool and I like his carezma♥️ Kim Nam Gel you are amazing

reiko Nov 01 2022 6:21 am Oh my god! The police are so frustrating here! Higher-ups who are too egotistical to listen to their subordinates even if they're right. Department heads being selfish and unreasonable fighting over cases not wanting to share reports because they want to take sole credit of solving the case when it would be easier to catch the culprit and prevent another crime if they share their knowledge to their fellow cops so more people could work on it. A lot of police are also incompetent, outdated and stupid not grasping the value of criminal behavioral analysis. Luckily the leads are level-headed and resilient that they manage to push through despite being surrounded by a lot of stupid cops. in any case, the mystery is engaging and the leads are very likeable especially Kim Nam Gil's character. His character is so refreshing. He's a dedicated detective who is very calm and level-headed, even when frustrated, he doesn't lash out (this far into the series, he's displayed assertiveness without yelling or raising his voice which is so hot); he's insightful but not arrogant; pushes back against the authority when they're wrong while still remaining surprisingly respectful; is not a push-over but doesn't display toxic masculinity; confident yet humble; he's an introvert but not weird (oftentimes they make introvert cops/criminalists weird or quirky in other shows but not this guy); he's just overall a genuinely good person and a very selfless, helpful and competent cop—maybe one of the best, if not the best cop character I've ever seen. I haven't finished the series yet but so far I'm thankful they're not trying to force a romantic plot with him because that would be so out of character and cringe.

Wife of Choi Si Won Oct 18 2022 2:46 am All the cases are similar tu which kdrama?

I know all is real event.

Felt like ive watched one before.

bora Oct 12 2022 10:16 am this series really need its season 2 developed as soon as possible because it's really good! this show tried to portray how these murderers think and feel when they committed their crime which I think is very successful... the cast also did an incredible job at doing their act. just amazing.

Tililing Oct 09 2022 10:19 am Kim Nam Gil as shy and introverted hits different. I just want to coddle him!!! Love this drama so much and I agree that there should be a season 2!!!

Aozora Oct 08 2022 10:56 am The show is the Korean version of Mindhunter, which itself was a very good show in Netflix. They copied almost everything, including the interview scenes, the two guys driving to prison, etc.

This show is pretty good because it tells about real serial murderer cases, which always fascinated people.

However, while the show is about the rise of criminal profiler in Korea and many times the show tried to exaggerate the greatness of the profiler team in the show, I cannot find their greatness. More over, most of the bad guys in the show were caught either by luck or traditional police works, which again failed to show the greatness of the profilers they tried to paint in this series.

It will be a greater show, if it is not trying too hard to make the profilers as the superheroes, which it cannot show, too.

It is a recommended watch if you like crime story.

Last but not least, this is one show in my personal opinion, in which the antagonist actors acted much better and more convincing than the main good guys.

Kdramastan Oct 07 2022 12:37 pm Anything with Kim Namgil is bound to be amazing, good direction & plot

Ann Oct 06 2022 5:58 pm Not only eason 2 but 3 and 4......but of course with the same cast please?

Ann Oct 06 2022 5:53 pm Season 2 please. I enjoyed watching it?

withjoyfulsenescence Oct 04 2022 11:04 am Please do consider a season 2, SBS! Great job with the storytelling.

Starlight Oct 03 2022 11:40 am Sbs should seriously consider more season(s) for this drama. Really well written and all actors did amazing job!

Sider Sep 07 2022 2:57 am Anna, Song Hayoung's mbti is clearly not an INTJ. He's most likely an INFJ. Usually, INTJs are a type super commonly associated with smart antihero/villains character because the low empathy and the habit of focusing too much on the facts and not on other people's emotions. Meanwhile, Song Hayoung is very empathetic person.

ZangZang Sep 07 2022 12:41 am Kim Nam Gil always deliver. I didn't expect much at first. But this series get better each episod.

Lucy Aug 23 2022 8:04 am I Expect to see Through the Darkness overrun with awards. (Pun intended) There will be no justice if TTD isn't given the merit it so deserves, which is Exceptional in every department.

