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Stranger 2017

★ 8.3/10 · 211 votes TV-MA CrimeDramaMystery 2 seasons · 32 eps Ended

Created by Lee Su-yeon, An Gil-ho, Yu Je-won

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Quick answer

What is Stranger?

Stranger, also known as The Forest of Secrets, is a South Korean crime thriller television series that first premiered in 2017 on tvN. The show was created by Choi Jin-hee and written by Lee Soo-yeon.

Type
TV series
Year
2017
Status
Ended
Episodes
32
First aired
Jun 10, 2017
Last aired
Oct 4, 2020
Original language
KO
Origin
KR
Networks
tvN
Genres
Crime, Drama, Mystery
Updated
Availability by region

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Estimate the schedule using 32 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.

Trailer

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Overview

Stranger, also known as The Forest of Secrets, is a South Korean crime thriller television series that first premiered in 2017 on tvN. The show was created by Choi Jin-hee and written by Lee Soo-yeon. It features a cast led by Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doona. The narrative centers on Hwang Shi Mok, a prosecutor who underwent brain surgery as a child to manage a violent temper, resulting in a condition that leaves him devoid of emotions. Known for his logic and intelligence, he is one of the few prosecutors who refuses to accept bribes. The plot begins when Hwang encounters a stabbing victim while investigating corruption. He subsequently partners with Lieutenant Han Yeo Jin, who he meets at the crime scene. Together, they work to solve a serial murder case while attempting to root out systemic corruption within the prosecutors’ office. The series consists of two seasons, each containing sixteen episodes, with the second season airing in 2020. The show is also available for viewing on Netflix.

corruptiondetectivefalsely accusedinvestigationpoliticspoliceantisocial personality disorderlawyertragic pastprosecutorgovernment officialseoul, south korea
Sources & verification Stranger (TV Series 2017–2020) - IMDb Stranger (TV series) - Wikipedia Watch Stranger | Netflix Official Site Netflix’s 8-Part Psychological Thriller Is One Of Its Best & A Perfect ... How Archytele verifies pages
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Should you watch it?

“A brilliant but emotionally detached prosecutor teams up with a detective to uncover corruption.”

# dark# intense# methodical# suspenseful# moral
Reasons to watch
  • Sharp legal thriller elements
  • Compelling character dynamics
  • Strong anti-corruption theme
Keep in mind
  • Heavy and serious tone
  • May be slow for some viewers

You enjoy cerebral crime dramas with moral complexity.

Suitable for mature audiences who appreciate serious legal thrillers.

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Ask anything about Stranger — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is Stranger worth watching?

Cast

Cho Seung-woo Hwang Si-mok
Bae Doona Han Yeo-jin
Lee Jun-hyuk Seo Dong-jae
Yoon Se-a Lee Yeon-jae
Park Seong-geun Kang Won-chul
Jeon Bae-soo Choi Yun-soo
Choi Jae-woong Jang Geon
Song Ji-ho Park Sun-chang
Yoon Tae-in Seo Sang-won
You Chea-myung Lee Chang-jun
Lee Kyoo-hyung Yoon Se-won
Shin Hae-sun Young Eun-soo

Episode guide

Season 1 · 16 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 16 episodes

Frequently asked questions

Is this show violent?

Yes, it contains crime scenes and mature content appropriate for adult viewers.

What genre is this?

It is a legal thriller with crime investigation elements.

Are there romantic elements?

There are subtle relationship dynamics between the main characters.

Is it based on a true story?

No, it is a fictional drama.

What makes the main character unique?

He is a prosecutor who lacks emotions due to childhood brain surgery.