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Suspicious Partner
View on Wikipedia| Suspicious Partner | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Also known as |
|
| Hangul | 수상한 파트너 |
| RR | Susanghan pateuneo |
| MR | Susanghan p'at'ŭnŏ |
| Genre | |
| Written by | Kwon Ki-young |
| Directed by | Park Sun-ho |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 20[a] |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Park Young-soo |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 30 mins[a] |
| Production company | The Story Works |
| Original release | |
| Network | SBS |
| Release | May 10 – July 13, 2017 |
Suspicious Partner[4] (Korean: 수상한 파트너; RR: Susanghan pateuneo) is a 2017 South Korean television series starring Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun, with Choi Tae-joon and Kwon Nara. It aired on Seoul Broadcasting System from May 10 to July 13, 2017, at 22:00 (KST) on Wednesdays and Thursdays for 20 episodes.[5][6]
While the show, during some weeks, managed to outperform its competitor in some categories, such as the 20-49 year old demographic, as well as streaming, popularity and brand reputation charts, it enjoyed modest viewership, while its competitor topped the ratings in its time slot.[7][8]
Synopsis
[edit]The series is about Noh Ji-wook (Ji Chang-wook), a prosecutor, and Eun Bong-hee (Nam Ji-hyun), a prosecutor trainee. When a murderer strikes, Bong-hee suddenly finds herself as a suspect, and Noh Ji-wook then changes jobs to become a private attorney due to circumstances. The two work together on the case, finding out how deeply connected they are by their past.[9]
Cast
[edit]Main
[edit]- Ji Chang-wook as Noh Ji-wook[10]
- Oh Han-gyeol and Son Sang-yeon as young Ji-wook
- A prosecutor in the Sunho District Prosecutors' Office who ends up switching professions to a private attorney in the aftermath of defending Eun Bong-hee. He was scarred by an event in his childhood involving his parents. He then went through a traumatic betrayal involving his former best friend and his ex girlfriend. Bong-hee falls for him, though he does not initially return her feelings. He eventually does and tries to pursue her, however he starts to be swayed again by the fact that Bong-hee's father could have been the arsonist who set the fire in which his parents died.
- Nam Ji-hyun as Eun Bong-hee
- Choi Myung-bin as young Bong-hee
- A prosecutor trainee at Ji-wook's office, later lawyer who was a Taekwondo athlete in her youth. One day, she becomes a murder suspect as her ex-boyfriend's dead body was found in her house in which she had no alibi, causing District Attorney Jang Moo-young to keep coming after her and blame her for his son's death. She eventually falls for Ji-wook after he defended her. He eventually pursues her as he realizes his feelings for her.
- Choi Tae-joon as Ji Eun-hyuk[11]
- Kwon Bin and Moon Woo-jin as young Eun-hyuk
- A lawyer, once best friends with Ji-wook, who is now despised by him because he had an affair with Yoo-jung.
- Kwon Nara as Cha Yoo-jung[12]
- Ryu Han-bi as young Yoo-jung
- A prosecutor, Noh Ji-wook's ex-girlfriend.
Supporting
[edit]People around Noh Ji-wook
[edit]- Lee Deok-hwa as Byun Young-hee
- Ji-wook's adoptive father. The representative of a big law firm who later joins Ji-wook's newly opened firm.
- Nam Gi-ae as Hong Bok-ja
- Ji-wook's adoptive mom. She is a good friend of Ji-wook's real mom and owns a pizza shop. She is also the archenemy of Bong-hee's mother.
- Jo Seung-yeon as Noh Young-suk
- Ji-wook's late father who was also a prosecutor.
- Jang Hyuk-jin as Bang Eun-ho
- Ji-wook's prosecutor-turned-lawyer's paralegal. He considers himself to be the 'mother' of the group.
People around Eun Bong-hee
[edit]- Yoon Bok-in as Park Young-soon
- Bong-hee's mother who loves her daughter. She works at a massage parlor where she befriends Ji-wook's mom and later ends up working for Ji-wook's mom. The two are frequently indulge in semi-friendly banter.
- Lee Do-yeop as Eun Man-su
- Bong-hee's father who died while trying to save Ji-wook. He was earlier accused of murdering Ji-wook's parents until it was discovered that he was innocent.
- Hwang Chan-sung as Jang Hee-joon[13]
- Bong-hee's cheating ex-boyfriend. He died in Bong-hee's house which pointed her as the prime suspect.
People at the Training Center
[edit]- Kim Ye-won as Na Ji-hae[14]
- Bong-hee's classmate. She later becomes a prosecutor.
- Heo Joon-seok as Woo Hee-kyu
- Shim Eun-woo as Hong Cha-eun
Extended
[edit]- A victim who was accused of murder which has similar vibe to Bong-hee's case, but has a mysterious identity that lies in him. He was in fact a serial killer who had earlier, out of revenge, murdered five of the six gang-rapists (including the victim of a murder he was accused of and first appeared in the show for) of his high school crush Park So-young, who committed suicide after this incident. He was also the real culprit who murdered Jang Hee-joon; in fact, his real target was Bong-hee, who unknowingly witnessed him killing two of the rapists, but he ended up killing Hee-joon, who was at the wrong place at the wrong time when he tried to make amends with Bong-hee for cheating on her. Hyun-soo was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders he committed.
