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Hello Monster
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Hello Monster
Promotional poster
Also known asI Remember You[1]
Hangul
너를 기억해
Hanja
너를 記憶해
Lit.Remember you
RRNeoreul gieokhae
MRNŏrŭl kiŏkhae
Genre
Created byKBS Drama Division
Written byKwon Ki-young
Directed by
  • Noh Sang-hoon
  • Kim Jin-won
Starring
ComposerLee Pil-ho
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Hwang Ui-kyung
  • Lee Na-jung
  • Park Woo-ram
Cinematography
  • Park Sung
  • Kim Kyung-ho
EditorKim Young-joo
Running time70 minutes
Production companyCJ E&M
Original release
NetworkKBS2
ReleaseJune 22 (2015-06-22) –
August 11, 2015 (2015-08-11)

Hello Monster (Korean: 너를 기억해; RR: Neoreul gieokhae) is a South Korean television series starring Seo In-guk, Jang Na-ra, Choi Won-young, and Park Bo-gum.[2][3][4] It aired on KBS2 from June 22 to August 11, 2015 every Monday and Tuesday at 21:55 for 16 episodes.[5][6] Park's performance was widely praised by audience and critics and won him the Best Supporting Actor Award and Popularity Award at the 29th KBS Drama Awards.

Synopsis

[edit]

Genius profiler Lee Hyun, returns home to Korea after something from a case he has been sent triggers a memory he thought he had lost forever. Unbeknownst to him, one of his team members, Detective Cha Ji-an, has been investigating him for some time. She is aware that his father was murdered and his brother disappeared under mysterious circumstances involving a criminal named Lee Joon Young whom they both want found and incarcerated. Each seeks to unravel the other, unaware that they've been drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse by a master player and that both truth and evil are closer and far more twisted than they think.

Cast

[edit]

Main

[edit]
  • Seo In-guk as Lee Hyun / David Lee
    • Hong Hyun-taek[7] as young Lee Hyun
Lee Hyun was a "strange child" who caught the attention of his father, a police inspector, who later confined him in a small room to prevent him from breeding criminal thoughts. An intelligent child, he later studies abroad and becomes a reputed professor. Strangely, he loses his childhood memories, and a series of events lead him to return to South Korea. There he tries to solve numerous murder cases that seem to be linked to one another in order to find his long-lost little brother, whom he presumed to be the serial killer.
  • Jang Na-ra as Cha Ji-an
    • Park Ji-so as young Cha Ji-an
Cha Ji-an's father mysteriously disappeared together with Lee Joon-young, a convicted prisoner who was said to have escaped from confinement. She becomes a police inspector and meets Lee Hyun, the boy she has been stalking since her childhood. Their similar circumstances lead them together as they work to solve criminal cases.
Born as a result of rape, Joon-young was neglected as a child. He soon bred murderous thoughts and became a murderer who eventually escaped from prison. 20 years later, he returned with the identity of Lee Joon-ho. His main personality trait throughout the series was depicted as someone who doesn't understand complexities of human emotions while being well versed in their thoughts. For-example, from his perspective, his returning of Cha Ji-an's father's remains was a good deed despite having killed and framed the guy himself. Knowing how her father ended up 20 years ago made her angry at him but he was sad to see Cha Ji-an being angry and couldn't figure out the reason despite it being very obvious to others.
He doesn't think he ever did anything bad since there was always a justifiable reason for himself.
In his own words, Lee Hyun was the kid he wanted to be while Lee Min was the kid who came to resemble him.
  • Park Bo-gum as Jung Sun-ho / Lee Min
    • Hong Eun-taek[7] as young Lee Min
Lee Min shared a close relationship with Lee Hyun as a child and often confided his darkest secrets to him. He feels neglected later on as he was under the misconception that he had been abandoned by his brother after their father was murdered. He later appears nearly 20 years later using the name Jung Sun-ho.

