Black (South Korean TV series)

2017 South Korean TV series

Black

Promotional poster

Hangul|

RR| Beullaek
MR| Pŭllaek
Genre|

* Romance
* Fantasy
* Thriller
* Comedy

Created by| Studio Dragon
Written by| Choi Ran
Directed by| Kim Hong-sun
Starring|

* Song Seung-heon
* Go Ara
* Lee El
* Kim Dong-jun

Composer| Nam Hye-seung
Country of origin| South Korea
Original language| Korean
No. of episodes| 18
Production
Executive producers|

* Kim Jong-sik
* Song Jae-joon

Producers|

* Kim Ryun-hee
* Kim Jong-sik
* Song Jae-jun

Production company| iWill Media
Original release
Network| OCN
Release| October 14 (2017-10-14) –
December 10, 2017 (2017-12-10)

Black (Korean: 블랙) is a 2017 fantasy-thriller South Korean television series starring Song Seung-heon, Go Ara, Lee El, and Kim Dong-jun. It aired on OCN from October 14 to December 10, 2017, every Saturday and Sunday at 22:20 (KST).[1][2][3][4]

## Synopsis

[edit]

Black is the story of a grim reaper who is forced to track down his fugitive partner. In the process, he uncovers the truth about a series of cold case murders from 20 years ago. Investigating the murders complicates the reaper's primary role of guiding the deceased to their respective afterlife, especially after he falls in love with a mortal woman - which leads him to break supernatural rules against involvement in human affairs.[5][6]

## Cast

[edit]

### Main

[edit]

* Song Seung-heon as Han Moo-gang / Black (Grim Reaper #444) / Kim Joon
* Choi Seung-hoon as young Han Moo-gang

Han Moo-Gang newly joins the detective team of the Regional Crime Unit in order to find out the truth of a case that happened 20 years before. After his death, he is possessed by the messenger of hell, No.444. When Han Moo-Gang dies unexpectedly, the bracelet Kang Ha-ram gave to Kim Joon appears on his hand, so Kang Ha-ram mistakes him for her childhood first love, "Joon Oppa".

* Go Ara as Kang Ha-ram
* Ok Ye-rin as child Kang Ha-ram
* Choi Myung-bin as young Kang Ha-ram

A woman who can foresee death as a dark shadow looming over someone which turns out to be a grim reaper following them to their moment of death.[7]

* Lee El as Yoon Soo-wan/ Kim Sun Young
* Song Soo-hyun as young Yoon Soo-wan/ Kim Sun Young

A doctor who is in love with Han Moo-gang. She was adopted by Kim Joon's family decades prior to the main storyline, and was the victim of several filmed sexual assaults by the perpetrators of the serial murders.[7]

* Kim Dong-jun as Oh Man-soo
* Lee Seung-woo as child Oh Man-soo
* Lee Geon-ha as young Oh Man-soo

A second generation chaebol.[8]

### Supporting

[edit]

#### People around Han Moo-gang

[edit]

* Kim Won-hae as Na Gwang-gyun / Crazy Dog
* Jung Suk-yong as Bong Man-shik
* Lee Chul-min as Oh Soo-tae
* Huh Jae-ho as Park Gwi-nam[9]
* Ji Su-won as Seo Young-hwa, Han Moo-gang's mother and Kim Joon's adoptive mother who is a cardiologist.

#### People around Kang Ha-ram

[edit]

* Kim Jung-young as Choi Soon-jung, Ha-ram's mother.
* Lee Si-won as young Choi Soon-jung
* Kim Hyung-min as Kang Soo-hyuk, Ha-ram's father.
* Go Seung-bo as Hoon-seok, Ha-ram's stepbrother.
* Park Jung-hak as Ha-ram's stepfather

#### Grim Reapers

[edit]

* Kim Tae-Woo as Grim Reaper #444
* Park Doo-shik as Je Soo-dong / Grim Reaper #419[10]
* Jo Jae-yoon as Grim Reaper #007
* Lee Kyu-bok as Grim Reaper #416
* Jung Joon-won as Jang Hyun-soo / Grim Reaper #416 (real form), a friend of Kim Joon who was killed in the Mujin Time Mart incident.