Msi Aug 21 2022 7:49 am I you are someone that loves crime/thriller genre in kdrama, I definitely would recommend you to watch this drama. The plot and dialogue were so well written. Even from the first episode, it already managed to grab my attention. The actor line up in this drama is amazing. Both ML shows such a good chemistry. Even the serial killers did such a great job in portraying those monstrous psychopathic murderers so freakin well. I am glad that i watched in once all 12 episodes were already aired bcuz i feel like i will go crazy if i had to wait for another week for a new episode ?. All in all, amazing plot, amazing dialogue, amazing actor and actress, amazing cinematography. 100% recommended ??

Nichell Aug 15 2022 9:14 pm Since the first episode has caught my attention. So I recorded this drama so that I will not miss any episode. Then my sister and my mother are also watch this drama. Actually I'm not aware this drama has finished. I thought its has 16 episodes : )

Anna Aug 05 2022 5:30 am Amazing drama with great characters. How do you think which type is Song Ha Young according to socionics, INTj?

NamGirl Jul 15 2022 12:50 am Please tell me there will be a sequel????

Water Jun 23 2022 12:25 am Intentional or not, I love the small references of the actors' former role, such as the cross that is identical to the role of Inspector Song in The Fiery Priest, and the neighborhood where Park Woojoo lived when he was cast in Adult Trainee. About the storyline I love how they don't (do much) daddle and go straight to the point and what's important, make it compact for 12 episoded drama with heavy theme.

Niks Jun 05 2022 3:13 am This is really good!

Starts quite slow but it gradually picks up and becomes very interesting as the episodes progress. Quite similar to Mindhunter but I don’t mind because its also as exciting and as fascinating.

Would definitely recommend! Especially so since its only 12 episodes.

Nami Jun 01 2022 10:58 pm I usually am not that fond of crime drama and it looks heavy at first but I have to say this is excellent! I got hook immediately. This is also my first comment on this website and it is only because Kim Nam Gil moved me so much with his expressive eyes! He makes me feel the depth and intensity of the profiler’s empathy and sensitivity. It’s a pity he did not get Beaksang awards for this role though he definitely deserves it. I like the color tone of the drama too. It is dark and nostalgia at the same time, like a documentary of that era. Highly recommended.

Riley May 27 2022 4:53 am This drama is so good and well written, if u love crime then it is a suitable for u

Liz Adams May 04 2022 10:54 pm My first comment in this website, is definitely for Kim Nam Gil's drama. God this drama is excellent, the actors, the story. Knowing this is also based on true event makes me unable to move on easily.

Love this masterpiece so much

Dora the Explorer Apr 17 2022 11:29 am This drama made me mentally exhausted. Not because of anything negative but because of how it was so well-written. I super love genres like this and I used to binge-watch once I start watching, but this one was an exclusion. I couldn't finish this just in one go, or else I'd lose my mind.

It felt like I was inside Song Ha-young's mind and everything he feels and what his thoughts are, are like, in one with mine. Although, you could say that it was a shame that they didn't elaborate much about SHY's Mental Health. I love how they portrayed the struggles and efforts to be known, of the very first Criminal Profiler in South Korea in the early 1990's - 2000's. I actually used to dream of becoming a Criminal Profiler or maybe related to Criminology. But now, I can finally say that I am not mentally ready for that reality.

The Casts, Production and etc. really paid off. I'd give this drama a rating of 100/100. Plus, one of the Writer is Kwon Il-Young himself, the very first Criminal Profiler in South Korea and also the Writer of Netflix Series, The Raincoat Killer: Chasing a Predator in Korea, the documentary of the real-life serial killer, Yoo Young Chul or (Go Young Chun). I am familiar with some of the cases indicated in this drama, so it wasn't really hard for me to guess what kind of serial killer they were. Surprisingly, Nam Ki Tae's acting was flawlessly great?? It gave me chills because his acting was really on point.

But thinking about how it really happened or how it was based in a real life story, makes me nauseous. To think that some of the serial killers who received a Death Penalty, are still alive up until now, is just unbelievably unfair. May the dead rest in peace.

Annie Haynes Apr 14 2022 8:50 am This was an excellent series, very realistic. Reminiscent of Mindhunter in the US and Wire in the Blood here in the UK. All taken from real cases. That's what makes it so good, these are the real.deal. It took a long time for the everyday Police Officers to adapt to working with Profilers and that is shown very well here. Kim Nam Gil is excellent in portraying a kind genuine, excellent policeman turned profiler who is also very shy and introverted. Dealing with these terrible human beings takes it till and he portrays that beautifully. Excellent drama all round. See he's been nominated for award - so he should. Hope there's a Season Two.

