Jo Pil-ho: The Dawning Rage

A corrupt homicide detective from Ansan who uses violence and opportunism to chase money. His desperation to protect his interests drags him into a deadly conspiracy and a brutal fight for survival. He embodies moral ambiguity, switching between pragmatism and brutality as the case unfolds. His arc crescendos in a violent confrontation with the Taesung Group and its enforcers.

Jo’s informant turned reluctant partner in crime who helps orchestrate the initial heist. He documents the events and carries crucial footage that could topple the powerful. His murder and the destruction of evidence heighten the stakes and reveal the reach of Taesung Group. His actions set the stage for the escalating conflict.

Gi-chul’s girlfriend who becomes a key witness and a focal point of Jo’s demands for money and safety. She suffers from depression and suicidal thoughts, complicating her choices and the moral cost of the investigation. Her discovery of the video and her subsequent involvement escalate the danger for everyone around her. Her fate underscores the human toll of the conspiracy.

A Taesung Group employee who serves as a brutal enforcer in the pursuit of suppressing evidence. He clashes with Jo, demonstrates cold ruthlessness, and pushes the confrontation toward violence. His ultimate demise marks a turning point in the corporate crackdown and Jo’s willingness to break the rules to strike back.

The ruthless head of the Taesung Corporation who manipulates events to protect her empire. She leverages money and influence to suppress damning footage and maintain control. Her climactic confrontation with Jo reveals the extent of corporate impunity and the danger of unchecked power.

A female officer who dies in the Sewol Ferry incident, her death reverberating through the story. She is connected to Mina as a friend and to the diner owner who cares for her father. Her loss emphasizes the real-world cost of systemic failures and the human toll behind the pursuit of justice.