#### People around Man-soo

[edit]

* Lee Do-kyung as Oh Chun-soo, Man-soo's father.
* Choi Min-chul as Oh Man-ho, Man-soo's half-brother.
* Choi Won-hong as Oh Sang-min, Man-ho's son.
* Kim Jae-young as Leo / Kim Woo-shik, a K-pop star
* Jeon Jin-seo as young Kim Woo-shik
* Oh Cho-hee as Tiffany / Lee Young-hee
* Kim Young-sun as Man-soo's mother

#### Others

[edit]

* Lee Hae-young as Min Jae-hong
* Woo Hyun as Wang Yong-chun, a man with spider tattoo.
* Kim Bo-yoon as Soo-jin
* Lee Kwan-hoon as Chen (man with missing finger)
* Bae Jung-hwa as Han Jin-sook
* Lee Hyo-je as Kim Joon / Han Moo-chan, Han Moo-gang's older brother who is renamed as Han Moo-chan after being adopted by Moo-gang's mother.
* No Tae-yeop as Steven Yoo
* Lee Joon-seo as Park Seung-chul
* Song Min-hyung as Woo Byung-sik
* Cha Chung-hwa as Clara
* Yeon Jae-wook as Lee Byung-tae

## Production

[edit]

* The script reading of the cast was held on July 24, 2017.[11][12]
* The series was under negotiation with Netflix for a simultaneous streaming deal. It is not available at this time on Netflix.[13][14][15]

## Original soundtrack

[edit]

Black
Original soundtrack

Soundtrack album by

Various Artists

Recorded| 2017
Genre| Soundtrack
Language|

* Korean
* English

Label|

* Universal Music Korea
* EL Wide

### Part 1

[edit]

No.| Title| Artist| Length

|
|
|

1.| "Take Me Out"| Nam Tae-hyun| 4:31
2.| "Take Me Out" (Inst.)| Nam Tae-hyun| 4:31
Total length:| 9:02

### Part 2

[edit]

No.| Title| Artist| Length

|
|
|

1.| "Like a Film"| leeSA (리싸)| 3:37
2.| "Like a Film" (Inst.)| leeSA (리싸)| 3:41
Total length:| 7:18

### Part 3

[edit]

No.| Title| Artist| Length

|
|
|

1.| "Another Me"| Han Min-chae (민채)| 4:35
2.| "Another Me" (Inst.)| Han Min-chae (민채)| 4:41
Total length:| 9:16

## Ratings

[edit]

Ep. | Original broadcast date  | Average audience share

|
|

Nielsen Korea[16] | TNmS
Nationwide  | Seoul | Nationwide
1  | October 14, 2017  | 2.141% | 2.416%  | 2.0%
2  | October 15, 2017  | 3.876%  | 4.170%  | 3.0%
3  | October 21, 2017  | 3.963%  | 4.715%  | 2.7%
4  | October 22, 2017  | 4.318% | 5.080% | 3.7%
5  | October 28, 2017  | 3.595%  | 4.229%  | 2.9%
6  | October 29, 2017  | 4.087%  | 4.714%  | 3.6%
7  | November 4, 2017  | 3.580%  | 4.427%  | 3.0%
8  | November 5, 2017  | 3.247%  | 3.727%  | 2.6%
9  | November 11, 2017  | 2.966%  | 3.636%  | 2.3%
10  | November 12, 2017  | 3.409%  | 4.245%  | 3.6%
11  | November 18, 2017  | 2.535%  | 2.795%  | 2.1%
12  | November 19, 2017  | 3.074%  | 3.613%  | 2.9%
13  | November 25, 2017  | 2.532%  | 2.707%  | 2.4%
14  | November 26, 2017  | 3.038%  | 3.234%  | 2.8%
15  | December 2, 2017  | 2.453%  | 2.395% | 2.0%
16  | December 3, 2017  | 3.470%  | 3.810%  | 2.6%
17  | December 9, 2017  | 3.085%  | 3.403%  | 2.2%
18  | December 10, 2017  | 4.181%  | 4.518%  | 3.7%
Average  | 3.308% | 3.769% | 2.8%

* In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
* This series aired on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).

## Remake

[edit]