Cattyang Apr 10 2022 1:43 am Such a great plot. Slow burn. I just feel like if OCN made this, it will be a lot more interesting. But still a great job for KNG. Been following him since Queen Seon Dok. Hwaiting, oppa!

lolroj Mar 24 2022 6:36 pm If you are watching this kdrama I recommend that you watch also the the documentary raincoat killer in Netflix. the plot and story line is very well transverse on this k drama series.. KNG give justice on the character

noi Mar 24 2022 12:49 pm Great drama. Reminds me of Mindhunter, but with more ongoing cases. Kim Nam Gil's acting is delicate and subtle, yet carries so much weight. Tbh I found Yoon Tae Goo actress' acting a bit awkward at times, but other than that, superb acting from everyone esp the criminals (Nam Ki Tae's actor is amazing!)

One complain though. It's a shame that they leave talks about Song Ha Young's psychological condition just like that. I realize, at that time, mental health was often left unspoken. But if there's a sequel, I hope they can dwell on this talk for a bit, so people won't take police/detective occupational trauma lightly. As a watcher, I felt traumatized watching these actors telling their gruesome (scripted) fantasy, I can't imagine how the detectives felt when they faced with the real criminals.

KSJ Mar 24 2022 4:16 am This is not your typical crime kdrama. This is indeed not for the weak minded ,super realistic. Superb acting not only Kim Nam Gil but also credits to the actors who portray as the serial killers. How they talk really creeps me out.

Noi Mar 24 2022 3:30 am Great drama. Reminds me of Mindhunter, but with more ongoing cases. Kim Nam Gil's acting is delicate and subtle, yet carries so much weight. Tbh I found Yoon Tae Goo actress' acting a bit awkward at times, but other than that, superb acting from everyone esp the criminals (Nam Ki Tae's actor is amazing!)

One complain though. It's a shame that they leave talks about Song Ha Young's psychological condition just like that. I realize, at that time, mental health was often left unspoken. But if there's a sequel, I hope they can dwell on this talk for a bit, so people won't take police/detective occupational trauma lightly. As a watcher, I felt traumatized watching these actors telling their gruesome (scripted) fantasy, I can't imagine how the detectives felt when they faced with the real criminals.

Jopay Gallano Mar 24 2022 3:01 am I hope it's has season 2

boombling Mar 21 2022 4:00 am Comparing this to "Tell me what you saw" (considering i only watched 3-4 eps) and "Through the Darkness", really shows a complete opposite type of crime drama as one is realistic & based on "real story" while the other is using unrealistic "solution" to solve the crime.

Through the Darkness is also interesting as you get to understand the very basics of how profiling & behaviour analysis works. It doesn't bore you out because you would definitely try to analyse the behavior of the criminal too!!

Good job to all production team & actors. The actors definitely played a part as I'm fascinated by how Kim Nam Gil can be so flexible in all his dramas in terms of his acting :)

Bin Mar 17 2022 3:34 am If you're into unrealistic typical crime thriller, this is not for you. But if you're looking for series with real events and story about first profiler in South Korea and kind of mindhunter vibe, this series is a masterpiece.

Bin Mar 17 2022 3:33 am If you're into unrealistic typical crime thriller, this is not for you. But if you're looking for series with real events and story about first profile in South Korea and kind of mindhunter vibe, this series is a masterpiece.

Mea Mar 15 2022 5:01 am Interesting serial cases but messy storyline. Sayang Im into serial cases. And the profiling thing... They change it, it never thrill me. Ang gulo nila magprofile to the point na kailangan pa mag interview ng nasa selda? Nonesense. I stop at Ep 5 ayoko na

aquafacts Mar 14 2022 10:30 am I really love this drama. I am not a huge fan of police dramas but this one is really good. It makes you think a lot as you see the BAT interview the criminals. The Soo-Hyun case had me bawling like a baby lol. I will never understand how people can harm a child in that, and my heart truly goes out to anyone who is a victim.

I thought this drama was 16 episodes too. I hope this has a season 2, possibly based in the present. The cases in the show are based on real life Korean cases but even if season 2 had fictional crimes/criminals I would still watch.