Supporting

[edit]
The leader of the special investigator team and the son of the police commissioner
  • Min Sung-wook as Son Myung-woo
Special investigator member and senior of Cha Ji-an. He is cynical and is annoyed by Lee Hyun's attitude
The youngest member of the team. He is a bright young man who is cheerful
Special investigator team member. He is a slightly quiet person. Unbeknownst to the team, he is one of the kids that Lee Joon-young saved from his hellish childhood life
Planning director of the investigation team and Lee Hyun's adoptive mother
  • Nam Kyung-eup (ko) as Kang Seok-joo
Police commissioner and father of Kang Eun-hyuk
She was raped and gave birth to Lee Joon-ho

Production

[edit]

The first script reading took place in the end of April 2015 at KBS Annex in Yeouido, Seoul, South Korea.[8]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]
Park Bo-gum received praise for his performance

Park Bo-gum's performance received widespread critical and audience acclaim and won him the Best Supporting Actor Award and Popularity Award at the 29th KBS Drama Awards.[9] In 2025, in a career retrospective for Park, Gulf News stated that Park's performance in the series was "his best role yet in a stellar career... proving his ability to shape-shift into what the role demanded—even if the show wasn't always a hit, Bo-gum always was."[10]

Viewership

[edit]

In this table, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.

Ep. Original broadcast date Title Average audience share
TNmS[11] AGB Nielsen[12]
Nationwide Seoul Nationwide Seoul
1 June 22, 2015 Every Child's Story Begins with Their Parents 5.6% 5.4% 4.7% 4.7%
2 June 23, 2015 Hello, Monster 5.6% 5.8% 4.7% 4.5%
3 June 29, 2015 Thou Shall Not Kill, But... 5.2% 5.8% 4.7% 4.8%
4 June 30, 2015 The Suspect, Lee Hyun 4.9% 5.0% 4.0% 4.1%
5 July 6, 2015 Borne Back Ceaselessly into the Past 4.6% 4.8% 4.6% 4.8%
6 July 7, 2015 The Blood of a Murderer 5.4% 5.5% 4.8% 4.9%
7 July 13, 2015 Let's Be Partners? 5.0% 5.2% 4.7% 4.5%
8 July 14, 2015 Remember Me 4.2% 4.7% 4.6% 5.0%
9 July 20, 2015 Stalker S 4.5% 4.6% 4.9% 5.1%
10 July 21, 2015 Find Me 4.6% 4.7% 5.0% 5.0%
11 July 27, 2015 Birth of a Monster 4.7% 5.1% 4.8% 4.9%
12 July 28, 2015 If I Had to Kill Somebody... 4.6% 5.5% 5.0% 5.2%
13 August 3, 2015 What Choice Would You Make? 4.1% 4.1% 4.5% 4.7%
14 August 4, 2015 Lee Joon-young's Room 4.7% 4.9% 5.3% 5.4%
15 August 10, 2015 Is a Happy Ending Possible? 4.6% 5.0% 4.5% 4.9%
16 August 11, 2015 I Remember You 4.3% 4.3% 5.1% 5.3%
Average 4.8% 5.0% 4.7% 4.9%

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
2015
8th Korea Drama Awards
Top Excellence Award, Actress Jang Na-ra Nominated
Excellence Award, Actor Seo In-guk Nominated
Best Screenplay Kwon Ki-young Nominated
4th APAN Star Awards
Best New Actor Park Bo-gum Nominated
29th KBS Drama Awards
Best Supporting Actor Won
Popularity Award, Actor Won
Excellence Award, Actor in a Mini-series Seo In-guk Nominated
Excellence Award, Actress in a Mini-series Jang Na-ra Nominated

International broadcast

[edit]
Country Network(s)/Station(s) Series premiere Title Ref.
Malaysia Malaysia TV2 September 2 – October 7, 2018 (Sunday - Tuesday, 20:30 – 21:30); December 23, 2018 (Sunday - Tuesday, 20:30 – 21:30) [Re-aired] I Remember You [13]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hello Monster

