A closer look at the leads of Disney+’s Vigilante

by solstices

Disney+’s upcoming action noir Vigilante examines the nature of justice through its titular hero, whose dual identities have him both upholding the law by day and flouting it by night. Nam Joo-hyuk (Twenty Five Twenty One) stars as Kim Ji-yong, the ace of the police academy. Not only does he have both athletic and academic prowess, but he also possesses a kind heart that doesn’t hesitate to help old grannies in need. When his buddies invite him out to the club, though, he turns them down. Ji-yong’s busy on the weekends — donning a nondescript gray hoodie, he transforms into his dark hero persona.

If the law can’t — or won’t — punish these criminals, then Ji-yong has no qualms about doing the deed himself. Throwing punches and kicking baddies down stairwells, our nighttime vigilante metes out his own form of justice to fill in the gaps in the law. He’s motivated by both the need to avenge his parents and a deep dissatisfaction towards the legal system, which means there’s no stopping him until he’s accomplished his goals.

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It isn’t long before Ji-yong’s bold actions catch the attention of police detective Jo Heon, played by Yoo Ji-tae (Money Heist: Korea — Joint Economic Area). Don’t let his clean-cut, sharply-dressed appearance fool you — Heon’s unrivaled physical strength has him yanking metal gates out of their hinges and lifting an entire car while barely breaking a sweat. With his physicality in tip-top condition and his determination to apprehend the mystery vigilante burning fiercely, he’s sure to pose a threat to Ji-yong’s covert operations.

On the contrary, though, one particular individual has taken an interest in our vigilante hero. That would be the second-generation chaebol Jo Kang-ok, played by Lee Jun-hyuk (Dark Hole). Recognizing that Ji-yong is trying to send a message to society, Kang-ok instantly becomes a fan, affectionately calling him his dongsaeng and taking cheesy selfies with him (in the hospital, no less). There’s nothing that would please Kang-ok more than being his protector and number one supporter.

The journalist Choi Mi-ryeo — played by Kim So-jin (Through the Darkness) — is on a similar page, though she’s motivated by other reasons. Declaring that her journalism will not be ruled by money, Mi-ryeo leverages upon the vigilante’s deeds to craft a provocative program and challenge the inadequacies of the law. The people are clamoring for a dark hero, and Mi-ryeo’s more than ready to espouse his ideology.

Helmed by PD Choi Jung-yeol (Start-Up — the film, not the drama) with scripts penned by Lee Min-seob, the webtoon adaptation Vigilante is slated to premiere on November 8.