Ferra Mar 14 2022 4:01 am Kim Nam Gil , you never dissapointed me with your superb acting as usual. Love this drama.

amajsuh Mar 13 2022 7:50 pm Cant believe its only 12 eps. Season 2 pleaseee :((

Emma Mar 13 2022 5:17 pm Love this show! Has me absaloutly hooked. Rewatched it twice, and I'm still finding little details here and there, which brings it over the top. Hoping for a season 2!

Miss Mar 13 2022 2:04 pm I need season twooo >,<

Yoori Mar 13 2022 12:01 pm Season 2 please. The drama was well written. Kim NamGil and the rest of the cast did a job well done! ???

Yun shuuuu Mar 13 2022 7:51 am I thought it was 16 eps ;(

Reez Mar 13 2022 6:25 am Kudos! The kind of drama that I love to watch! No repeated scenes and so on point! Not the usual K-Drama! Well Done!

Vtmn__d Mar 13 2022 4:17 am Its so hard to say goodbye to TTD. The narrative is so on point. Every actors gave justce to their character. Just so annoyed with detective KimBokSik and the reporte on this series, I guess they just did their assignment. Nam Gil Oppa's acting is never doubtful, whatever he do, he always gave his heart and we know it since his Bidam days. So i watch this simultaneously with Juvenile Justice and now I'm hibernating.

Natassa Mar 13 2022 3:09 am Just watched the last episode...loved it..hope for a season 2..

Kori023 Mar 12 2022 10:42 pm I hope the cast returns for Season 2. Kim NamGil is such a great performer.

Reez Mar 12 2022 10:41 pm The kind of drama worth watching! No repeated scenes, logic, sensible and short! Kudos to all!

baconsandeggz Mar 12 2022 9:29 pm Love this drama! Worth to watch!

Mely Mar 12 2022 8:31 pm This drama was really good......hope that it gets a second season.

Nia K. Haryanto Mar 12 2022 7:53 pm Great thriller drama. Each episode makes curious and goose bumping. Kim Nam Gil's acting is amazing. A must-watch drama for those who like the thriller genre. Bravo!

Rii Mar 12 2022 12:08 pm Is it a happy ending?

Relia Mar 12 2022 8:26 am I have watched Kim Nam Gil’s drama and movies over the past 10 years and i think this role was the hardest one he did even if he had to do a lot of poker faces, emotions were bursting. He should receive a lot of credits for this job well done performance. It’s true, this drama is not your usual kdrama, my heart felt heavy watching those criminals and felt really sad for the victim’s family.

Mae Mar 11 2022 11:21 pm This drama is close to reality prolly because of the Kim Nam Gil the way he portray Inspector Song. This is not your usual kdrama. I like this.

Nimo Mar 10 2022 10:07 am I really like this drama. This may be boring to others but not to me. The way Kim Nam Gil portrays his charactet is on point for me. Threir struggle as the first profilers in SK is being shown as it is... Nice

Evelyn Vidda Mar 09 2022 5:59 pm I love this drama. The best crime drama

janni Mar 08 2022 6:12 am this drama is not about crimes of murder nor how good or bad the police force of s. korea. the drama tells the story of how the police force have started to do profiling. it was tough for the police officers involve in profiling because people of s. korean are somehow a bit conservative and with high belief in traditions and conventional life.

kim nam gil and jin sun kyu are nailing their respective roles. no doubt that KNG is a great actor. he's doing a great job in portraying his ha young character. his facial expressions alone are on point to express what ha young feels. ha young character is not easy to internalize. it's a complex character yet KNG is able to bring out what should be shown to the viewers. very effective portrayal. hat's off to KNG. aaah.. he's always been great in every role he portrays. have liked him since bi dam in queen seon deok.

going back to the drama.. ha young and the rest of the crime behavior analysis team are facing negative responses not only from people and media but far worse from the police force itself. they are staying strong tho. only, ha young's frustrations and desperations to catch the culprits and the sadness in his heart for the victim's and their families are slowly eating him up. i've just finished watching ep 9 and i have a bad feeling that his determination to do his job well is somehow creating something not so good within his own self. i am having some thoughts that he may lose himself or his sanity in the end. if that happens, then it could be said that s. korea's first attempt in criminal profiling was a failure. i just hope that the drama won't go that way.

every episode has been great to watch. made me think of how ha young and young soo, the beginner profilers, would evolve in each episode. a few more days to wait for the 11 and 12th episode and i'm too curious to know how this drama would end. hoping for a good ending, of course.

kudos to all the actors, writers and the director.

i now have to go and watch ep 10.