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hello Monster (Korean: Neoreul Gieokhae; lit. I Remember You) is a South Korean psychological crime thriller television series that aired on KBS2 from June 22 to August 11, 2015, consisting of 16 episodes. The drama follows genius criminal profiler Lee Hyun as he returns to South Korea after a case in New York triggers memories of a past serial murder, reuniting him with childhood friend and detective Cha Ji-an to unravel interconnected mysteries involving his family's dark history. Directed by Noh Sang-hoon and written by Kwon Ki-young, the series blends elements of mystery, romance, and psychological drama, exploring themes of memory, justice, and hidden traumas. The plot centers on (played by ), a brilliant but aloof profiler with an and sharp wit, who teams up with the determined detective Cha Ji-an () to solve a series of murders linked to a cunning criminal mastermind. As they investigate, revelations about Lee Hyun's missing younger brother and the murder of his father draw them into a dangerous psychological game orchestrated by the enigmatic Lee Joon-young (). The narrative delves into the characters' personal demons, with supporting roles by as the empathetic forensic investigator Jung Seon-ho and as the team's analyst Kang Kwang-soo, adding layers of camaraderie and tension. Produced by , Hello Monster received positive reception for its intricate storyline and strong performances, earning a 7.7/10 rating on from over 2,000 users and a 9.2/10 on Viki from more than 54,000 viewers. At the , won Best Supporting Actor and Popularity Actor awards for his role, while the series garnered nominations at events like the and Awards for its cast and direction. Its success contributed to renewed interest in psychological thrillers in Korean , influencing subsequent dramas in the genre.

Background and development

Premise

Hello Monster, known internationally as I Remember You, follows the story of , a genius criminal profiler endowed with photographic memory, who returns to after a case abroad awakens long-suppressed recollections from his childhood. Teaming up with the determined elite detective Cha Ji-an, who harbors her own suspicions about his background, Lee Hyun applies his exceptional analytical skills to unravel a string of serial murders tied to unresolved elements of his personal history. This collaboration forms the core of the series, exploring the interplay between professional investigation and personal revelations. The drama is classified primarily as a mystery and thriller, incorporating strong elements of and romance, which distinguish it within the genre by emphasizing mental acuity, emotional depth, and interpersonal dynamics over mere procedural elements. Lee Hyun's sharp intellect and eidetic recall enable intricate profiling techniques, while Cha Ji-an's observational prowess drives their partnership forward. Originally penned as an screenplay by writer Kwon Ki-young, the series draws conceptual inspiration from real-world criminal psychology and the complexities of human memory, presenting a narrative that probes the boundaries between genius and monstrosity. The alternative Korean title, Neoreul Gieokhae (I Remember You), directly evokes the protagonist's extraordinary memory abilities and the overarching motifs of remembrance and identity, underscoring how past events shape present actions.

Writing and pre-production

The script for Hello Monster was penned by Kwon Ki-young, a known for her earlier work on the 2011 romantic comedy Protect the Boss, which explored workplace dynamics and family secrets. Development of the script began in 2014, laying the groundwork for the series' blend of and romance elements.) Director Noh Sang-hoon was chosen for his prior experience in crafting tense, character-driven thrillers, including the 2014 KBS2 Drama Special episode I'm Dying Soon, which delved into themes of mortality and deception. Pre-production planning commenced in early 2015, with key milestones including the confirmation of lead actors and , as well as a title change from Hello Monster to I Remember You (reflecting the Korean title Neoreul Gieokhae) by late April 2015, marking the finalization of the script outline.) The series was produced by in collaboration with KBS Media for broadcaster KBS2, with an initial budget structured to support 16 episodes of approximately 70 minutes each, emphasizing high-quality production values for its investigative sequences and character interactions. A key challenge during the scripting phase was balancing the rapid pacing required for the mystery and profiling techniques—such as the protagonist's analytical deductions—with in-depth explorations of character backstories, ensuring emotional resonance without diluting the . This approach drew from the premise's core idea of and monstrosity, allowing the narrative to weave personal histories into the procedural framework.

