Stranger (also known as Secret Forest) is a South Korean crime thriller television series. The story follows Hwang Si-mok, a prosecutor who lacks empathy due to a brain surgery he underwent as a child. Despite his cold demeanor, he is fiercely logical and dedicated to justice.
Si-mok gets involved in a murder case that leads him to uncover deep corruption within the prosecutor’s office and the police force. He teams up with Lieutenant Han Yeo-jin, a warm-hearted and determined police officer. Together, they navigate a web of lies, power struggles, and hidden agendas.
The series explores themes of institutional corruption, morality, and the pursuit of truth. As Si-mok and Yeo-jin dig deeper, they face resistance from powerful figures who will stop at nothing to protect their interests. The tension builds as trust becomes a rare commodity in their investigation.
With its intricate plot and strong performances, Stranger keeps viewers engaged through twists and suspense. The dynamic between the emotionally detached Si-mok and the compassionate Yeo-jin adds depth to the story. The series received critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and social commentary.
A second season, Stranger 2, continues the story, delving further into the conflict between prosecutors and the police. The show remains a standout in the crime thriller genre, praised for its intelligence and realism.
Stranger – TV Series – Season 1 – Summary
Stranger (also known as Secret Forest) Season 1 is a South Korean crime thriller that follows Hwang Si-mok, a prosecutor with a unique condition that renders him emotionless due to a childhood brain surgery. His cold, analytical nature makes him an exceptional investigator. When he teams up with warm-hearted detective Han Yeo-jin to solve a murder, they uncover a web of corruption involving powerful figures in the legal and business worlds.
The series begins with the murder of Park Moo-sung, a man connected to a major corporation. As Si-mok and Yeo-jin dig deeper, they face resistance from high-ranking officials, including prosecutors and politicians, who try to obstruct justice. The investigation leads them to uncover illegal dealings, cover-ups, and betrayals within the system.
Si-mok’s lack of emotions becomes both an asset and a challenge, as he remains unaffected by threats or manipulation. Yeo-jin’s empathy and intuition balance his rigid logic, creating a compelling dynamic. Their partnership evolves as they navigate danger, deceit, and moral dilemmas.
The tension escalates when the case implicates Lee Chang-joon, a senior prosecutor with political ambitions, and his wife, Lee Yoon-beom, the daughter of a wealthy businessman. The truth becomes murkier as more people are silenced, and the duo races against time to expose the conspiracy.
The season concludes with some justice served, but the larger system remains flawed, leaving room for future battles. Stranger captivates with its intricate plot, strong performances, and sharp critique of institutional corruption, making it a standout in the crime thriller genre.
Stranger – TV Series – Season 1 – Trailer