Pimil Mar 07 2022 2:58 pm Many people mention that drama is based on facts but it is not so trustworthy actually. It is kind puff piece on Korean police. It is the most obviously shown in part about Gu Young-Chun's case. Most controversial elements about police investigation (probably a lot we still don't know) were omitted or more said than shown.

Young Chul was caught by pimp! Yes, by pimp who did all investigation work because his prostitutes started to disappeare and he suspected that they were sold to work in countryside. He called for police guys which he knew (like every pimp) at the end. And Young Chul just confessed.

Also after his escape (I just knew when Bong-Sik showed in the drama that he would be blamed for his escape as black sheep of police) he wasn't caught fast like in drama. He come back to his apartment, called his mom and sister and start cleaning apartment aka destroying evidences. But this was not the end of disgrace of police. When mother of victim wanted to see who kill her daughter and take off his cap, she was kicked by police officer.

I don't blame creators because making dramas and films about true story are not easy because of Korean deformation law and overall customs. Netflix Rain coat murderer don't ask as well many difficult questions. Still actually fictional dramas about police at that time which were inspired by true incidents are much better than Through the darkness. I recommend you watch FIL Chaser, drama H I.T. or famous Signal to understand what I mean. Bong shik was not just one black sheep. This kind of police work was still standard in 2000s in Korea.

Heri Mar 06 2022 10:50 am I always claw my eyes out of rom coms and cringy types of dramas. If you’re a typical cringy drama fan, then this is not for you. They say this is boring, but not for me. I get what I expect out of this drama since this specifically portrays how the behavioral analysis and the first SK profiler progress. What is special about this is the two main leads, especially after the 1st half of the series. I was never a fan of Kim Nam Gil cos I had liked those boy-next-door or idol types, but he did a good job. So far this year, I couldn't think of anyone who can surpass his level of acting here. Now I’m watching his other dramas (live up to your name and fiery priest) and he’s a superb actor. I watched some of his movies’ trailers and he can shift to different characters. I think I'm fangirling KNG now. JSK was great too, this is my 1st time watching him on a serious and decent role and he nailed it. The female lead was too weak for me, she’s so damn calm for a police officer and too ladyly for this role. They could've choose someone who can give a good eye expression. But all in all, kudos to production of this drama.

charlie008 Mar 05 2022 6:42 am Getting a confession through torture? I mean, even through time nothing has really change... you can find these people who "keeps peace" anywhere in whatever timeline. Shame on them!

Ruby Mar 05 2022 1:54 am very very very boring crime drama Before, I expected a lot because there are Nam-gil ahjussi but I can only endure watching it until episode 4:( this drama is nothing when compared to "Signal"

tahpape Mar 02 2022 10:26 am "sick of the criminal who used the toilet, it's so cliche" lmao what? it's realistic because the timeline of the drama is during early 2000s + the police didn't even that 'smart' at that time

Typical007 Feb 28 2022 6:48 am How come their hairstyles didn't change after all those years...

EL Feb 27 2022 7:26 am Love this drama! Anyone know what is the title for the orchestra background music?

yumi Feb 27 2022 3:56 am The drama is so good but I'm so sick with the scene when the criminal asked to go to the toilet. It is so cliche case in every K-drama that the criminal asked to do that to run away, so predictable.

aju nice Feb 26 2022 10:16 pm In my opinion this drama is, so far, the best on thriller genre this year. I think the main point of this drama is to show the development of Song Ha-Yong and Crime Behavioural Analysis Team as the first profiler team in SK police agency rather than on the cases itself. That’s way each cases feels like dragging because the director wanted us to see how profilers works behind the scene.

Also, kim nam-gil looks extra hot and handsome as usual.

Viet Feb 26 2022 1:07 pm They remade the raincoat killer documentary into a k drama Yoo Young-chul became kook young Soo in this k drama through the darkness this man fake to be a police officer and killed prostitutes just like Yoo Young-chul

Ryujin Feb 26 2022 1:45 am It's very frustrating because they can't call catch the killer.they keep dragging the case. The story is good but it's too long to settle the case

sf Feb 24 2022 8:55 am I forgot that today is Thursday.