Plot

Synopsis

Hello Monster, also known as I Remember You, follows , a brilliant yet eccentric criminal profiler who has been living abroad, as he returns to after a case abroad stirs fragmented memories from his childhood. There, he reluctantly teams up with elite Cha Ji-an, who has been secretly investigating him, to tackle a series of interconnected murders that echo a traumatic serial killer case from his past. The story centers on their partnership, which evolves amid tense confrontations with a cunning adversary, Lee Joon-young, a forensic pathologist harboring his own dark secrets. The narrative unfolds across 16 episodes, blending episodic investigations into bizarre crimes with a serialized arc that gradually unveils revelations about Lee Hyun's suppressed memories, including the disappearance of his brother and the murder of his father. As the team—comprising the sharp-witted profiler, the determined detective, and supportive colleagues like the empathetic —delves deeper, personal relationships strengthen, marked by moments of trust-building and subtle romance between and Cha Ji-an. These arcs highlight the psychological toll of the pursuit, with flashbacks providing emotional depth to the characters' motivations. The series maintains a tone of suspenseful thriller elements, punctuated by humorous banter among the team that lightens the intense atmosphere of forensic puzzles and moral dilemmas. While exploring themes of memory and morality, the plot builds toward a climactic confrontation that ties the murders to Lee Hyun's haunted history, emphasizing the interplay between past traumas and present justice.

Themes

The series delves deeply into the theme of and identity, portraying as both a profound gift and a burdensome curse for , whose exceptional recall enables unparalleled criminal profiling but also unearths suppressed that fragments his sense of self. This duality is exemplified through Hyun's regarding key familial losses, which drives his internal conflict and quest for personal reconciliation, underscoring how shapes—and sometimes distorts—individual identity. The narrative illustrates this tension as Hyun grapples with resurfacing recollections triggered by investigations, revealing how past events indelibly influence present . Central to the drama is the exploration of versus monstrosity, which blurs the boundaries between criminals and those who pursue them, prompting viewers to question whether psychopathic tendencies arise from innate or environmental nurture. The antagonist's challenges conventional by positing that "monsters" may be products of trauma rather than inherent evil, as seen in debates over rehabilitating the criminally insane and the ambiguities faced by profilers who empathize with perpetrators. This theme manifests in the series' interrogation of responsibility, where characters confront the idea that harming others is never justifiable, yet understanding the roots of monstrosity demands nuanced reflection on human fallibility. Human connections serve as a counterforce to psychological isolation, with the core team's evolving friendships and romantic bonds illustrating how interpersonal relationships foster healing from deep-seated emotional wounds. The dynamics among , Cha Ji-an, and their colleagues evolve from initial suspicion to profound support, highlighting and romance as vital mechanisms for overcoming trauma and rebuilding trust. These relationships emphasize themes of reconciliation and mutual reliance, as seen in moments of shared vulnerability that affirm the redemptive power of within a high-stakes investigative environment. The portrayal of psychological profiling draws on principles, accurately depicting the profiler's role in deciphering while incorporating cognitive biases that complicate investigations, such as in . Lee Hyun's methods showcase the intellectual rigor of profiling, blending with intuitive insights to unravel cases involving serial killings, yet the series underscores how personal biases can skew professional judgment. This realistic integration highlights the mental toll of the profession, portraying it as a blend of scientific precision and emotional endurance essential to the narrative's suspense.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Seo In-guk portrays Lee Hyun, a genius criminal profiler and university professor who possesses a photographic memory, enabling him to analyze crime scenes and suspects with remarkable precision. His character is depicted as quirky and aloof, often displaying a sharp wit and indifference to social norms, which masks deeper emotional isolation stemming from his past. Jang Na-ra plays Cha Ji-an, a determined and elite leading the special crime investigation team, whose resolve is fueled by the unresolved trauma of her father's death. She serves as the emotional anchor of the group, balancing professional tenacity with personal vulnerability while pursuing leads that intertwine her history with the team's cases. Choi Won-young stars as Lee Joon-young (under the alias Lee Jun-ho), Lee Hyun's older brother and a whose polished exterior conceals hidden motives and complex loyalties. His role involves navigating legal and investigative overlaps, contributing forensic insights through his professional connections while harboring secrets that influence family dynamics. Park Bo-gum embodies Jung Sun-ho, a kind-hearted on the investigation team, known for his empathetic nature and dedication to uncovering truths through and analysis. His gentle demeanor provides contrast to the team's intensity, fostering supportive interactions during high-stakes probes. These central characters interlink through collaborative investigations, where Lee Hyun's profiling expertise complements Cha Ji-an's fieldwork and Jung Sun-ho's medical evaluations, often moderated by Lee Joon-young's prosecutorial perspective. Their personal growth emerges from mutual reliance, as shared histories and evolving trust deepen bonds amid professional challenges.