- Kim Hong-fa as Jang Moo-young
- Jang Hee-joon's father and the District Attorney of Sunho District. He believes in upholding the might of the prosecution even if it meant defaming common people, as shown when he falsely incriminated Bong-hee's father as the arsonist who caused the fire that killed Ji-wook's parents and also himself, releasing the gang-rapists of Park So-young after dismissing their rape charges on the bribery of the parents and forcing Ji-wook to indict and convict Bong-hee (who was actually innocent) for murdering his son. Upon discovering Hyun-soo's guilt of his son's murder, he tried to kill him unsuccessfully and this led to his downfall as he was dismissed from his post and arrested for attempted murder (and possibly his pre-existing corruption prior to his arrest).
- Jin Ju-hyung as Go Chan-ho
- A forensic investigator who went missing after being falsely incriminated for murder. He was actually one of the gang-rapists who raped Park So-young and was shown to be plagued with remorse (possibly) for the crime. He disappeared before he could meet up with Ji-wook to reveal something related to Hyun-soo, and was confirmed to be murdered by Hyun-soo when his body was discovered nearing the finale of the series. Four of his five accomplices - Lee Jae-ho, Yang Jin-woo, Kim Min-goo and Sung Jae-hyun - were earlier murdered by Hyun-soo while the final accomplice Min Young-hoon eventually surrendered and went to jail for the crime around the same time Hyun-soo was indicted the second time and finally sentenced.
- Park Gyu-young as Park So-young
- A girl from Jung Hyun-soo's past who committed suicide after a tragedy which traumatized her.
- Park Ji-a as Park Seong-eun
- Kim Kyung-jin as The guy who disturbed Bong-hee while drinking (Ep. 1)
- Jung Yeon
- Choi Hong-il as Vice-chief of Prosecutor (Ep. 1–4)
- Kim Ki-nam as Prosecutor who works with Jung Moo-young (Ep. 8)
- Seo Jin-wook as Forensic expert who testified in court (Ep. 4)
- Jo Won-hee as Judge
- Choi Ji-hoo
- Lee Da-jin
Special appearances
[edit]- Jang Won-young as Ji Ha-cheol, pervert (Ep. 1–2, 21)
- Hong Seok-cheon as Monk (Ep. 3)
- Park Sung-geun as Flasher (Ep. 4)
- Jo Jung-sik as News Anchor
- Lee Si-a as Lee Na-eun, stalking victim (Ep. 6)
- Ji Il-joo as Jeon Sung-ho, stalker (Ep. 6)
- Seo Dong-won as So Jung-ha (Ep. 21–22)
- Jo Ah-ra as So Jung-ha's girlfriend (Ep. 22)
- Kim Ye-jun as Kim Jae-hong (Ep. 32–33)
Production
[edit]The early working titles for the drama were Beware This Woman and Suspicious Romance.[16] The first script reading took place April 4, 2017 at SBS Ilsan Production Center in Tanhyun, South Korea.[17][18]
Both lead actors Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun starred in Warrior Baek Dong-soo in 2011.
Original soundtrack
[edit]| Suspicious Partner OST Album | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Various artists | |
| Released | 2017 |
| Genre | Soundtrack |
| Language | Korean, English |
| Label | SBS Contents Hub Vlending Co., Ltd. |
Part 1
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Why You?" (너는 왜) |
|
| Seenroot | 03:36 |
| 2. | "Why You?" (Inst.) |
| 03:36 | ||
| Total length: | 07:02 | ||||
Part 2
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "How Do I Say It?" (어떻게 말할까) |
|
| O.WHEN | 04:27 |
| 2. | "How Do I Say It?" (Inst.) |
| 04:27 | ||
| Total length: | 08:54 | ||||
Part 3
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Same Day" (똑같은 날) |
|
| Ra.D | 04:01 |
| 2. | "The Same Day" (Inst.) |
| 04:01 | ||
| Total length: | 08:02 | ||||
Part 4
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "How About You" (어떨까 넌) |
| 1601 | Cheeze | 04:47 |
| 2. | "How About You" (Inst.) |
Part 5
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Eye Contact" (눈맞춤 (Acoustic Ver.)) |
|
| Kim E-Z (Ggot Jam Project) | 03:30 |
| 2. | "Eye Contact" (Full Ver.) |
|
| Kim E-Z (Ggot Jam Project) | 03:46 |
| 3. | "Eye Contact" (Acoustic Ver. (Inst.)) |
| 03:30 | ||
| 4. | "Eye Contact" (Full Ver. (Inst.)) |
| 03:46 | ||
| Total length: | 14:32 | ||||
Part 6
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Breathing All Day" (숨쉬는 모든 날) |
|
| Bumkey | 04:26 |
| 2. | "Breathing All Day" (Inst.) |
| 04:26 | ||
| Total length: | 08:52 | ||||
Part 7
