1987: When the Day Comes

A young student activist whose death during interrogation becomes a catalyst for investigation. His passing is revealed as asphyxiation rather than a heart attack, exposing a state-led cover-up. He embodies the vulnerability of protesters under a repressive regime and the spark that fuels the fight for truth.

A college student and Han Byung-yong's niece who starts off reluctant to join the movement. She becomes increasingly involved, delivering records and witnessing the impact of police violence. Her arc culminates in a commitment to democracy after confronting harsh truths.

A charismatic student activist who becomes a symbol of the movement after being wounded and killed during a protest. His fate galvanizes others, turning personal loss into a powerful call for reform. He represents the real-life cost of dissent and the struggle for democracy.

An investigative reporter driven to uncover the truth behind Park Jong-chul's death despite censorship. He pursues evidence, confronts obstacles, and helps translate discoveries into public knowledge. His persistence highlights the importance of a free press in democratic society.

A detective torn between loyalty to duty and the pressure of corrupt orders. He faces moral conflict as he navigates attempts to pin Blame elsewhere and ultimately seeks justice through the investigation. His arc embodies integrity under strain.

A prison guard who overhears exchanges between officials and activists and becomes a reluctant conduit for records. He weighs personal risk against the prospect of truth emerging, illustrating the friction between loyalty to the system and moral responsibility.

The uncle who pushes for transparency, attends the autopsy, and voices concern over the circumstances of Jong-chul's death. His advocacy keeps the memory of the event alive and pressures institutions to confront the truth.

A prosecutor who resists orders to cover up the death and fights to preserve evidence for the investigation. Though he is confronted with dismissal, his actions demonstrate legal courage in the face of political pressure.

A ruthless overseer who attempts to orchestrate a cover-up and suppress the investigation. He wields power to silence dissent, illustrating how authority can distort justice.