Ds Feb 24 2022 5:37 am Such a good drama. Love this genre

L.Oren Feb 24 2022 1:35 am Since this is based of non-fiction book, it gives more greater degree of its meaning. If we as viewers, feel the desperation of solving, the deep pain of the crime committed, the unsettling feeling of the incomplete puzzle, the trauma, and we also cried with them, I can't just imagine on how these actors also had gone through emotionally as they film these scenarios.

In the end, I question on why some people would choose to be evil than to be a good human. Why and how could a person does a horrible act without remorse? Do we need then to profile every single person in our community to feel safe? Where can i be safe then?

lili Feb 23 2022 11:32 am Jin Sun Kyu has gone far from the glimpse thug role in Bad Good and Weird to a comedic detective in Extreme Jobs and now a high profile smart profiler to 1 of the best mind reading drama ever. A series with great actors that lead the viewers' mind to try solving the case thro' criminal profiling. I might change my career....

Silver Feb 19 2022 12:22 am for those wondering yes this is very similar to the series Mind Hunter (which is an amazing show btw), Mind Hunter is based on a true story though, and it is set few years earlier than this drama, around early 90s. while the first 4 episodes have very similar storyline, since they do show the Mind Hunter book in the drama, I think it is actually how korea is inspired by the work of the american detectives depicted in the american show

Kori023 Feb 19 2022 12:20 am I can understand no new episodes due to the Olympic Games Beijing. Good luck to South Korea?? & USA??

SERA Feb 18 2022 10:13 pm episode 7 airs February 25

Joyce Feb 17 2022 3:27 am I will watch it after all the episodes air. rather than sick of curiosity.

Salome Feb 11 2022 6:34 am It is sooooo annoying to wait 2 weeks!!!! It’s a really enjoyable show. Kim Nam Gil is great in it

Hyena Han Feb 09 2022 9:14 pm istg, Yoon Taegu is really annoying me. She acts like she's the only one working. Did he finally get promoted for what everyone else had done? Heol. I wonder why Yoon Taegu isn't shy in front of Song Hayoung. She's an ostentatious in my eyes.

Capa Feb 06 2022 11:19 pm Isn't this just the same storyline as Netflix's Mindhunter series from the US?

Jj Feb 06 2022 6:42 am The delay is killing me. Huhuhuh

Dhang Feb 05 2022 8:15 am Very interesting story.. I love watching Kim Nam Gil because his acting is one of a kind. He is a great actor. I will watch it till the end. ?

Takudzwa Feb 05 2022 6:04 am It's amazing been waiting for episode 7 and 8 now

Lalalala Feb 05 2022 2:05 am We need to wait until 25 Feb for ep 7???? Why??

Yea Feb 04 2022 10:02 am @Linh, it's not similar, raincoat killer is indeed one of the case because this drama is based on true story of first profiler in South Korea.

Linh Jan 30 2022 12:00 pm This drama is so similar with the infamous raincoat killer documentary too young children and king nam gyu

anonekonim Jan 30 2022 2:20 am kim namgil + mindhunter ? count me in! ;)

episode 6 Jan 29 2022 10:59 pm next episode is likely similar with the infamous yoo young chul & jung nam gyu cases

captain hook Jan 29 2022 9:15 am fcking hell, 3 weeks delay?? 3 months for 12 ep, kidding me..

sf Jan 29 2022 12:58 am Don't they have special channels for sports? Why do they always have to delay the regular programs to allocate free space for sports transmissions?

Vianey Jan 27 2022 6:39 pm 3 week delay!? Wha- wha- what am I going to watch omg -.-

Ogunniyi Sodiq Jan 26 2022 12:10 pm Love this drama that i had to post it

Tuula Salmikivi Jan 26 2022 10:55 am Kim Nam-Gil is an actor, who has helped me to live on.

Thank you and go on acting.

... Jan 26 2022 4:31 am The main casts are chungmuro actors, there is nothing to question about their acting skill.. pretty funny to see kim nam gil and jin seon kyu characters' became close partner in here when they made special appearance in "one the woman", their character were bickering about chicken delivery service in heaven..

And finally a watchable friday and saturday drama by sbs after "now we are breaking up" disappointed me (nwabu male lead was bad at acting in there) and love to see this not disappointing at all..