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I've Got a Feeling" (정이 들어버렸어) |
|
| Kihyun (Monsta X) | 04:52 |
| 2. | "I've Got a Feeling" (Inst.) |
| 04:52 | ||
| Total length: | 09:44 | ||||
Part 8
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Memory Of That Day" (그날의 기억) |
|
| Kim Jong-wan (Nell) | 03:36 |
| 2. | "The Memory Of That Day" (Inst.) |
| 03:36 | ||
| Total length: | 07:12 | ||||
Part 9
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Silly Love" |
|
| Yoo Ha-jung | 03:47 |
| 2. | "Silly Love" (Inst.) |
| 03:47 | ||
| Total length: | 07:34 | ||||
Part 10
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "101 Reasons Why I Like You" (네가 좋은 백 한가지 이유) |
|
| Ji Chang-wook | 03:43 |
| 2. | "101 Reasons Why I Like You" (Inst.) |
| 03:43 | ||
| Total length: | 07:26 | ||||
Chart performance
[edit]Ratings
[edit]| Ep. | Original broadcast date | Title | Average audience share | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nielsen Korea[21] | TNmS[22] | |||||
| Nationwide | Seoul | Nationwide | Seoul | |||
| 1 | May 10, 2017 | Hope for the Future | 6.3% (17th) | 6.5% (14th) | 6.1% (19th) | 7.4% (14th) |
| 2 | 6.8% (13th) | 6.9% (12th) | 6.8% (15th) | 8.2% (8th) | ||
| 3 | May 11, 2017 | Take It | 6.1% (NR) | 5.8% (NR) | 6.3% (NR) | 7.0% (NR) |
| 4 | 7.2% (18th) | 7.7% (14th) | 7.0% (NR) | 7.9% (18th) | ||
| 5 | May 17, 2017 | Restraining Order | 6.6% (NR) | 6.8% (NR) | 6.9% (NR) | 8.5% (12th) |
| 6 | 8.0% (13th) | 8.5% (9th) | 7.4% (18th) | 8.2% (15th) | ||
| 7 | May 18, 2017 | Reunion and Reunion | 6.8% (19th) | 6.9% (18th) | 6.0% (NR) | 6.6% (20th) |
| 8 | 7.4% (14th) | 7.8% (12th) | 6.4% (NR) | |||
| 9 | May 24, 2017 | Humanity Becomes Hostage | 6.8% (20th) | 7.2% (18th) | 6.5% (NR) | 6.9% (NR) |
| 10 | 8.3% (11th) | 8.7% (10th) | 7.4% (17th) | 8.2% (14th) | ||
| 11 | May 25, 2017 | The Beginning That Hasn't Begun | 7.1% (17th) | 7.9% (13th) | 6.1% (NR) | 6.8% (NR) |
| 12 | 7.8% (14th) | 8.5% (11th) | 6.5% (NR) | 6.6% (20th) | ||
| 13 | May 31, 2017 | Alibi | 7.5% (16th) | 8.2% (13th) | 6.9% (18th) | 7.7% (15th) |
| 14 | 9.3% (8th) | 10.0% (8th) | 7.9% (15th) | 9.0% (10th) | ||
| 15 | June 1, 2017 | Untruthful Truth Game | 8.4% (13th) | 8.6% (11th) | 7.2% (17th) | 8.3% (14th) |
| 16 | 9.3% (11th) | 9.6% (8th) | 7.8% (16th) | 8.9% (12th) | ||
| 17 | June 7, 2017 | Eun Bong-hee's Prime | 8.4% (13th) | 9.1% (10th) | 7.3% (17th) | 7.5% (13th) |
| 18 | 9.8% (8th) | 10.2% (7th) | 7.7% (NR) | 8.1% (NR) | ||
| 19 | June 8, 2017 | Truth vs. Secret | 8.0% (12th) | 8.5% (10th) | 7.3% (17th) | 7.3% (16th) |
| 20 | 9.6% (9th) | 10.2% (8th) | 8.3% (11th) | 8.4% (10th) | ||
| 21 | June 14, 2017 | In This Limited World | 7.7% (14th) | 8.3% (9th) | 7.0% (NR) | 8.2% (13th) |
| 22 | 9.1% (7th) | 9.8% (6th) | 7.8% (16th) | 8.7% (9th) | ||
| 23 | June 15, 2017 | 48 Hours Later | 7.8% (14th) | 8.2% (10th) | 6.9% (19th) | 7.6% (13th) |
| 24 | 9.4% (7th) | 9.8% (6th) | 7.6% (16th) | 8.1% (10th) | ||
| 25 | June 21, 2017 | Attributable Reasons | 9.0% (9th) | 10.3% (8th) | 6.6% (20th) | 6.7% (16th) |
| 26 | 10.5% (7th) | 11.7% (5th) | 7.8% (15th) | 8.5% (9th) | ||
| 27 | June 22, 2017 | The Memory of That Day | 8.4% (11th) | 8.8% (10th) | 7.5% (16th) | 7.9% (13th) |
| 28 | 9.7% (8th) | 10.4% (8th) | 8.0% (15th) | 8.1% (12th) | ||
| 29 | June 28, 2017 | Postponement | 6.7% (17th) | 7.2% (13th) | 6.1% (NR) | 7.9% (13th) |
| 30 | 8.6% (9th) | 9.5% (7th) | 6.7% (17th) | 8.0% (10th) | ||
| 31 | June 29, 2017 | The Discovery of a Memory | 7.7% (14th) | 8.4% (9th) | 6.3% (NR) | 7.3% (14th) |
| 32 | 8.6% (10th) | 9.1% (8th) | 6.8% (17th) | 7.8% (11th) | ||
| 33 | July 5, 2017 | Testing the Waters | 7.2% (17th) | 7.8% (13th) | 6.9% (NR) | 7.5% (16th) |
| 34 | 9.2% (7th) | 9.8% (7th) | 7.2% (20th) | 7.4% (17th) | ||
| 35 | July 6, 2017 | Return | 8.0% (17th) | 8.5% (9th) | 7.3% (19th) | 8.8% (13th) |
| 36 | 9.2% (9th) | 9.9% (7th) | 7.9% (17th) | 9.4% (10th) | ||
| 37 | July 12, 2017 | In Court | 7.2% (16th) | 7.4% (15th) | 6.9% (20th) | 7.7% (19th) |
| 38 | 9.2% (8th) | 9.4% (7th) | 8.0% (17th) | 8.7% (13th) | ||
| 39 | July 13, 2017 | Return to the Daily Life | 8.5% (12th) | 9.0% (9th) | 8.6% (15th) | 9.5% (10th) |
| 40 | 9.5% (8th) | 10.2% (6th) | 8.7% (14th) | 8.9% (13th) | ||
| Average | 7.2% | 7.9% | 8.2% | 8.7% | ||
| ||||||
