Chief Detective 1958 (2024) 수사반장 1958
Directed by Kim Sung-hoon, starring Lee Je-hoon and Seo Eun-soo.
This detective show is a prequel to the TV-series Chief Inspector (running from 1971 till 1989), with Choi Bul-am in the lead as Chief Inspector Park. In the first episode of Chief Detective 1958, Choi Bul-am makes a special appearance as present-day Park Yeong-han. Then we go back in time, to 1958, where our main story is set, and Lee Je-hoon plays the younger version of Park Yeong-han (he's also briefly seen as the grandson of Choi Bul-am's present-day Park Yeong-han). I've seen 4 episodes so far from this 10-episode series and really like it.
Park Yeong-han has been transferred from the countryside (where he's a champion in catching cow thieves) to Seoul. With a newly formed team of 4 detectives (himself included), headed by the righteous team leader Yu Dae-cheon (played by Choi Deok-moon), they fight injustice and corruption. Though there's nothing groundbreaking about this show, it's still fun all the way. I love the retro feel, the great aesthetics, the colour palette, the fashion.
Show has a feel-good vibe and I like the main characters and their interactions. It also offers a sweet romance between Park Yeong-han and Lee Hye-ju (played by Seo Eun-soo, an actress unfamiliar to me), the owner of a bookstore. I was happy with their kiss at the end of episode 4!
Also currently watching: What Happens to My Family?, Hot Stove League, and Forever Love.