Lee Je-Hoon Praises His Optimistic ‘Chief Detective’ Character

Detective Park Yeong-han is an eternal optimist, confident in his ability to crack any case, from rural cattle thefts to urban gang crimes. However, his colleagues often do not share his optimism or his fearless approach to danger. Lee Je-hoon, who portrays Yeong-han in the Disney/Hulu series Chief Detective 1958, admires his character’s passion and optimism but acknowledges that these traits sometimes lead to impulsive decisions.

“Park Yeong-han has a pure heart and is deeply committed to catching criminals,” said Lee. “He is a passionate young man who stands firm against the powerful and shows tenderness and consideration towards vulnerable victims. This tendency can lead him to be simplistic and reckless during investigations, often ignoring his own safety. I believe his dedication to his cases and his belief in protecting the vulnerable underpin his behavior, fueling his passion for his job.”

Yeong-han’s crime-fighting prowess catches the attention of the Seoul police, leading to his reassignment to the city, where his mission becomes more complex. Corruption at high levels, including among police superiors, complicates his efforts. Yeong-han makes enemies in both the criminal underworld and the police force, rarely pausing to consider the danger he faces.

“It’s indeed dangerous, especially with a wife and a baby on the way,” Lee noted. “But he struggles to control himself when he witnesses injustice, becoming wholly focused on solving the case and putting his well-being aside. His passion and dedication make it difficult for him to keep his optimism in check.”

Although it might seem like a spoiler to reveal that Yeong-han marries a woman he meets in the series, Chief Detective 1958 is a prequel. Fans of the original Chief Detective (aka Chief Inspector) series, which aired in the 70s and 80s, are already familiar with his marital history. Choi Boo-lam, who originally played Yeong-han, makes a cameo as the now gray-haired detective visiting his police officer grandson, also played by Lee.

“When I joined the series, I researched the original Chief Detective series as much as possible,” said Lee. “There weren’t many references available, but I reviewed everything I could find. Mr. Choi Boo-lam also shared his experiences, which was very helpful. Chief Detective 1958 is set before the original series, so I wasn’t familiar with the era. I watched videos from that time, focusing on differences in facial expressions, tones, and behavior.”

Lee also delved into the investigative techniques of the 1950s. Detectives back then lacked modern tools like CCTV, internet searches, and DNA analysis. “I was struck by the methodologies used in the past,” he said. “Investigations started with meticulously studying the crime scene and questioning those connected to the crime. Detectives had to cover physical ground due to technological limitations and make logical inferences with limited evidence. I developed immense respect for detectives from that era.”

In Seoul, Yeong-han forms Unit 1, an investigative team featuring co-stars Lee Dong-hwi as Sangsun aka Mad Dog, Choi Woo-sung as Gyeong-hwan, and Yoon Hyun-soo as Ho-jeong, with support from Detective Yu, played by Choi Duk-moon. “I had the most fun and felt a strong bond with my castmates when filming team scenes,” Lee said. “Our chemistry was incredible. Chief Yu anchored the team, Sang-sun was a great pillar of support, and Gyeong-hwan and Ho-jeong were diligent teammates, bringing positive energy even in tough situations.”

Despite the serious nature of crime-solving, the witty retro drama incorporates humor. One of Lee’s favorite scenes involved the team wearing toothpaste under their noses. “The comedic effect turned out great,” Lee said. “Such an operation wouldn’t be seen in modern detective work, but it reflected the 1950s era and was great fun to film. It was memorable because it captured the characters in an endearing light, even though we looked silly.”

Regardless of the obstacles, Yeong-han always catches his man, a determination that earns Lee’s admiration. “What I like about Park Yeong-han is his blend of passion and reason,” said Lee. “Without passion, he wouldn’t make bold decisions required of a detective; without reason, he could misdirect investigations. Yeong-han balances both, making him reliable. When Chief Yu is wounded, Yeong-han’s anger and sadness don’t cloud his mission. He never forgets his role as a detective, which makes me respect him immensely.”

Lee, previously nominated for Best Actor at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in Time To Hunt, has also appeared in both seasons of Taxi Driver and the drama Signal, which is getting a sequel. Chief Detective 1958 premiered internationally on Disney and is now available on Hulu in the U.S.