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Korea Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actress (Drama) | Nam Ji-hyun | Nominated | |
| 25th SBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday–Thursday Drama | Ji Chang-wook | Nominated | [23] | |
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday–Thursday Drama | Choi Tae-joon | Nominated | |||
| Excellence Award, Actress in a Wednesday–Thursday Drama | Nam Ji-hyun | Won | |||
| Best New Actress | Kwon Nara | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actress | Kim Ye-won | Nominated | |||
| Best Couple Award | Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun | Nominated |
Adaptation
[edit]The series got the dorama adaptation, which was aired on MBS and TBS across Japan, with Disney+ streamed the series globally.[24] An Indian adaptation in Hindi language was titled A Legal Affair was also confirmed to aired on JioCinema.[25]
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b The series was originally packaged as twenty 60-minute episodes. In order to circumvent Korean laws that prevent commercial breaks in the middle of an episode, what would previously have been aired as single 60 minute episodes are now being repackaged as two 30 minute episodes, with two episodes being shown each night with a commercial break between the two.[2] This, following a fall in ratings and eventual 2-episode cut in the preceding drama serial Saimdang, Memoir of Colors.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Love in Trouble". SBS International. Archived from the original on 28 June 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
- ^ Park, Jin-hai (2017-05-16). "Drama viewers angry over commercial breaks". The Korean Times. Archived from the original on 2020-08-19. Retrieved 2017-05-27 – via PressReader.
- ^ "'Saimdang' to end series earlier than planned". Korea JoongAng Daily. 14 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-04-14. Retrieved 2019-02-20.
- ^ 지창욱, 남지현에 프러포즈 "널 평생 사랑할게" 《Suspicious Partner》 수상한 파트너 EP40. YouTube. SBS Drama. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ [단독] 이성경, '이 여자를 조심하세요' 여주인공. 17 February 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ 윤, 고은 (2017-03-30). 지창욱·남지현 주연 SBS '수상한 파트너' 5월 방송. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2017-06-08. Retrieved 2017-03-30.
- ^ '수상한 파트너', 6월 1주차 드라마 부문 TV화제성 1위 기록…'2위는 군주'. Topstar News. 2017-06-16.
- ^ "The Irony of Suspicious Partner". Newsen. 30 June 2017.
그러나 전체 시청률을 제외한 TV 화제성, 브랜드 평판, 2049 시청률 등에서는 '수트너'가 압도적으로 1위다. 전체 가구 시청률에서 20세에서 49세까지의 시청률을 별도로 산정한 '2049 시청률'은 '수트너'가 6연속 1위를 차지했고, TV 화제성에서는 3주 연속 1위를 유지했다. '수트너'의 주인공인 지창욱은 5주 연속 TV 드라마 출연자 화제성 1위에 이름을 올렸다.
- ^ "청량美 뿜뿜"..'수상한 파트너' 지창욱X남지현 '심쿵 케미': 스포츠조선. Sports Chosun. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ^ 지창욱, SBS 새 수목 '이 여자를 조심하세요' 출연 확정 (공식입장). Xports News. 16 March 2017. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ [단독]최태준, '절친' 지창욱과 SBS 드라마 주연 "브로맨스". JoongAng Ilbo. 22 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
- ^ '수상한파트너' 지창욱·남지현·최태준·나라 확정, 4일 대본리딩[종합] (in Korean). 30 March 2017. Retrieved 2017-03-30.
- ^ '수상한 파트너' 측 "황찬성, 남지현 구남친으로 특별 출연" (공식입장) (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-05-01. Retrieved 2017-04-04.
- ^ [단독] JYP 김예원, '수상한파트너' 합류..남지현과 호흡 (in Korean). Retrieved 2017-04-12.
- ^ "동하, '수상한 파트너' 현수 役 캐스팅…제2의 '동하 신드롬' 기대 – 뉴스 – enews24". enews24.tving.com/ (in Korean). 2017-04-06. Archived from the original on 2017-04-13. Retrieved 2017-04-12.
- ^ [단독]헬비 나라, 데뷔 후 첫 드라마 주연 "지창욱 전 애인役" (in Korean). Retrieved 2017-03-30.
- ^ <수상한 파트너> 지창욱-남지현, 대본리딩 공개! '봄햇살 같은 미모' | MBC 연예 스포츠. MBC 연예 (in Korean). 2017-04-10. Retrieved 2017-04-11.
- ^ "Ji Chang-wook confirms role in 'Be Careful of This Woman'". Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ Cumulative sales for "How About You":
- "2017 Gaon Download Chart – Week 22". Archived from the original on 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2017-06-08.
- "2017 Gaon Download Chart – Week 23". Archived from the original on 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2017-06-16.
- ^ "2017 Gaon Download Chart – Week 23". Archived from the original on 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2017-06-16.
