'Chaebol X Detective 2' Writer: "Ahn Bo-hyun Is the Very Essence of Jin Yi-soo; Jung Eun-chae Has a Unique Charm"

*This content was translated by AI.

'Chaebol X Detective 2' writer Kim Ba-da shared her reflections on returning for Season 2 and highlighted key viewing points.

The new SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Chaebol X Detective 2' (produced by Studio S, Big Ocean ENM, B&A Entertainment), which will premiere on August 7 as a follow-up to 'Department Head Kim', is a vibrant, refreshing, and thrilling detective series featuring chaebol detective Jin Yi-soo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), who overturns stalled investigations using his wealth, and new team leader Ju Hye-ra (played by Jung Eun-chae). The show forms one pillar of SBS's "Saida Universe," alongside titles such as 'Model Taxi', 'Passionate Priest', and 'Judge from Hell'. It is also anticipated as a lighthearted opener for SBS’s 2026 season-based drama lineup.

Ahead of the premiere, writer Kim Ba-da, who co-created the world-building concept of "flex investigation" with director Kim Jae-hong, revealed in an interview her deep affection for Season 2 and its standout elements. When asked about her feelings on returning for Season 2 after two years, Kim said, "It is a tremendous honor." She added, "Thanks to our viewers, we were able to produce Season 2, so I wanted to repay them with even more entertaining stories."

The 'Chaebol X Detective' series secured its first season's highest viewership at 11%, building a solid fanbase and leading to an early confirmation of Season 2 production. Writer Kim stated, "The driving force that allowed us to quickly conceive Season 2 was undoubtedly the character Jin Yi-soo." She continued, "While the premise of a chaebol third-generation heir suddenly becoming a detective to investigate murder cases is intriguing, it also presented difficult challenges. After much deliberation, we strove to incorporate into the script his contradictory traits: someone who shows off but isn't disliked, appears shameless yet remains cheerful, and grumbles outwardly while possessing a heart warmer than anyone else's."

Kim emphasized that Ahn Bo-hyun played a crucial role in earning Jin Yi-soo the love of viewers. "Since this is a cartoonish character, it must have been challenging to portray," she noted. "Actor Ahn Bo-hyun truly embodied Jin Yi-soo himself. He prepared many ideas for every scene, and many iconic lines were born from his ad-libs. All of Jin Yi-soo's witty moments were possible because we trusted Actor Ahn Bo-hyun. I am truly grateful to be working with such a reliable actor through Season 2."

Kim also expressed abundant affection for Jung Eun-chae, who took on the role of veteran team leader 'Ju Hye-ra'. "I believed there was no other actress capable of portraying Ju Hye-ra—a character defined by her relentless determination and outwardly gentle but inwardly strong demeanor—than Jung Eun-chae," she shared regarding the casting decision. She added, "Actor Jung Eun-chae possesses a unique charm where charisma and elegant beauty coexist. Working alongside her made me fall even more in love with her. I am sure viewers will also be captivated by Actor Jung Eun-chae when they watch 'Chaebol X Detective 2'."

The relationship between Jin Yi-soo and Ju Hye-ra, who meet as senior and junior officers, is another core viewing point of this season. Kim explained, "Ju Hye-ra is someone who plays with Jin Yi-soo from above. She understands his tendency to perform better when praised—'You're doing great, you're doing great'—and leverages that trait to solve cases. As Jin Yi-soo shows off, he eventually finds himself listening carefully to Ju Hye-ra's instructions."

She further added, "The dynamic between the veteran detective Ju Hye-ra, who casually trains Jin Yi-soo, and Jin Yi-soo, who is dragged along while resisting, will create another source of fun this season."

Additionally, the dazzling lineup of special appearances, reminiscent of award ceremonies, has generated significant buzz. Writer Kim also offered hints about actor Yoo Seung-ho's special appearance as the new chaebol character 'Yoo Sung-won'. Yoo Sung-won is a mysterious figure—a third-generation chaebol sculptor who has looked up to Jin Yi-soo like an older brother since childhood and remains under long-standing suspicion from Ju Hye-ra.

Regarding this, Kim said, "When building the character of Yoo Sung-won, Actor Yoo Seung-ho was the first name that came to mind." She continued, "Even though it is a challenging role, he willingly accepted it, and I am truly grateful. The impact of Yoo Sung-won as portrayed by Actor Yoo Seung-ho will be immense. We encourage viewers to look forward to what kind of performance they will see."

On the upgraded scale of 'Chaebol X Detective 2', Kim confidently stated, "Jin Yi-soo's flex is infinite." She elaborated, "Starting from the opening episode, terrorists targeting Jin Yi-soo will appear in rapid succession, and we will witness Jin Yi-soo-style flex investigations in response. Beyond that, a variety of intriguing murder cases involving gangsters, magicians, and Korean dancers will unfold."

When asked about the most entertaining flex investigation, she remarked, "Due to spoilers, I cannot share detailed information, but please consider this: Jin Yi-soo owns a film studio. Think about what he could do with it and how it might connect to various cases—that speculation itself will be enjoyable."

Finally, Kim emphasized, "The goal of the 'Chaebol X Detective' series is to bring joy to our viewers." She concluded, "We hope you enjoy watching the chaebol detective Jin Yi-soo, who can do anything, catch criminals in a satisfying manner, and experience his unique investigation flexes that explode with every case."

Meanwhile, fueled by the intense anticipation of potential viewers, 'Chaebol X Detective 2' will air 'Chaebol X Detective: Chaebol Flex Investigation' on the 31st at 11:10 p.m., revealing key scenes from Season 1 and highlights from Season 2. Following this, on August 1, a 15-minute preview titled 'Chaebol X Detective 2 Preview' will be broadcast. The official premiere is scheduled for August 7 at 9:50 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.