Raka Jan 24 2022 8:22 pm @Iz, i dont know if its inspired by american show or not but some ppl mentioned it to be inspired by some show mind hunters,i have not watched it so i got no clue. My comment about profiler dramas being inspired by american shows was in general, like in american shows profilers are glorified and many k dramas also show profilers in same way. In first 2 eps one will notice senior guy always shoving a book on kim nam gil, that book is called mind hunters and was written by american guy who invented profiling field. I actually tried reading that book, but stopped after 20 pages as it gets gruesome, but i will read it later as it is interesting book. ------ I felt irritated with ep 4. Whether the kid was raped or not could haven been established through autopsy or forensics but instead all inspectors run around asking the criminal whether he did or not. The irritating part in ep 4 was the interrogation of child killer, so the drama director did not make it clear whether child was raped or not during interro , then they totally skipped over his interrogation part about why he killed the child and also was she dead by pills overdose and mainly why he cut her up and specially why he took her two fingers and threw them away. His vengeance against child was never explained as he said he felt comfortable around kids as they didnot judge him for disability. Perhaps they might disclose it in next episodes, but even if they do i seriously dislike this style of direction of witholding imp details leaving viewers extremely confused only to disclose them later.

jenol Jan 23 2022 12:30 pm Why Episode 4 is repetative of episode 1 and 2?

Iz Jan 23 2022 9:55 am @Raka this drama was not inspired by an american show though?

That said, while the drama would be loosely based on profiler Kwon Ilyoung's non-fiction novel I do have to wonder how close would the drama take reference from the novel. I mean seeing other dramas like Signal and such where it hint on how the profession of a profiler wasn't something that would easily be accepted by the local enforcement, I'm curious of what kind of difficulty someone like Hayoung/Ilyoung would have to face in their line of jobs to get ppl to acknowledge the kind of work they're doing.

Yuni Jan 23 2022 7:49 am @Alice: tks for your comment. I'm aware that he was the head of forensic unit once. But i still think the present forensic should have reported anything they found that unusual or.... maybe its because i've watched too many CSI movies hahaha.. Fyi, i'm about to watch ep 4 now. So excited...

Vtmn__d Jan 22 2022 8:35 pm Kim Nam Gil Oppais back with fire! I love his character now esp this is ny kind of drama. I'm just sad that it was only 12 eps long (just like happiness) idk why tho but I will surely enjoy this and appreciate his craft more. My bidam oppa

Alice Jan 22 2022 7:46 pm @yuni: kook young soo was the head of forensic unit so he's capabilities to identify the wall refrigerator above than the forensic unit

Raka Jan 22 2022 10:21 am Its good show but it is depressing as cases are very gruesome, i am already stressed out due to corona situation so i find it hard to enjoy the show so i might drop it and watch months later but it is well made show. But i dont have so much faith in profilers, i think korean dramas inspired by american shows glorify profilers way too much, it could be a hit or miss. Its good field but exaggerated. Plz share your views

Yuni Jan 22 2022 9:38 am I like this drama. And i think Kim Nam Gil is the perfect actor for this caracter. But i just saw ep. 3 and i still dont understand why didn't the forensic found out or mentioned about the refrigerator print on the dead body. Furthermore, why dìd they thought it was a print from the wall of the refrigerator. But i'm excited to watch next episode. Good luck

Afaf Jan 22 2022 8:41 am Great drama, gets u hooked immediately. Criminal behavioral science and profiling.. awsome ?

hann Jan 21 2022 8:30 pm finally a kdrama about criminal profiling that actually has at least one statistics analyst character. the production team did a good job doing a thorough research

road Jan 20 2022 1:00 am a psychological thriller drama focused on the first Korean profiler, Song Hayoung! what a promising start.. i'm looking forward^

a Jan 19 2022 8:31 am this giving me the mind hunter vibes thoo

Carm Jan 19 2022 8:09 am It felt like I am watching a movie. My mind is also analyzing while watching the series. Kudos to the writers.

MD Jan 17 2022 8:54 pm Kim Nam-Gil. What can I say, the man is an excellent actor, I’m already hooked on this drama! ?❤️

Cheryl Jan 17 2022 1:13 am Woahhh ... Kim Nam Gil is Backkk ✨?? This drama is so Amazing ? I just watched 2 first episode and it's really good ? The storyline is Great. Fighting Kim Nam Gil ?? you such a great actor...