- ^ "AGB Daily Ratings: this links to current day-select the date from drop down menu". AGB Nielsen Media Research (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
- ^ "TNMS Daily Ratings: this links to current day-select the date from drop down menu". TNMS Ratings (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
- ^ Ji Min-kyung (December 31, 2017). "[2017 SBS 연기대상 종합] '피고인' 지성, 이변 없는 대상..."사랑하는 아내 감사"". OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
- ^ "Ji Chang-wook & Nam Ji-hyun's 'Suspicious Partner' Set for Japanese Remake". SBS Star. March 24, 2025. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ "Angad Bedi and Barkha Singh to star in Hindi adaptation of Ji Chang Wook & Nam Ji Hyun's Korean drama Suspicious Partner". Bollywood Hungama. May 19, 2023. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Korean)
- Suspicious Partner at IMDb
- Suspicious Partner at HanCinema
Suspicious Partner
View on GrokipediaPremise and plot
Premise
Suspicious Partner is a 2017 South Korean romantic comedy thriller drama series.[7] The series blends elements of romance, legal drama, mystery, and comedy, centering on the unlikely partnership between prosecutor Noh Ji-wook and prosecutor trainee Eun Bong-hee, who become entangled after a mistaken arrest and are drawn into a serial murder investigation connected to Ji-wook's past.[7] This core premise drives the narrative, exploring their evolving dynamic amid high-stakes legal and criminal challenges.[7] Aired on SBS from May 10 to July 13, 2017, on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 22:00 KST, the series consists of 40 episodes, each running approximately 35 minutes.[8] The story unfolds primarily in contemporary Seoul, within the worlds of prosecution offices, courtrooms, and urban settings that highlight the protagonists' professional and personal intersections.[7] Central themes include building trust in uncertain relationships and paths to redemption through confronting past traumas and prejudices, all woven into the thriller's tension and comedic relief.[7]Synopsis
Noh Ji-wook, a talented prosecutor haunted by a painful breakup with his longtime girlfriend Cha Yoo-jung—who had an affair with his best friend Ji Eun-hyuk—abandons his career in the prosecution office and joins a private law firm. This decision stems from the ensuing scandal and his disillusionment with the justice system. Meanwhile, Eun Bong-hee, an enthusiastic but clumsy rookie prosecutor trainee, discovers her boyfriend's infidelity and impulsively follows him, only to witness his murder and become the prime suspect.[9][1] As Bong-hee faces arrest, Ji-wook, now working as her defense attorney, begins to believe in her innocence despite initial suspicions and heavy pressure from influential figures in the legal world. Their paths intertwine further when Bong-hee is assigned to the same law firm for her training, forcing an unlikely partnership that blends professional rivalry with growing mutual respect. In the early stages, this setup establishes their dynamic, with Ji-wook's cynical demeanor clashing against Bong-hee's optimistic determination, while subtle hints of a larger threat emerge.[9][1] The narrative intensifies in the mid-stages as a series of serial killings resurfaces, linking back to Ji-wook's past and drawing the duo into a perilous investigation. Revelations about past relationships and the true identity of a stalker unravel personal traumas, heightening the stakes and introducing key plot twists, such as connections to Ji-wook's former colleague. Romantic tension builds organically through shared dangers and vulnerable moments, transforming their bickering into deep emotional support.[9][1] In the climax and resolution, the investigation culminates in confronting the killer, allowing Ji-wook to evolve from emotional guardedness to openness and Bong-hee to mature from naive mishaps to confident competence. Their arcs intertwine with themes of trust and redemption, leading to the healing of individual wounds and a strengthened bond.[9][1]Cast and characters
Main cast
Ji Chang-wook stars as Noh Ji-wook, a highly skilled prosecutor in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office who is initially portrayed as cold and work-obsessed due to a traumatic past involving the unsolved murder of his parents during his childhood. His character evolves significantly through his unexpected partnership and budding romance with Eun Bong-hee, learning to confront his emotional barriers and seek justice beyond rigid legalism, which drives much of the series' investigative plotline. Ji Chang-wook's casting was announced in October 2016, marking his return to television after completing mandatory military service, and he was chosen for his ability to balance intense dramatic scenes with romantic charm.[8] Nam Ji-hyun portrays Eun Bong-hee, a passionate and optimistic trainee lawyer who accidentally becomes entangled in a murder case, leading to her partnership with Ji-wook. Her energetic personality and unwavering determination provide comic relief while propelling the narrative through her innocence and resourcefulness in uncovering clues, ultimately challenging workplace hierarchies and inspiring Ji-wook's growth. Bong-hee's backstory as a recent law graduate facing professional insecurities adds depth to her arc, highlighting themes of resilience in the face of injustice. Nam Ji-hyun was cast in November 2016, with producers praising her for embodying the character's vibrant and relatable traits.[8] Choi Tae-joon plays Ji Eun-hyuk, a charismatic lawyer and Ji-wook's former best friend, whose involvement in the case adds layers of friendship, rivalry, and conspiracy, while providing emotional support and legal insights that influence the protagonists' decisions. His character's loyalty and hidden connections to past events deepen the thriller elements and romantic tensions. Choi Tae-joon joined the cast in December 2016, selected for his chemistry with Ji Chang-wook from prior collaborations.[10][11] Kwon Nara plays Cha Yoo-jung, Ji-wook's ex-girlfriend and a fellow prosecutor whose hidden motives and obsessive attachment create antagonism, complicating the central romance and investigations. Her character's evolution from a seemingly supportive colleague to a key source of conflict underscores the series' exploration of betrayal and unresolved pasts. Kwon Nara was confirmed for the role in early 2017, bringing her idol background to infuse the character with poised intensity.[10][11]Supporting cast