Supporting cast

Lee Chun-hee plays Kang Eun-hyeok, the dedicated leader of the special investigation team whose hidden motives and philosophical connections to protagonist Lee Hyun drive key conflicts and revelations in the central mystery. Min Sung-wook portrays Son Myeong-woo, a resourceful special investigator and team senior with technical skills in forensics, offering comic relief through his quirky enthusiasm while supporting case resolutions and team dynamics. Do Kyung-soo (D.O. of ) guest stars as the young Lee Joon-young, a chilling from Lee Hyun's childhood whose encounter leaves lasting philosophical impacts on themes of monstrosity and memory. Other notable guest appearances include actors portraying victims, suspects, and episodic figures, such as Kim Kyu-chul as a serial killer's father in episode 5, who deepen subplots involving family trauma and moral ambiguity. These supporting roles advance side mysteries by revealing backstories and interpersonal tensions within the ensemble, contrasting the main team's efforts and enriching the narrative's exploration of hidden darkness.

Episodes

Episode list

Hello Monster consists of 16 episodes, each running approximately 60 to 70 minutes, that originally aired on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. KST on KBS2 from June 22 to August 11, 2015. The series was directed primarily by No Sang-hoon, with writing credits to Kwon Ki-young. The following table provides an overview of the episodes, including titles, air dates, and nationwide viewership ratings from Nielsen Korea.
EpisodeTitle (English Translation)Korean TitleAir DateViewership Rating (%)
1Every Child's Story Begins with Their Parents모든 아이의 이야기는, 그들의 부모로부터 시작된다June 22, 20154.7
2Hello, Monster헬로, 몬스터June 23, 20154.7
3Thou Shall Not Kill, But...살인하지 말지어다, 그러나...June 29, 20154.7
4Suspect Lee Hyun용의자 이현June 30, 20154.0
5Borne Back Ceaselessly into the Past언제나 쓸려 내려갈 뿐이었어요, 저 과거로July 6, 20154.6
6The Killer's Blood살인자의 피July 7, 20154.8
7Want to be Partners?파트너가 될래?July 13, 20154.7
8Remember Me나를 기억해July 14, 20154.6
9Stalkers스토커sJuly 20, 20154.9
10Find Me나를 찾아줘July 21, 20155.0
11Birth of a Monster괴물의 탄생July 27, 20154.8
12If You Have to Kill Someone누군가를 죽여야 한다면July 28, 20155.0
13What Choice Will You Make?너는 어떤 선택을 할까August 3, 20154.5
14Lee Joon-young's Room이준영의 방August 4, 20155.3
15Is a Happy Ending Possible?해피엔딩이 가능할까?August 10, 20154.5
16Remember You너를 기억해August 11, 20155.1