The series was adapted into a Malay-language web series [ms] which was released on Viu for two seasons. The Malaysian adaptation replaced the concept of grim reaper with Orang bunian, a supernatural being in Malay folklore.[17][18]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Song Sung-heon, Go A-ra cast in OCN drama". Korea JoongAng Daily. 5 August 2017.
2. ^ Mukhopadhyay, Riddhiman. "OCN's Black: Ara and Song Seung Heon confirmed for grim reaper drama". IB Times. International Business Times, Singapore Edition. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
3. ^ Lee, Ye-eun. "[단독] 송승헌X고아라, OCN 드라마 '블랙' 출연 확정...하반기 방영". Naver (in Korean). The Financial News. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
4. ^ Kim, Sol-ji. "OCN 측 "'블랙', 송승헌·고아라 출연 확정...올 하반기 편성"(공식)". Naver (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
5. ^ Choi, Na-young. "[공식입장] OCN '블랙', 송승헌X고아라 "긍정검토 중"". Naver (in Korean). OSEN. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
6. ^ "5 Korean Horror Dramas You Should Watch During Halloween". Viu. 2017-10-16. Archived from the original on 2017-10-17. Retrieved 2017-10-17.
7. ^ a b <블랙> 송승헌-고아라-이엘-김동준, 대본 리딩 현장 공개!. iMBC (in Korean). August 10, 2017. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
8. ^ Jo, Yoon-seon. "[공식] 김동준, OCN '블랙' 출연 확정...재벌 2세役". Naver (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
9. ^ Jo, Gyeong-yi. [단독]'귓속말' 허재호, 차기작은 '블랙'‥송승헌과 호흡. Naver (in Korean). OSEN. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
10. ^ Hong, Se-young. [단독] 박두식, '블랙' 전격 합류...송승헌·고아라와 호흡. Naver (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
11. ^ Hong, Se-young. "[단독] 송승헌x고아라, OCN '블랙' 캐스팅...안방복귀 하나". Naver (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
12. ^ Kim, Na-hee. "[Oh!쎈 톡] 송승헌·고아라·김동준, '블랙'으로 뭉친다..오늘 대본리딩". Naver (in Korean). OSEN. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
13. ^ Yun, Suh-young. "K-drama industry finds new breakthrough with Netflix". KTimes. The Korea Times. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
14. ^ Chang, Dong-woo; Youn, Go-eun. "(News Focus) More TV shows turning to Netflix as China's culture ban persists". Yonhap News Agency. Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
15. ^ Black on Netflix
16. ^ "Nielsen Korea" (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
17. ^ "Viu Gives Malay Adaptation to Korea's 'Black'". Variety. December 2, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
18. ^ "Viu's supernatural hit, Black, is back for a second season". Kepohchi. June 10, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2023.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website (in Korean)
* Black at Studio Dragon (in Korean)
* Black at iWill Media (in Korean)
* Black at HanCinema
* Black at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

OCN original series

Monday–Tuesday|

* My Secret Romance (2017)
* Meloholic (2017)
* My First Love (2017)
* Short (2018)
* Evergreen (2018)

Wednesday–Thursday|

* The Guest (2018)
* Quiz of God: Reboot (2018)
* Possessed (2019)
* Save Me 2 (2019)
* Class of Lies (2019)
* The Running Mates: Human Rights (2019)

Saturday–Sunday|

| OCN Original|

* Coma (2006)
* Someday (2006)
* Quiz of God (2010)
* Vampire Prosecutor (2011)
* Special Affairs Team TEN (2011)
* The Virus (2013)
* Cheo Yong (2014)
* Reset (2014)
* Bad Guys (2014)
* Dr. Frost (2014)
* The Missing (2015)
* My Beautiful Bride (2015)
* Local Hero (2016)
* The Vampire Detective (2016)
* Squad 38 (2016)
* Voice (2017)
* Tunnel (2017)
* Duel (2017)
* Save Me (2017)
* Black (2017)
* Bad Guys 2 (2017)
* Children of a Lesser God (2018)
* Mistress (2018)
* Life on Mars (2018)
* Voice 2 (2018)
* Player (2018)
* Priest (2018)
* Kill It (2019)
* Voice 3 (2019)
* Watcher (2019)
* The Lies Within (2019)
* Tell Me What You Saw (2020)
* Rugal (2020)
* Train (2020)
* Missing: The Other Side (2020)
* The Uncanny Counter (2020)
* Times (2021)
* Chimera (2021)

|

OCN Dramatic Cinema|

* Trap (2019)
* Hell Is Other People (2019)
* Team Bulldog: Off-Duty Investigation (2020)
* Search (2020)
* Dark Hole (2021)

Sunday|

* A Superior Day (2022)