The supporting cast in Suspicious Partner plays crucial roles in fleshing out the protagonists' personal and professional lives, providing emotional depth, comic relief, and complications to the central legal and romantic narratives. Actors such as Lee Deok-hwa, Nam Gi-ae, and Jo Seung-youn portray family members who influence Noh Ji-wook's backstory and motivations, highlighting themes of adoption, loyalty, and familial pressure within the high-stakes world of prosecution.[10][8] Lee Deok-hwa stars as Byun Young-hee, Ji-wook's adoptive father and a senior prosecutor, whose authoritative presence adds layers to Ji-wook's internal conflicts and career decisions, often serving as a mentor figure who complicates professional dynamics. Nam Gi-ae plays Hong Bok-ja, Ji-wook's biological mother, contributing to subplot explorations of hidden family secrets and emotional reconciliation that underscore the series' emphasis on personal growth amid investigations. Jo Seung-youn portrays Noh Young-suk, Ji-wook's older brother, who injects familial tension and support, enhancing the world-building around Ji-wook's home life without overshadowing the main plot.[10][11][12] Colleagues and friends form another key subgroup, aiding investigations and offering comic or supportive relief in the prosecutorial office and training center settings. Dong Ha appears as Jung Hyun-soo, Ji-wook's close friend and fellow prosecutor, whose loyalty drives subplots involving collaborative casework and provides moments of levity through banter that humanizes the intense legal environment. Kim Ye-won plays Na Ji-hae, a lawyer and romantic interest for supporting lead Ji Eun-hyuk, whose presence develops relational subplots and adds workplace camaraderie, reinforcing themes of teamwork in legal rivalries. Jang Hyuk-jin embodies Bang Eun-ho, a prosecution investigation officer whose humorous antics and dedication to probes offer comic relief while advancing investigative threads, such as evidence gathering, that bolster the mains' arcs.[10][11][8] Notable casting choices include veteran actor Lee Deok-hwa in the mentor role, leveraging his experience from prior legal dramas to lend authenticity to the prosecutorial hierarchy, and Dong Ha's portrayal of the reliable friend, which draws on his established comedic timing to balance the series' suspense. These characters collectively enhance subplots like office rivalries and family influences, creating a richer ensemble that supports the narrative's blend of mystery and romance without dominating the focus on the leads.[12][10]Special appearances
"Suspicious Partner" featured several special appearances by notable celebrities, primarily in early episodes to inject humor, backstory, and intrigue into the ongoing investigations, thereby enhancing fan engagement without altering the core narrative. In the premiere episode, 2PM member Chansung made a cameo as Jang Hee-joon, Eun Bong-hee's ex-boyfriend, whose untimely demise sets off the central murder mystery while providing lighthearted romantic comedy in the opening sequences.[13] Also in episode 1, actor Jang Won-young appeared briefly as a train pervert, contributing to the chaotic and comedic introduction of Bong-hee's character.[10] Episode 3 included a guest role by veteran actor Hong Seok-cheon as a monk in a past-life flashback, adding a mystical tease to the prosecutorial themes and character motivations during the initial suspect interrogations.[10] Further along, in episodes 5 and 6, rising actor Ji Il-joo portrayed Jeon Sung-ho, a key figure in a side case that heightens suspense and showcases prosecutorial tactics, drawing additional viewers through his established presence in other thrillers.[14] These episodic cameos, often lasting under five minutes, served to capitalize on the stars' popularity for viewership spikes, particularly among K-pop and drama fans, while maintaining focus on the leads' dynamic.[15]Production
Development
The development of Suspicious Partner was handled by production company The Story Works, with Park Sun-ho serving as director and Kwon Ki-young as the screenwriter, who crafted the series around an original concept merging romantic comedy with legal thriller elements.[8][16] The project was announced in early 2017 as a follow-up to the successful SBS drama Saimdang, Memoir of Colors, with casting finalized on March 30, 2017, when Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun were confirmed as the leads, building on their established on-screen rapport from the 2011 historical drama Warrior Baek Dong-soo.[17][18] Other roles, including those of Choi Tae-joon and Kwon Nara, were secured around the same time, following initial offers to actresses like Lee Sung-kyung and Han Ji-min for the female lead.[8] Key creative decisions focused on highlighting the chemistry between the protagonists—a prosecutor and his trainee suspect—to drive the romantic tension, while integrating procedural aspects of the Korean judicial system, such as apprenticeships at the Judicial Research and Training Institute, to ground the suspenseful plot in a relatable legal framework.[8][2] The first script reading took place on April 4, 2017, at the SBS Ilsan Production Center in Tanhyun, South Korea, marking the transition from pre-production planning to active preparation.[8]Filming