K Jan 16 2022 11:36 pm The first 2 eps got me hooked so good

AK Jan 16 2022 7:49 am you know whenever there is kim won hae that's mean the drama is going to be super good.. last time watched him in one the woman few months ago (and it's still being replayed by me)

Jan Jan 16 2022 7:40 am Omg this drama is so amazing! First two episodes in. Daebak!

Amalia Fitri Permatasari Jan 16 2022 7:17 am This drama is great. Another tell me what you saw drama. About profiler. Cant wait for next episode.

Kdrama Jan 16 2022 6:55 am kim nam gil is back, and I'm excited with his other upcoming projects this year (this man is so booked and busy with 3 back to back dramas and films)

Namgiljungwoo Jan 16 2022 5:41 am Kim Nam Gil fighting!!! Finally you comeback to korean drama again ❤❤❤

KR Jan 15 2022 3:58 pm I'm fairly new to Korean shows. But I ran into Kim Nam Gil early in my KD viewing and loved him from the start. I now keep an eye out for shows he is in. Brilliant as always! Through the Darkness did not disappoint.

hihihello Jan 15 2022 9:12 am Waaa this drama looks very interesting! And Yoon Hyeri and Ryeoun meets again in a drama (even though I don't think there will be loveline between them). Their chemistry in 365: Repeat the Year was awesome!

K Jan 13 2022 5:04 pm Kim Nam Gil is a brilliant actor looking forward and Ryeon Eun is a promising actor. The story is a must watch.

sunoos1bdygrd Jan 11 2022 8:45 pm im bout to watch this show just for my man ryeo un <33

oppafans Jan 09 2022 5:22 am this drama remind me of signal,with the profiler thing im just curious

Fimin Dec 18 2021 6:07 pm Wow it's really based on novel. Since the novel is really written by criminal profiler, i can't wait the story. I know kwon il yong nim, he is really famous from catching serial killer. Can't wait! I also think kim nam gil is suitable for this role

Aurora Dec 16 2021 10:19 am Oh god! Kim Nam Gil Return!!!! Aargfffddkkkk Can't Wait!!! I'm sure he'd slay this character as always!

Alya Oct 09 2021 7:42 am Cant wait my lovely KMG... miss his beautiful eyes???

maic Sep 21 2021 10:15 pm 22 jan 2022 :(

Jessy Jul 21 2021 7:58 pm When?? I miss KNG aloooooootttttt?

Yedamienamgil Jul 10 2021 8:49 am So kim nam gil have 2 drama in this year?? OMG!!! Really can't wait!!!

Gly Jul 04 2021 5:46 pm Hi Kim nam gill can't wait to ur drama again!!! ❤️?

Bong Zero Jul 03 2021 9:05 am Kim Nam-Gil with Jin Sun-Kyu? Damn SBS the line-up is Strong. These two never disappoints whenever it comes to action and crime genre.

namgilsshi Jun 20 2021 12:39 pm im so excited!!! Can't watch another kdrama bcs of my sepanx in fiery priest!! Aahhh finallyy <33 cant wait!!

Vivi Jun 20 2021 12:29 pm My angel Gil is back!...I am so excitat!...can't wait to see the cool profiler! ...Nam Gil is the best! .

Pretty_maimy Jun 20 2021 6:28 am Am soo excited! Can't wait. Fighting Yeoboo Nam Gil..

Kiya Jun 19 2021 12:26 am Mindhunter and Criminal Minds Korean version can't wait!!!

Nim-Nim Jun 18 2021 6:54 pm I love it when my favorite actors star in movies or series with the genre that I love so much. ❤️

Jeanna Jun 16 2021 3:39 pm Can't wait!

namiew Jun 16 2021 12:27 am fighting kim nam gil ssi !

Rhela Jun 15 2021 12:40 am Finally his new drama... I'm so excited for this drama

External Links

Official Website

Through the Darkness

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Crime Behavior Analysis Team

Special Crime Squad

Police

Media

Song Ha-Young's Family

Song Ha-Young's Past

Red Cap Case

Changeui Neighborhood Case

Serial Murder Case

Gyeonggi Bus Stop Missing Women Cases

Others

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Awards

Comments

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