Episode Summaries

Episode 1: Every Child's Story Begins with Their Parents (June 22, 2015)
Genius criminal profiler , who has been working , receives a mysterious from an anonymous sender posing as a police contact, urging him to assist with a baffling murder case in Korea that bears personal significance. Returning home, he arrives at the and encounters the special crime investigation team led by Cha Ji-an, sparking initial tensions as his unconventional methods clash with their structured approach while introducing the team's dynamics. Episode 2: Hello, Monster (June 23, 2015)
As the team delves deeper into the murder investigation, flashbacks reveal 's troubled childhood and his father's fears about his son's exceptional intellect potentially leading him down a dangerous path similar to a known criminal. begins to integrate with the team, using his profiling skills to analyze suspects, while Cha Ji-an grapples with trusting his insights amid growing suspicions about his own past. Episode 3: Thou Shall Not Kill, But... (June 29, 2015)
The team races to prevent another attack in the ongoing serial case, with Cha Ji-an leading the charge to a potential victim site, highlighting her determination and the unit's collaborative efforts under pressure. Lee Hyun employs his psychological tactics during an interrogation, pretending to be an ally to the suspect, which further develops the team's reliance on his unique expertise despite ethical concerns. Episode 4: Suspect Lee Hyun (June 30, 2015)
Following a lead that takes the team internationally, Lee Hyun's clever strategies result in the capture of a key figure, prompting Cha Ji-an to confront him directly about his evasive background. Their interaction extends to a personal visit at his residence, underscoring evolving team trust issues and the blending of professional and private boundaries. Episode 5: Borne Back Ceaselessly into the Past (July 6, 2015)
In a tense standoff involving a hidden confrontation, Cha Ji-an aids in evading detection by distracting colleagues, revealing her protective instincts toward him. Later, she discovers him injured at home and provides care, marking a pivotal moment in their partnership as past events from the case resurface to challenge the team's unity. Episode 6: The Killer's Blood (July 7, 2015)
questions a high-ranking official connected to an old disappearance case, uncovering links to a notorious figure and multiple unsolved murders lacking bodies. Meanwhile, an external ally attempts to draw into a separate initiative, complicating the team's focus on the current investigation and highlighting internal conflicts. Episode 7: Want to be Partners? (July 13, 2015)
Lee Hyun addresses Cha Ji-an's doubts about his potential darker tendencies, strengthening their bond through open dialogue about suspicions in a new case involving a possible . The rallies around a friend's involvement, fostering greater cohesion as they navigate moral dilemmas in their profiling work. Episode 8: Remember Me (July 14, 2015)
After Cha Ji-an faces an assault during fieldwork, she consults with a legal expert to voice concerns about emerging threats tied to the investigation. This incident prompts deeper discussions on safety protocols and personal vulnerabilities, as Lee Hyun's role in piecing together connections becomes central to their strategy. Episode 9: Stalkers (July 20, 2015)
Lee Hyun presses authorities on historical disappearances involving his family and a key suspect, while a new victim's discovery aligns with patterns from prior cases, pulling the team into a broader web of obsession-driven crimes. The unit's collaboration intensifies as they track leads on persistent followers, emphasizing the psychological toll on the group. Episode 10: Find Me (July 21, 2015)
The team unexpectedly encounters perpetrators in a high-stakes pursuit, leading to urgent coordination with external support including legal and profiling experts to locate a missing member. This crisis tests the team's resilience and highlights Lee Hyun's critical contributions in decoding urgent messages during the search. Episode 11: Birth of a Monster (July 27, 2015)
Following a moment of emotional connection, uncovers a disturbing artifact that reignites questions about a returning figure's and potential influence on ongoing threats. The team examines backstory elements that shaped key individuals, deepening their understanding of motivations within the investigation. Episode 12: If You Have to Kill Someone (July 28, 2015)
Lee Hyun identifies a disguised ally in the network of events, confronting them to assess risks to innocents involved in a related matter. Video evidence emerges to support actions against a suspect, prompting the team to refine their approach to intertwined personal and criminal threads. Episode 13: What Choice Will You Make? (August 3, 2015)
A targeted confrontation unfolds away from the main team, involving a legal figure and an , resulting in medical intervention that shifts priorities. anticipates threats to Cha Ji-an but redirects focus, illustrating the team's adaptive under . Episode 14: Lee Joon-young's Room (August 4, 2015)
Following a clue in the form of a map, the team uncovers significant evidence related to a past tragedy, fueling Cha Ji-an's resolve against a central antagonist. Lee intervenes to temper reactions, reinforcing the group's emphasis on amid personal stakes. Episode 15: Is a Happy Ending Possible? (August 10, 2015)
Cha Ji-an infiltrates a suspect's domain but receives an unexpected reprieve, while Lee engages in a direct exchange that probes deeper into familial secrets. The team's joint efforts explore hidden locations and histories, questioning the feasibility of closure in their pursuits. Episode 16: Remember You (August 11, 2015)
Reflections on symbolic communications reveal ties to a long-buried family incident, prompting to revisit childhood memories linked to a defensive act. The team consolidates findings from the overarching case, contemplating the implications for relationships and unresolved elements.