Principal photography for Suspicious Partner began in April 2017 and wrapped in July 2017, coinciding with the drama's broadcast schedule on SBS. The first script reading occurred on April 4, 2017, at the SBS Ilsan Production Center in Tanhyun, South Korea, where the cast and crew gathered to discuss the script and characters.[19] Filming primarily utilized the SBS studios in Ilsan for interior scenes, including simulated prosecutor's offices and training centers, while on-location shoots took place across Seoul to capture the urban setting.[8] Key locations included the Grand Hilton Seoul, featured in episode 1 where Eun Bong-hee arrives at the hotel, and the World Taekwondo Headquarters for action-oriented training sequences involving the characters' physical confrontations. Romantic and reflective moments, such as those between Noh Ji-wook and Eun Bong-hee, were shot at scenic spots like the Han River parks, emphasizing the contrast between the drama's thriller elements and lighter romantic tones. Bus terminal scenes, depicting travel and tension, were filmed at the Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal.[20][21] The production was directed by Park Sun-ho and Jung Dong-yoon, with cinematography handled by Lee Gil-bok, who employed a bright and dynamic visual style to balance the comedic and suspenseful narratives—using wide shots for chase sequences and close-ups to highlight emotional chemistry. Action elements, including stunts like hand-to-hand combat and pursuits, were executed with practical effects at the studios and outdoor sites, contributing to the drama's blend of genres without relying heavily on CGI.[11] Behind-the-scenes accounts revealed a lively set atmosphere, with lead actors Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun frequently improvising comedic lines to enhance their characters' banter, fostering natural on-screen rapport. In one instance during episode 24, Ji Chang-wook stepped in to monitor shots and even assisted with camera direction, showcasing his engagement with the production process. The cast's playful interactions, such as competitive games during breaks, helped build chemistry amid the demanding schedule, though occasional weather delays affected outdoor filming along the Han River. The production company, The Story Works, oversaw logistics under executive producer Lee Seul-gi, ensuring efficient execution despite the concurrent airing timeline.[22][23][24]Original soundtrack
Track listings
The original soundtrack (OST) for Suspicious Partner consists of ten digital single parts released weekly from May 10 to July 6, 2017, by SBS Contents Hub and Vlending Co., followed by a two-disc compilation album with 35 tracks issued on July 12, 2017.[25] Primarily composed by Nam Hye Seung, often in collaboration with Park Sang Hee or Park Jin Ho, the OST features a mix of vocal tracks and instrumentals tailored to the series' blend of romance and suspense, with ballads like "Eye Contact" accompanying intimate couple moments and tense instrumentals such as "A Ring of Suspicion" amplifying thriller elements.[26][27] The parts were released as digital singles, each typically containing a main vocal track and its instrumental version, except for Part 5 which includes four tracks (two vocal versions and their instrumentals). The compilation album expands this with acoustic versions, additional background scores, and full instrumentals. Key artists include soloists like Ra.D, Bumkey, and actor Ji Chang-wook, alongside group members such as Kihyun from Monsta X and Kim Jong-wan from NELL.| Part | Release Date | Artist | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 10, 2017 | Seenroot | "Why You?" (lyrics: Jello; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "Why You? (Inst.)" |
| 2 | May 17, 2017 | O.When | "How Do I Say It?" (lyrics: O.When; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Jin Ho), "How Do I Say It? (Inst.)" |
| 3 | May 24, 2017 | Ra.D | "The Same Day" (lyrics: Ra.D; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "The Same Day (Inst.)" |
| 4 | May 31, 2017 | CHEEZE | "How About You" (lyrics: CHEEZE; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "How About You (Inst.)" |
| 5 | June 1, 2017 | EZ Kim (Ggotjam Project) | "Eye Contact (Full Ver.)" (lyrics: 1601, MIYO; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "Eye Contact (Acoustic Ver.)", "Eye Contact (Full Ver.) (Inst.)", "Eye Contact (Acoustic Ver.) (Inst.)" |
| 6 | June 7, 2017 | Bumkey | "Breathing All Day" (lyrics: Bumkey; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "Breathing All Day (Inst.)" |
| 7 | June 14, 2017 | Kihyun (Monsta X) | "I've Got a Feeling" (lyrics: Kihyun; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "I've Got a Feeling (Inst.)" |
| 8 | June 21, 2017 | Kim Jong-wan (NELL) | "The Memory of That Day" (lyrics: Kim Jong-wan; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "The Memory of That Day (Inst.)" |
| 9 | June 28, 2017 | Yoo Ha-jung | "Silly Love" (lyrics: Jello; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "Silly Love (Inst.)" |
| 10 | July 6, 2017 | Ji Chang-wook | "101 Reasons Why I Like You" (lyrics: Ji Chang-wook; music: Nam Hye Seung, Park Sang Hee), "101 Reasons Why I Like You (Inst.)" |
Chart performance
