“Each pair of handcuffs comes with 2.5 liters of tears.” – Lee Jae Han (Signal)
K-Dramas have long been known for their romantic tales, historical battles, and heartwarming family stories. However, in recent years, South Korea has been turning heads with a powerful lineup of crime dramas that have taken global audiences by storm. These shows dive deep into emotional storytelling, often intertwined with themes of political intrigue, corruption, and imperfect yet compelling protagonists. If you’re looking to experience a fresh and thrilling take on crime and investigation, ‘Signal’ is one drama you won’t want to miss.
‘Signal’, a 2016 Korean crime thriller series, stands out as an exception, blending intense suspense with deep emotional storytelling. Its innovative storyline, impressive cast performances, and layered character development make it a standout series for anyone drawn to crime dramas and mysteries.
Series: Signal
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, Cho Jin-woong
Written By: Kim Eun-hee
Directed By: Kim Won-seok
The Plot
In the present day (2015), criminal profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon) discovers a mysterious, discarded walkie-talkie. Inexplicably, the person on the other end, Detective Jae-han (Cho Jin-woong), is speaking from the past — and addresses Hae-young familiarly, even though they have never met. With Jae-han’s help, Hae-young solves a 15-year-old kidnapping and murder case involving a former classmate from his childhood. The success of this case leads to the formation of a cold case team, led by Detective Cha Soo-hyun (Kim Hye-soo), who has spent the past 15 years searching for Jae-han, her long-lost mentor and unrequited love.
With Jae-han’s help from the 1990s, Hae-young goes on to solve other cold cases that have remained unsolved for years and becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Jae-han’s disappearance in 2000. As they work to fix the past and catch the criminals, unintended consequences ripple into the present.
The Characters
Park Hae-young (played by Lee Je-hoon)
Lee Je-hoon plays Park Hae-young, a sharp but disillusioned criminal profiler who also holds the rank of police lieutenant. Despite being part of the force, his troubled past has left him deeply distrustful of fellow officers. By chance, he comes across a mysterious walkie-talkie that allows him to communicate with Detective Jae-han, and through this connection, he begins solving long-forgotten cold cases.
Cha Soo-hyun (played by Kim Hye-soo)
Kim Hye-soo portrays Cha Soo-hyun, the first woman to join the Special Task Force. She eventually rises to lead Seoul’s cold case investigation team. For the past 15 years, she has been tirelessly searching for her former mentor—and first love—Jae-han, whom she believes to be deceased.
Lee Jae-han (played by Cho Jin-woong)
Cho Jin-woong takes on the role of Lee Jae-han, a blunt yet principled detective from the past with a fiery temper and awkward social skills. He forms an unlikely connection with Park Hae-young through a mysterious walkie-talkie. His storyline unfolds across the years 1989 to 2000, during which he assists in solving crimes from decades ago.
What made the show popular?
- Innovative storyline: ‘Signal’ stands out with its imaginative plot where two detectives—living decades apart—communicate through an old walkie-talkie to crack unsolved cases. This time-crossing twist brings a refreshing angle to the crime genre.
- Gripping mystery: The series keeps viewers guessing with the enigma surrounding the walkie-talkie and the deeper connections between characters, building suspense that intensifies with each episode.
- Highlight on forgotten cases: By focusing on cold cases, the drama sheds light on the lasting impact of unresolved crimes, emphasizing the importance of truth, closure, and justice.
- Emotional resonance: Beyond solving crimes, ‘Signal’ explores the human side of justice—the pain of victims’ families, the burden carried by investigators, and the emotional costs of chasing the past.
- Authentic, multi-dimensional sharacters: The characters are crafted with care and depth. From determined detectives to emotionally scarred individuals, each role brings realism and heart to the story.
- Edge-of-our-seat suspense: The show expertly delivers tension and dramatic reveals, making every scene feel urgent and unpredictable, while maintaining emotional weight.
- Rooted in reality: Several of the cases portrayed are inspired by real-life crimes in South Korea, giving the show a raw, impactful layer of realism that adds to its power.
- Top-tier writing: The screenplay is sharp and thoughtful, seamlessly weaving emotional moments with clever twists and gripping investigations.
- Concise and powerful format: As a 16-episode series, ‘Signal’ avoids filler and delivers a tight, well-paced story from beginning to end, making for a satisfying and impactful viewing experience.
‘Signal’ powerfully conveys a message of resilience, showcasing the bravery of its characters as they fight against systemic injustice and political corruption. The series concludes on an open-ended note, hinting that the story is far from over, with both heroes and villains left in uncertain fates. Adding to the excitement, the highly anticipated second season has officially been confirmed, sparking a wave of enthusiasm and hope among fans eager to see what’s next.
Written by Mansha
Connect with us on Instagram | X | YouTube for more content, interviews, & news.
