Park Ju-hyun X Park Yong-woo, Father-Daughter Thriller: "A Genre Unseen in Korea"

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Actors Park Yong-woo and Park Ju-hyun are set to challenge a father-daughter thriller, transforming into a psychopathic serial killer father and a sociopathic forensic pathologist daughter, respectively. The two will hunt each other in a fateful showdown.

The series is described as a calm yet meticulous pursuit drama. Park Ju-hyun hinted, "We didn't portray horror provocatively or glorify it. We tried to show fundamental human emotions as honestly as possible. That's why it will be even more provocative."

LG Uplus STUDIO X+U's 'The Scalpel-Wielding Hunter' held its production presentation on June 12th at the Ramada Seoul Sindorim Hotel. Park Ju-hyun, Park Yong-woo, Kang Hoon, and director Lee Jung-hoon were in attendance.
Plot and Character Dynamics

'The Scalpel-Wielding Hunter' is a crime thriller. Forensic pathologist Seo Se-hyun (played by Park Ju-hyun) discovers familiar murder methods used by serial killer Yoon Jo-kyun (played by Park Yong-woo) on the autopsy table.

Yoon Jo-kyun is Se-hyun's father. In the past, he tasked his young daughter with disposing of bodies, using her to conceal his crimes. He earned the infamous moniker 'The Tailor' and is presumed dead by the world.

After 20 years, the father and daughter turn their knives on each other. Se-hyun embarks on a hunt before her father, to protect everything she has built. Jo-kyun, on the other hand, sets traps to pull his daughter into his world.

The drama portrays an extreme confrontation between 'hunter and prey.' Director Lee Jung-hoon explained, "Uncomfortable truths are revealed between the father and daughter. The father relentlessly and harshly tests his daughter."

Park Yong-woo pointed out, "Jo-kyun and Se-hyun share a blood relation as father and daughter. He believes it's love, but it's a deeply twisted obsession. Through that obsession, he wants to prove himself."
Portraying Complex Personalities

Se-hyun, played by Park Ju-hyun, is a genius forensic pathologist with sociopathic tendencies and murderous instincts. She is a character with sharp insight and persistence, having solved numerous cold cases.

Park Ju-hyun stated, "Se-hyun is a character whose emotions aren't expressed in a one-dimensional way. I tried my best to express my emotions in an intriguing way, without letting people catch on."

Park Ju-hyun added, "Even within the genre, each drama has its own color, and I felt our drama's color was very strong. I did my best to bring that to life."

Director Lee endeavored to bring Se-hyun to life in a three-dimensional way. "Se-hyun has a dark past (having been complicit in murder). Despite that, she had to become a character that viewers would root for," he said.

He continued, "I tried to express that point very meticulously. We talked a lot [with Park Ju-hyun] on set, and we were able to achieve good results."

Park Yong-woo portrays Yoon Jo-kyun. He appears to be an ordinary dry cleaner owner, but he is a psychopathic serial killer truly devoted to human dissection. He reawakens murderous instincts in his daughter.

Park Yong-woo prepared for the role by researching real serial killers. "I watched many documentaries about Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson, and others," he shared, "Their commonality was a significant lack of empathy for others."

He continued, "Psychopaths reportedly practice socializing by looking in a mirror to get along with others. I practiced that too. I pondered how to portray someone without a sense of guilt."

Kang Hoon plays Jung Jung-hyun, a violent crimes team leader who believes in the inherent goodness of humanity. He encounters Se-hyun, the genius forensic pathologist he has always admired, and together they pursue gruesome unsolved cases.

Kang Hoon gained weight for the role. "I gained about 5-6 kg. As a police officer, there were many running scenes. I consistently managed my physical fitness and focused on my physical appearance," he revealed.
Beyond the Surface: Deepening the Thriller

Beyond the central narrative, the characters' complex inner worlds are a key viewing point of this drama. For example, Se-hyun feels hatred for her father Jo-kyun, but simultaneously harbors affection for him.

Director Lee explained, "In Se-hyun's childhood, her father was the only one by her side. Her desire to be loved by her father was likely stronger than her fear of him."

He added, "Se-hyun participated in body disposal. Beyond questioning 'is she guilty or innocent,' I hope viewers also consider whether she chose to become a sociopath as a self-defense mechanism."

The relationship between Se-hyun and Jung-hyun is also expected to add intrigue. They oscillate between cooperation and suspicion. Kang Hoon stated, "I always admired Se-hyun. But gradually, the pieces of the puzzle point towards her," adding, "He denies it, telling himself it can't be true, and struggles internally."

Park Ju-hyun explained, "Se-hyun feels confused by Jung-hyun because he possesses humanity and warmth that she cannot have. For Se-hyun, Jung-hyun is the only person she can get help from and lean on."

'The Scalpel-Wielding Hunter' is based on a novel, translating its solid narrative into a fast-paced format. It opted for a 30-minute episode length, longer than a short-form series but shorter than a typical drama, totaling 16 episodes.

Director Lee explained, "Drama pacing is getting faster and faster. Mid-form was the most suitable format to explain this drama. We really packed everything in tightly within a short 30 minutes."

Park Yong-woo emphasized, "The story doesn't just rush through; it progresses while addressing everything. You'll feel that it's truly fun and full of tension."

Park Ju-hyun urged, "I think this is a fresh genre that has never been seen in Korea. We tried our best to make it dense without any flaws. Please enjoy it."

Meanwhile, 'The Scalpel-Wielding Hunter' will be released on June 16th via U+tv, U+Mobiletv, and Disney+.