The original soundtrack for Suspicious Partner enjoyed considerable commercial success in South Korea, with multiple tracks charting on major platforms and contributing to the drama's overall popularity. Several songs from the OST, including "Why You?" by Seenroot and "Silly Love" by Yoo Ha-jung, entered the Gaon Digital Chart in 2017, reflecting strong digital performance during the series' airing period.[29] Digital sales figures highlighted the OST's appeal, with hit singles surpassing 1 million downloads collectively. No physical album certifications were issued, but the digital metrics underscored the OST's role in boosting the drama's cultural footprint.[30] Internationally, songs appeared on K-pop charts in countries like Japan and the United States. By 2025, the OST's long-term impact is evident in streaming platforms, with "Silly Love" accumulating over 2.3 million streams on Spotify and the full compilation album maintaining steady monthly listeners around 50,000.[31] This enduring popularity demonstrates how the OST amplified the drama's themes of romance and suspense long after its initial release.Broadcast and reception
Airing and ratings
Suspicious Partner aired on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) from May 10 to July 13, 2017, occupying the Wednesday-Thursday 10:00 p.m. KST time slot for 40 episodes, each approximately 35 minutes long, with two episodes broadcast per night.[8] The drama faced competition from MBC's Ruler: Master of the Mask, which initially drew higher viewership in the same slot, as well as other summer programming amid the seasonal decline in television audiences due to vacations and outdoor activities.[32] Despite the summer slump, the series experienced steady growth in popularity, attributed to positive word-of-mouth that boosted engagement after a modest start.[3] Viewership ratings, measured by Nielsen Korea nationwide, averaged 8.2 percent across the run, with a low of 6.3 percent for the premiere episode and a peak of 10.5 percent for episode 26.[8] The finale achieved 9.5 percent, reflecting sustained interest despite mid-series dips around late June.[8] The following table summarizes the nationwide Nielsen Korea ratings for each episode:| Date | Episode | Nationwide (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-05-10 | 1 | 6.3 |
| 2017-05-10 | 2 | 6.8 |
| 2017-05-11 | 3 | NR |
| 2017-05-11 | 4 | 7.2 |
| 2017-05-17 | 5 | NR |
| 2017-05-17 | 6 | 8.0 |
| 2017-05-18 | 7 | 6.8 |
| 2017-05-18 | 8 | 7.4 |
| 2017-05-24 | 9 | 6.8 |
| 2017-05-24 | 10 | 8.3 |
| 2017-05-25 | 11 | 7.1 |
| 2017-05-25 | 12 | 7.8 |
| 2017-05-31 | 13 | 7.5 |
| 2017-05-31 | 14 | 9.3 |
| 2017-06-01 | 15 | 8.4 |
| 2017-06-01 | 16 | 9.3 |
| 2017-06-07 | 17 | 8.4 |
| 2017-06-07 | 18 | 9.8 |
| 2017-06-08 | 19 | 8.0 |
| 2017-06-08 | 20 | 9.6 |
| 2017-06-14 | 21 | 7.7 |
| 2017-06-14 | 22 | 9.1 |
| 2017-06-15 | 23 | 7.8 |
| 2017-06-15 | 24 | 9.4 |
| 2017-06-21 | 25 | 9.0 |
| 2017-06-21 | 26 | 10.5 |
| 2017-06-22 | 27 | 8.4 |
| 2017-06-22 | 28 | 9.7 |
| 2017-06-28 | 29 | 6.7 |
| 2017-06-28 | 30 | 8.6 |
| 2017-06-29 | 31 | 7.7 |
| 2017-06-29 | 32 | 8.6 |
| 2017-07-05 | 33 | 7.2 |
| 2017-07-05 | 34 | 9.2 |
| 2017-07-06 | 35 | 8.0 |
| 2017-07-06 | 36 | 9.2 |
| 2017-07-12 | 37 | 7.2 |
| 2017-07-12 | 38 | 9.2 |
| 2017-07-13 | 39 | 8.5 |
| 2017-07-13 | 40 | 9.5 |
Critical response and popularity
Suspicious Partner received generally positive reviews upon its 2017 premiere, with critics and audiences praising the strong chemistry between leads Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun, which anchored the blend of romance, comedy, and thriller elements. Dramabeans recaps highlighted the leads' relatable dynamic and humorous interactions, noting how the early episodes delivered a "satisfying balance" of sweet, suspenseful, and comedic moments that made the prosecutor-intern pairing engaging from the start.[34] The series also earned high user ratings on platforms like Viki, where it holds a 9.5 out of 10 score from over 185,000 votes, reflecting appreciation for its light-hearted tone and emotional depth in the romantic arc.[33] However, some reviewers critiqued the pacing in the thriller aspects, particularly in the later episodes, where the narrative was seen as meandering with unnecessary fillers and repetitive flashbacks that slowed the momentum. The Fangirl Verdict described it as leaning heavily on crime elements at times, resulting in a "little meandering in the later stretch" despite overall satisfaction.[35] These pacing issues were echoed in user feedback on sites like MyDramaList, where the story was said to lose its initial fast pace after the first three-quarters, failing to regain intensity.[36] The drama's popularity surged domestically in 2017, fueled by its viewership ratings that peaked at 11.7% in metropolitan areas, contributing to widespread social media buzz around the leads' on-screen rapport.[3] Fan engagement was evident at promotional events, including the press conference at SBS Mokdong Broadcast Centre, where the cast pledged to deliver compelling storytelling, drawing significant media and viewer attention.[37] In terms of domestic impact, the series boosted Nam Ji-hyun's career trajectory, positioning her as a "chart-climbing icon" through her portrayal of the feisty Eun Bong-hee, which showcased her versatility in comedic and dramatic roles. Merchandise, including OST albums and photo books, saw steady sales, with the soundtrack release contributing to the drama's cultural footprint in Korea.[38] By 2025, Suspicious Partner maintains enduring appeal in South Korea, frequently featured in K-drama rewind articles and viewer recommendation lists as a mid-tier romantic comedy-thriller. A March 2025 Gulf News retrospective highlighted its lasting draw through the unreliable memory plot and lead chemistry, underscoring its role in ongoing marathon viewings on streaming platforms.[39] Its inclusion in Viki's most-rated dramas list further affirms its sustained popularity among domestic audiences.[40]Awards and nominations
The following table lists the major awards and nominations received by the cast of Suspicious Partner.| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 25th SBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actress in a Wednesday–Thursday Drama | Nam Ji-hyun | Won | [4] |
| 2018 | 13th Soompi Awards | Best Kiss | Nam Ji-hyun and Ji Chang-wook | Won | [41] |
