As ENA’s Monday-Tuesday drama "Honour" (writer Park Ga-yeon, director Park Geon-ho) wrapped on March 10, Jung Hee-tae stood out as veteran violent crimes detective Kim Seung-jin.
With his warm face, rough way of speaking, and loose, worn-looking clothes, Kim Seung-jin looked like the textbook image of a cop. That grounded vibe made the character feel real, pulling viewers deeper into the story.
Kim Seung-jin is the longtime colleague of Gu Seon-gyu (played by Choi Young-joon), the kind of hyung-dongsaeng duo who can grab a drink in the neighborhood any time. But a shocking twist revealed his true colors: he was actually helping the powerful villain network “Connect-In” while secretly spying on Gu, who was chasing the group’s mastermind.
In Episode 8, when he could no longer hide his role, Kim Seung-jin raised a gun at the very people he’d been friendly with―Gu Seon-gyu, his wife Hwang Hyeon-jin (Lee Chung-ah), Yoon Ra-young (Lee Na-young), and Kang Shin-jae (Jung Eun-chae)―ratcheting up the tension. In a standoff, Gu asked, “Are you sure you won’t regret this?” Kim shot back, “Damn it, I don’t want to do this either.” In that moment, he let go of both their bond and his convictions as a detective.
Gu had suspected him and removed the bullets in advance, preventing casualties. Kim Seung-jin was arrested on the spot. Even in the interrogation room, he refused to reveal the list of Connect-In users, looking out only for himself to the bitter end. His selfish final move left a lasting jolt.
Before "Honour", Jung Hee-tae also made a strong impression in the recently finished MBC series "The Judge Returns" as Kim Jin-han, a loyal right-hand man.
In "The Judge Returns", Seoul Central District Court criminal division senior judge Kim Jin-han shows unwavering devotion to his boss Kang Shin-jin (Park Hee-soon) and meets a tragic end. Choosing to be No. 2, he dedicates himself to Kang, warns him to be cautious, and flags the suspicious aura around the suddenly appearing Lee Han-young (Ji Sung).
Steadfast and resolute, Kim Jin-han throws himself into danger without hesitation, guided by sharp instincts and unshakable loyalty to Kang Shin-jin. Though he dies protecting him, the character leaves a deep imprint.
For over 30 years since his debut, Jung Hee-tae has met audiences across drama, film, and theater, enriching projects as a true “cheat code” performer. His credits include dramas "Misaeng", "Mr. Sunshine", "Reborn Rich", and "Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard"; films "Miracle in Cell No. 7", "My First Client", and "The Noisy Mansion"; and the play "Tebas Land".
[Photos = ENA "Honour", KT Studio Genie, MBC "The Judge Returns"]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)