MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama, Such a Close Traitor, has revealed moments from its first script-reading, showcasing the actors’ passionate performances and giving a glimpse into the intense, emotion-filled narrative to come.
This highly anticipated series, set to premiere in October, promises to deliver a unique and gripping “father-daughter thriller” that explores the depths of family ties and the pursuit of truth.
Such a Close Traitor revolves around Jang Tae-soo, the nation’s top profiler, who is thrown into turmoil when he discovers his daughter is entangled in a murder case he is investigating. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds himself unraveling both professionally and personally. The drama, which won the 2021 MBC Drama Script Contest, was praised for its intricately woven mystery and the profound, layered relationship between father and daughter.
Directed by Song Yeon-hwa, who gained recognition for her work on the critically acclaimed short drama Wild Boar Hunt, and written by Han Ah-young, the series is poised to captivate viewers with its intense and emotionally charged storytelling.
The script reading brought together the drama’s stellar cast, including Han Suk Kyu, Chae Won Bin, Han Ye Ri, Noh Jae Won, Yoon Kyung Ho, Oh Yeon Soo, Kim Jung Jin, Choi Yu Hwa, Yoo Eui Tae, and Lee Shin Ki.
Han Suk Kyu, returning to MBC dramas after nearly 30 years since The Moon of Seoul, expressed his deep connection to the project, stating, “I began my acting career at MBC, and this feels like coming full circle. ‘Such a Close Traitor’ tells a story that I believe will resonate strongly with viewers.”
Rookie actress Chae Won Bin, cast as Han Suk-kyu’s on-screen daughter, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m determined to put my all into this role and do it justice.” Her character, Jang Ha-bin, a high school student, becomes the central figure in the murder case that threatens to destroy her father’s world.
Chae Won Bin, who has gained recognition through her roles in Sweet Home Seasons 2 and 3 and the film The Witch: Part 2, impressed everyone with her nuanced performance, capturing the mysterious and emotionally complex nature of her character.
Han Suk Kyu’s portrayal of Jang Tae-soo, a father whose world is shattered by his daughter’s involvement in a murder case, was nothing short of mesmerizing. His ability to convey the turmoil of a man caught between his professional duty and personal devastation left a lasting impression, heightening expectations for the drama.
Han Ye Ri, making her return to television after three years, also delivered a standout performance as Lee Eo-jin, a member of the criminal behavior analysis team who prioritizes facts over emotions. Her character adds another layer of complexity to the story as she observes Jang Tae-soo from a critical perspective.
Noh Jae Won brought warmth and depth to his role as Gu Dae-hong, a compassionate member of the same team, while Yoon Kyung-ho and Oh Yeon-soo enriched the narrative with their portrayals of key figures in Jang Tae-soo’s life.
The script reading session felt like a preview of what’s to come, with the actors fully immersed in their roles, creating an atmosphere charged with emotion and tension. The synergy between the dense, well-crafted script and the actors’ performances promises a drama that will resonate deeply with viewers.
Such a Close Traitor, already hailed as one of the most anticipated dramas of the second half of 2024, is set to debut in October, offering a powerful and resonant story that is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