* v
* t
* e

Works by Studio Dragon

As production company|

* Another Miss Oh
* Dear My Friends
* Squad 38
* The Good Wife
* On the Way to the Airport
* Woman with a Suitcase
* Entourage
* The Legend of the Blue Sea
* Circle
* My Golden Life
* Because This Is My First Life
* Bravo My Life
* Drama Stage
* episodes
* Children of a Lesser God
* The Guest
* Player
* The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
* Arthdal Chronicles
* Watcher
* Doctor John
* Love Alarm
* The Lies Within
* Crash Landing on You
* My Holo Love
* Once Again
* The King: Eternal Monarch
* My Unfamiliar Family
* Flower of Evil
* Sweet Home
* Navillera
* Doom at Your Service
* The Devil Judge
* The Witch's Diner
* Kingdom: Ashin of the North
* Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
* Yumi's Cells
* Hometown
* Jirisan
* Happiness
* Secret Royal Inspector & Joy
* Bad and Crazy
* Bulgasal: Immortal Souls
* Ghost Doctor
* Military Prosecutor Doberman
* The King of Pigs
* Eve
* Link: Eat, Love, Kill
* Alchemy of Souls
* Adamas
* Big Mouth
* Little Women
* Mental Coach Jegal
* Blind
* Behind Every Star
* Connect
* Island
* Crash Course in Romance
* Pandora: Beneath the Paradise
* Duty After School
* Family: The Unbreakable Bond
* Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
* Lies Hidden in My Garden
* Celebrity
* Doona!
* The Big Door Prize
* Gyeongseong Creature
* Queen of Tears
* The Midnight Romance in Hagwon
* Hierarchy
* The Whirlwind
* Love Next Door
* Dear Hyeri
* Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard
* Love Your Enemy
* Dear Hongrang

As planner/creator/
developer|

| 2016–18|

* Bring It On, Ghost
* Cinderella with Four Knights
* The K2
* Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
* Voice
* Introverted Boss
* Tomorrow, with You
* The Liar and His Lover
* Tunnel
* Chicago Typewriter
* Duel
* Stranger
* The Bride of Habaek
* Criminal Minds
* Save Me
* Live Up to Your Name
* Argon
* Avengers Social Club
* Black
* Revolutionary Love
* The Most Beautiful Goodbye
* Bad Guys 2
* A Korean Odyssey
* Mother
* Cross
* Live
* My Mister
* Mistress
* Lawless Lawyer
* About Time
* What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
* Life on Mars
* Mr. Sunshine
* Familiar Wife
* 100 Days My Prince
* Room No. 9
* Tale of Fairy
* Quiz of God: Reboot
* Priest
* Encounter
* Memories of the Alhambra

|

2019–21|

* The Crowned Clown
* Romance Is a Bonus Book
* Touch Your Heart
* Possessed
* He Is Psychometric
* Confession
* Kill It
* Her Private Life
* Abyss
* Save Me 2
* Search: WWW
* Designated Survivor: 60 Days
* Hotel del Luna
* Class of Lies
* The Great Show
* The Running Mates: Human Rights
* Miss Lee
* Melting Me Softly
* Catch the Ghost
* Psychopath Diary
* Black Dog: Being A Teacher
* Money Game
* Tell Me What You Saw
* The Cursed
* Hi Bye, Mama!
* Memorist
* A Piece of Your Mind
* Rugal
* When My Love Blooms
* Oh My Baby
* It's Okay to Not Be Okay
* Train
* Missing: The Other Side
* Record of Youth
* Tale of the Nine Tailed
* Start-Up
* The Uncanny Counter
* Awaken
* True Beauty
* Mr. Queen
* L.U.C.A.: The Beginning
* Times
* Vincenzo
* Mine
* My Roommate Is a Gumiho
* You Are My Spring
* The Road: The Tragedy of One
* High Class
* Melancholia

2022–25|

* Twenty-Five Twenty-One
* A Superior Day
* Our Blues
* Shooting Stars
* The Killer's Shopping List
* Monstrous
* Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist
* Under the Queen's Umbrella
* Our Blooming Youth
* The Heavenly Idol
* Stealer: The Treasure Keeper
* Delightfully Deceitful
* See You in My 19th Life
* My Lovely Liar
* Song of the Bandits
* Twinkling Watermelon
* Castaway Diva
* A Bloody Lucky Day
* Maestra: Strings of Truth
* Marry My Husband
* Captivating the King
* Wedding Impossible
* The Auditors
* Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born
* Dear X
* When the Stars Gossip

* v
* t
* e

Works by IWill Media

2010s|

* Syndrome (2012)
* When a Man Falls in Love (2013)
* A Little Love Never Hurts (2013)
* Love & Secret (2014)
* My Mother Is a Daughter-in-law (2015)
* The Time We Were Not in Love (2015)
* I Have a Lover (2015)
* Solomon's Perjury (2016)
* Sisters-in-Law (2017)
* Witch at Court (2017)
* Black (2017)
* Player (2018)
* Gracious Revenge (2019)

2020s|

* Men Are Men (2020)
* Royal Secret Agent (2020)
* On the Verge of Insanity (2021)
* A Superior Day (2022)
* Gold Mask (2022)
* May I Help You? (2022)
* Moon in the Day (2023)

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