Brace yourselves because Nam Joo-Hyuk is back, and this time, he’s donning a dual persona as a university student by day and a vigilante by night in the highly anticipated, Vigilante K-drama. This action-packed series premiered on November 8, 2023, and it’s got fans worldwide buzzing with excitement. In this article, we’ll take you through all the exciting details you need to know about Vigilante.
Vigilante Release Date and Where to Watch
The wait is almost over! Vigilante TV series first episode premiered on November 8, 2023, giving K-drama fans around the world a reason to mark their calendars. You can catch all the action on Disney+, so be sure to have your subscriptions ready.
The Plot: A Dark Hero’s Journey
Vigilante K-drama weaves a gripping narrative that will pull you into the world of Kim Ji Young, portrayed by Nam Joo-Hyuk. Ji Young’s life takes a tragic turn when he loses his mother to a brutal murder. Fueled by a thirst for justice and disillusioned by a justice system that falls short, he embarks on a journey of his own.
By day, Kim Ji Young is a diligent university student at Gwangju Police University, striving to join the ranks of uniformed officers. But as the sun sets, he takes on a secret identity as a vigilante, determined to right the wrongs that have scarred his life. This dual life is born from a deep-seated trauma, and he is relentless in his mission to protect innocent people from those who evade the law.
Yet, the drama doesn’t stop at a mere hero-villain dynamic. Vigilante delves into the complexities of morality and ethics as Kim Ji Young grapples with the blurred lines between good and evil. His transformation into a vigilante challenges his ability to distinguish right from wrong, setting the stage for an enthralling exploration of his character.
Vigilante promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, where heroism blurs into anti-heroism, and the concept of justice takes on a whole new meaning.
What Webtoon is Vigilante K-Drama Based On?
Ji-yong, the enigmatic hooded crusader who moonlights as a crime-fighting college student on the weekends. Disney+ is bringing this character to life in a K-Drama, adapted from the Naver webtoon by the talented Kim Gyu-sam. But that’s not all – there’s a double dose of justice because Studio N is also cooking up a film adaptation of Vigilante.
Ji-yong might seem like your typical student with a bright future in law enforcement, but beneath that hoodie beats the heart of a man with a bone to pick. Because the justice system let him down when the person responsible for his mom’s death got a measly 3 years and 6 months behind bars. Now, after 17 years, Ji-yong is on a mission for revenge.
Sure, he envisioned a changed man seeking redemption, but the reality? The murderer is still up to no good. Talk about a plot twist that fuels Ji-yong’s fiery quest for the retribution denied to his mother all those years ago. It’s a tale of weekends filled with crime-fighting, a dash of college life, and a whole lot of justified anger.
Vigilante K-drama Cast and Crew
At the forefront, we have the charismatic Nam Joo-Hyuk, known for his versatile acting in various K-dramas. From a playful sports star in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo to a broken and struggling journalist in The Light in Your Eyes, he has left a mark in the world of Korean entertainment. His latest two dramas, Start-Up and Twenty-Five, Twenty-One, became mega hits internationally. With Vigilante, Nam Joo-Hyuk ventures into the action genre, a first for this talented actor.
Nam Joo-Hyuk’s dedication to his role is evident in his preparation for the drama. As he steps into the shoes of the titular character, he has undergone extensive training for action scenes and aimed to embody the complex duality of his character. Playing both a university student and a dark hero, he delves deep into his emotions, creating a solemn and enigmatic figure that will undoubtedly captivate viewers.
The director of Vigilante, Choi Jung Yeol, brings his experience from acclaimed works like Start-Up and One Way Trip to ensure a thrilling and visually captivating viewing experience.
But that’s not all. The supporting cast of Vigilante is equally impressive. Yoo Ji Tae takes on the role of Jo Hoen, the chief investigator and a supporter of the vigilante. Lee Jun Hyuk portrays Jo Kang Ok, another character searching for the vigilante for reasons of his own. Kim So Jin plays reporter Choi Mi Ryeo, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
Vigilante Official Trailer
The makers of Vigilante TV show released an exciting trailer that offers a sneak peek into the characters and the action-packed world of the drama. Check it out!
Vigilante Drama Episode Guide
Nam Joo-hyuk new drama has total of 8 episodes, releasing every Wednesday till 29 November. Each episode is of 45 minutes. Following is the schedule:
Episode 1: 8 November 2023 – Kim Ji-yong loses his mother to a gangster and begins punishing criminals who evade the law.
Episode 2: 8 November 2023 – Choi Mi-ryeo baits the Vigilante with more information on criminas on REPO25h.
Episode 3: 15 November 2023 – Copycat crimes emerge nationwide, and Jo Heon and Choi Mi-ryeo chases after the Vigilante.
Episode 4: 15 November 2023 – The fake Vigilante suggests joining forces and Jo Heon closes in on the Vigilante’s identity.
Episode 5: 22 November 2023
Episode 6: 22 November 2023
Episode 7: 29 November 2023
Episode 8: 29 November 2023
Is Vigilante Worth a Watch?
The first episode kicks off with a origin story, deftly avoiding lingering on it by swiftly transitioning into the present with a brisk pacing — a lesson that some other Disney+ shows could stand to learn. Following in the footsteps of Daredevil, Ji-young embarks on a dual pursuit of justice, navigating both the legal system and his own vigilantism. This narrative choice sparks thought-provoking inquiries into morality, the ethics of punishment, and the true nature of retribution.
The ripples of Vigilante‘s actions extend beyond mere philosophy, attracting media attention that ignites diverse opinions among TV broadcasters, the public, and even Ji-young’s peers at the police academy. The series strikes a balance between amusement and seriousness, seamlessly shifting gears as the storyline demands, particularly evident in the impeccably choreographed fight scenes where Ji-young metes out his brand of justice.
Regardless of whether one aligns with Ji-young’s motives, it’s hard to dispute that the targets of his vigilantism deserve a more severe consequence than what the legal system decides, especially in the absence of remorse. The physical confrontations are brutal, serving as a visceral manifestation of the vigilante’s rage against those who have wronged him and others. Crucially, Ji-young remains an affable protagonist, even as his unwavering pursuit of vengeance threatens to engulf him entirely—an aspect owed significantly to Nam Joo-hyuk’s compelling portrayal.
Ending Notes
Vigilante K-drama is poised to be a must-watch drama for K-drama enthusiasts and anyone looking for a captivating storyline that blurs the lines between hero and anti-hero. With a star-studded cast, an acclaimed director, and the promise of an enthralling narrative, this drama is set to make a mark in the world of Korean entertainment.
