Choi Jin-Hyuk Is A Superhero Shaped By Tragedy In ‘Rugal’

Superheroes are often shaped by tragedy and Choi Jin-hyuk’s character in the drama Rugal is no exception. In this high-octane story, Choi plays Kang Ki-beom, a hardworking detective who risks his life every day to fight criminals. He’s already a hero but it takes a personal tragedy for him to become a superhero. 

Like other comic-book superheroes, Kang Ki-beom loses someone near and dear to him, prompting him to raise the fight against evil to another level. This adrenaline-fueled story is not for the faint of heart, as it starts with a slew of graphic murders, including those of Kang’s police colleagues. 

Ravaged by grief and guilt, Kang confronts Ko Yeong-duk, played by Park Jung-hak, the man he knows is responsible for the murders. Ko heads Argos, a conglomerate that employs criminals who murder and maim without hesitation. Ko’s number one henchman is Hwang Geuk-do, played by Park Sung-woong, a man for whom human life holds no value. The police try but are powerless to stop the crimes committed by Argos.

Kang’s confrontation with Ko does not end well. Argos sends thugs to murder Kang’s wife and then they blind him. Placing the murder weapon in Kang’s hands, they frame him for his wife’s murder. After a failed operation to save his sight, he wakes up handcuffed to the bed. 

If that seems like a lot to happen in an opening episode, it’s just a small part of the drama’s initial set up. The plot continues to get more complicated at a pace that never lags as it heads toward the episode’s conclusion.

Kang is ultimately recruited by Rugel, a mysterious undercover organization. They help him escape from custody, fit him with bionic eyes and turn him into a human weapon. He’s happy to help them achieve justice. What else does he have to live for if not revenge?

Despite the story’s fast pace, along the way the camera work captures some arresting visual details, whether the lens is trained on menacing clouds, a blood-soaked carpet, the trail of lush flowers that seems to accompany every violent scene or Choi’s tortured face.

By the end of the first episode he is transformed. His suffering has made him superhuman.

Choi, who scored a hit drama last year with The Last Empress recently appeared in the drama Justice and also had a cameo in Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency. Park can also be seen this year as a terrified homeowner in the horror film, The Closet. Jung Hye-in, who plays fellow Rugal team member Song Mi-na, recently appeared in Graceful Family. The OCN drama is directed by Kang Cheol-woo, who recently directed So I Married An Anti-Fan. The story is based on the webcomic Rugal by Rilmae.