LG Uplus’s STUDIO X+U has unveiled its new mid-form drama 'Hunter with a Scalpel' on June 16. The show, which was first recognized at Cannes, is gaining attention for its provocative storyline and unfiltered portrayal of crime, capturing the keen interest of viewers.
This crime thriller begins when forensic pathologist Seo Se Hyeon (played by Park Ju Hyun) discovers a murder method on the autopsy table that matches the style of a serial killer known as “The Tailor,” who also happens to be her father, presumed dead for 20 years. To avoid becoming his next target, Se Hyeon joins a dangerous game, racing ahead of Detective Jung Jung Hyun (played by Kang Hoon) in pursuit of her father, Yoon Jo Kyun (played by Park Yong Woo).
Based on the novel of the same name by author Choi Yi Do, the drama is adapted by writers Jo Han Young, Park Hyun Shin, Hong Yeon Yi, and Jin Se Hyuk, and directed by Lee Jung Hoon. The unconventional premise of a “serial killer father and sociopathic daughter” has drawn particular attention.
Unlike traditional 60-minute dramas, 'Hunter with a Scalpel' is produced as a 30-minute mid-form series, offering fast-paced storytelling and condensed plotlines. Director Lee Jung Hoon explained, “With the trend of faster storytelling, mid-form was the best format to tell this story. We packed in a lot of events, and 30 minutes was the most effective way to deliver that pace.”
Still cuts released on premiere day revealed a gruesome murder scene in a Yongcheon onion field, raising curiosity. Police lines surround a grotesquely mutilated corpse, and the grim expressions of the Yongcheon Police violent crimes team members heightened the suspense.
Park Joo Hyun plays Seo Se Hyeon, a genius pathologist with sociopathic tendencies and a latent instinct for murder. At the press conference, she described the show as “a genre piece unlike anything seen in Korea” and emphasized its unfiltered nature: “It doesn’t beautify or gloss over violent or frightening scenes.”
To prepare for the role, Park Ju Hyun appeared on the tvN reality show 'Iron Girls,' where she trained for a triathlon. She shared, “I don’t naturally look intense or sharp, so I thought doing the triathlon might help me become more sensitive, sharper, and edgier. I wanted Se Hyeon to look like someone who shaped her body through physical training. The show helped me a lot.”
Park Yong Woo portrays the psychopathic serial killer Yoon Jo Kyun, who is obsessed with human anatomy. He shared that he prepared for the role through extensive research: “Since I couldn’t practice harming anyone, I watched a lot of documentaries. Serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer and Charles Manson share a common trait: lack of empathy for others.”
Kang Hoon plays Jung Jung Hyun, the newly appointed head of the violent crimes unit at Yongcheon Police Station, bringing gravity to the story. He revealed that he gained 5–6 kg to portray the character’s charisma. He said, “Since I was playing a police officer, I spoke with some police friends to understand the role. There are many action scenes, so I focused on managing my stamina.”
Before its Korean release, 'Hunter with a Scalpel' was officially invited to the Rendezvous section of the 8th Cannes International Series Festival, gaining international recognition early on. Director Lee expressed his gratitude: “It’s rare to be invited to international festivals, so I’m deeply honored. Outside of Europe, only Korean dramas have won awards at Cannes Series.”
Park Joo Hyun added, “It was an honor to present our drama in a city like Cannes. As someone who loves the genre, I’m thankful to be called a rising star in this field. Our drama has a very strong and distinct color, and we gave it our all.”
At its core, 'Hunter with a Scalpel' is a high-stakes psychological game between a father and daughter, each using the other's weaknesses to survive. The drama's highlight lies in the intense mind games and cat-and-mouse chases that go far beyond the confines of a traditional family relationship.
Park Joo Hyun remarked, “In genre dramas, it’s important to convey subtle emotions without discomfort. Our drama is bold in that respect. It shows everything as it is, which I think will make it more thrilling and stimulating for viewers.”
Director Lee added, “We had a lot of deep discussions with the cast to focus on emotional nuance in every scene, and I think that effort really paid off.”
Hunter with a Scalpel follows in the footsteps of other successful STUDIO X+U dramas such as 'A Good Day to Be a Dog,' 'No Way Out: The Roulette,' 'High Cookie,' and 'Night Has Come.' With its unpredictable plot, distinctive characters, and unrelenting pace, all eyes are on whether this series will become the next big sensation.
'Hunter with a Scalpel' airs every Monday through Thursday on U+tv, U+MobileTV, and Disney+.
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