Broadcast schedule

Hello Monster premiered on KBS2 on June 22, 2015, at 22:00 KST, airing its finale on August 11, 2015. The series followed a standard episode cadence of two 70-minute episodes per week on Mondays and Tuesdays, spanning 16 episodes over eight weeks without any major hiatuses or scheduling adjustments. It occupied KBS2's Monday-Tuesday prime-time slot at 22:00 KST, competing directly against SBS's (June to July) and (August onward), as well as MBC's ongoing historical drama Hwajung, in a competitive that highlighted the series' strong performance within the network rivalry. Following its finale, the drama saw post-finale re-runs on KBS domestic platforms, including repeat broadcasts on KBS Drama and archival airings during special programming blocks.

Production

Filming

Principal photography for Hello Monster, also known internationally as I Remember You, occurred from late May to July 2015, primarily in and nearby regions including Gyeonggi-do and . The production team scouted diverse sites to reflect the series' elements, wrapping principal shooting ahead of its June 22 premiere on KBS2. Key locations encompassed urban and rural settings for authenticity: abandoned structures and industrial areas in , such as those near Olympic Park and stream, served as eerie crime scenes; university facilities like Anyang University doubled as the criminal profiling office; and rural spots including Yangnim-dong in captured introspective flashbacks. Technical choices emphasized immersion, with action cameras integrated for dynamic investigative pursuits and composite effects, alongside innovative single-take transitions between past and present to heighten narrative tension—though these extended individual scene durations significantly. Production faced logistical hurdles, notably frequent night shoots for suspense-driven sequences that demanded endurance from the cast and crew, often supported by fan-delivered late-night meals totaling over 300 portions on multiple occasions. Actor schedules proved challenging amid intense hours, with lead enduring up to 48 hours without sleep during peak filming, while rising talent Park Bo-gum's commitments required careful coordination to align with the fast-paced timeline.

Music and soundtrack

The soundtrack for Hello Monster (also known as I Remember You) was overseen by acclaimed music director Lee Pil-ho, whose score blended orchestral arrangements to heighten suspense in mystery sequences with intimate piano-driven motifs that underscored emotional and character flashbacks. was released progressively through four single parts featuring vocal tracks by notable artists, culminating in a comprehensive album on August 18, 2015, that included these songs alongside 20 instrumental pieces tailored to the series' tone. Part 1, released on June 29, 2015, spotlighted "Remember" by Dear Cloud as the main theme, evoking melancholy tied to the protagonists' buried memories. Subsequent releases built on this foundation: Part 2 delivered "Who Are You?" by Kim Ye Rim of Togeworl, a haunting character song reflecting the female lead's wary pursuit of truth; Part 3 offered "It Shows" by Hong Dae Kwang, infusing subtle romance with its light, revealing melody; and Part 4 concluded with "I See You" (니가 보여) by Shin Yong Jae of Phantom, emphasizing watchful longing and interpersonal bonds. Instrumental highlights, such as "Hello Monster" composed by Park Jong Mi, employed tense string sections and rhythmic pulses to amplify the drama's investigative thrills, while gentler piano lines in tracks like "" by Im Eun Kyung supported poignant revelations. This integration of score and songs created a cohesive auditory layer that mirrored the narrative's shift between high-stakes tension and heartfelt vulnerability. Following the series' airing, the OST achieved widespread acclaim, topping Bugs Music's content power index and eliciting robust engagement from viewers across digital platforms, underscoring its role in deepening the drama's atmospheric impact.

Release

Domestic

Hello Monster premiered on KBS2 on June 22, 2015, in the network's Monday-Tuesday evening slot at 22:00 KST. A featuring the main cast and crew, including leads , , and supporting actor , was held on June 16, 2015, in , where the actors discussed the drama's psychological themes and character dynamics. Promotional efforts emphasized the series' mystery and thriller aspects through teaser trailers released in the weeks leading up to the premiere, showcasing enigmatic crime-solving scenes and the protagonists' tense interactions. Official posters highlighted the lead actors in brooding poses, underscoring the psychological depth of their roles and generating anticipation among viewers. The debut episode drew a nationwide average viewership rating of 4.7% according to Nielsen Korea, a modest start that nonetheless sparked early discussions on the show's innovative blend of profiling and personal backstory elements.

International distribution

Following its domestic premiere on KBS2 in from June 22 to August 11, 2015, Hello Monster was licensed for international distribution by through its subsidiary , facilitating its availability across multiple global markets as part of the growing Hallyu wave. In Asian markets, the series was streamed on platforms such as Viu in , including , where it was previously available before being removed from the service. For Western audiences, Hello Monster received English and was initially distributed on starting in 2015, offering on-demand access until the platform's shutdown in October 2019. After 's closure, the drama shifted to Rakuten Viki, where it remains available with in select regions worldwide. No official English-dubbed version has been produced or released.

Reception and legacy

Viewership ratings

Hello Monster garnered modest viewership during its original broadcast on KBS2, reflecting the challenges of the Monday-Tuesday prime-time slot in 2015. According to , the series achieved an average nationwide rating of 4.7% across its 16 episodes. The ratings showed gradual fluctuations, beginning with a rating of 4.7% and peaking at 5.3% for 14, before concluding at 5.1% for the finale. This peak represented the highest point amid steady but unremarkable performance, with earlier episodes hovering around 4.6–5.0%.
EpisodeBroadcast DateAGB Nielsen Nationwide (%)
1June 22, 20154.7
4June 30, 20154.0
8July 14, 20154.6
10July 21, 20155.0
14August 4, 20155.3
16August 11, 20155.1
The drama's airing in the summer slot from late June to early August provided some advantages, such as reduced competition from seasonal educational programming on public networks, though it contended with popular cable offerings on during the period. Internationally, the series developed a strong following through streaming platforms, earning an 8.4/10 rating from over 28,382 users on MyDramaList, indicating enduring appeal in and beyond despite domestic figures.

Critical response

Critics praised Hello Monster for its intelligent plotting, which skillfully explores themes of memory, monstrosity, and human connection through a series of interconnected mysteries. The drama's strong ensemble chemistry, particularly the bromantic dynamic between the estranged brothers played by and , added emotional depth to the thriller elements. 's performance as the brilliant yet aloof profiler was widely acclaimed for its nuance, capturing the character's internal conflicts with versatility and intensity. Reviewers highlighted how the show balances suspenseful crime-solving with heartfelt relationships, making it a standout in the genre. However, some critiques pointed to pacing issues in the mid-season, where the narrative occasionally slowed amid building subplots. Others noted that certain twists felt predictable, reducing the surprise factor in later episodes despite the overall clever scripting. These elements were seen as minor flaws in an otherwise engaging story, though they prevented the series from achieving flawless execution for all viewers. The drama received positive aggregate scores, reflecting its broad appeal: 8.4/10 on MyDramaList based on ratings from 28,382 users, and 7.7/10 on from 2,082 ratings. Its critical acclaim contributed to popularizing profiler-led narratives in Korean entertainment, influencing subsequent dramas in the genre.

Awards and nominations

At the 29th held on December 31, 2015, the duo of and won the Best Couple Award for their on-screen chemistry. earned the Best Supporting Actor Award and Popularity Actor Award for his dual performance as both ally and to the lead character. The series fared well at the 4th in 2015, securing a nomination for Best Drama. was nominated for Best New Actor, recognizing his breakout supporting role. At the 8th in 2015, received a nomination for Top Excellence Actress, highlighting her nuanced performance in the thriller genre. Overall, Hello Monster and its cast accumulated major awards including three at the , significantly elevating the profiles of , , and in the industry.

References

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