Connection (TV series)

2024 South Korean television series

For other TV series with similar names, see Connections (disambiguation) § Television.

Connection

Promotional poster

Hangul|

커넥션

RR| Keoneksyeon
MR| K'ŏneksyŏn
Genre|

* Psychological[1]
* Crime[1]
* Police procedural[1]
* Thriller[1]

Written by| Lee Hyun
Directed by|

* Kim Mun-kyo
* Kwon Da-som[2]

Starring|

* Ji Sung
* Jeon Mi-do
* Kwon Yul
* Kim Kyung-nam

Music by|

* Kim Joon-seok[3]
* Jeong Se-rin[3]

Country of origin| South Korea
Original language| Korean
No. of episodes| 14
Production
Executive producer| Lee Kwang-sun (CP)[4]
Producers|

* Han Jung-hwan[2]
* Jo Jae-yeon[2]
* Lee Soo-yeon[2]
* Park Sang-jin[2]
* Noh Jeon-gyu[2]
* Lee Tae-gon[2]
* Kim Si-hwan[2]

Cinematography|

* Kim Dong-young[2]
* Kang Joo-sin[2]
* Yeom Ho-wang[2]
* Jung Seung-hwan[2]

Editor| Jo In-hyung[2]
Running time| 70 minutes
Production companies|

* Studio S
* Good Harvest
* Soul Pictures

Original release
Network| SBS TV
Release| May 24 (2024-05-24) –
July 6, 2024 (2024-07-06)

Connection (Korean: 커넥션) is a 2024 South Korean psychological crime police procedural thriller television series written by Lee Hyun, co-directed by Kim Moon-gyo and Kwon Da-som, and starring Ji Sung, Jeon Mi-do, Kwon Yul, and Kim Kyung-nam. It aired on SBS TV from May 24, to July 6, 2024, every Friday and Saturday at 22:00 (KST). It is also available for streaming on Wavve and Coupang Play in South Korea, on Vidio in Indonesia, and on Kocowa and Viki in selected regions.

## Synopsis

[edit]

It is about the story of an ace detective from the narcotics team who, after being forcibly addicted to drugs by someone, uses the death of his friend as a clue to uncover the story of their 20-year-old altered friendship and the connection between them.

## Cast and characters

[edit]

### Main

[edit]

* Ji Sung as Jang Jae-gyeong[5]
* Cho Han-gyeol as young Jang Jae-gyeong[6]

A detective of Narcotics Team at Anhyeon Police Station, who is respected by his juniors and trusted by his seniors within the police force.

* Jeon Mi-do as Oh Yoon-jin[5]
* Kim Min-ju as young Oh Yoon-jin[7]

A social affairs reporter of the Anhyeon Economic Daily, who is assertive and outspoken.

* Kwon Yul as Park Tae-jin[8]
* Baek Jae-woo as young Park Tae-jin[9]

A prosecutor at Anhyeon District Office who was known as a child prodigy with a brilliant mind and gets entangled in a case involving his high school classmates Jae-gyeong and Yoon-jin.

* Kim Kyung-nam as Won Jong-soo[10]
* Park Si-yun as young Won Jong-soo[11]

A second generation chaebol who holds some sort of power through a friendship that has continued since his school days. He is Keumhyung Group's successor and has tense confrontation with high school classmate Jae-gyeong.

### Supporting

[edit]

* Jeong Soon-won as Heo Joo-song[12]
* Jo Min-gu as young Heo Joo-song[13]

CEO of Two Star Holdings, an insurance company, who is talkative and weak-hearted and is in love to Yoon-jin.

* Jung Yoo-min as Choi Ji-yeon[14]

A mysterious person who not only finds herself alone due to the sudden death of her husband Jun-seo, but also discovers that she is not the beneficiary of 5 billion won in insurance money.

* Yoon Na-moo as Park Jun-seo[15]
* Lee Hyun-so as young Park Jun-seo[16]

President of Pil O Real Estate who was a close friend of Jae-gyeong when they were in high school.

* Moon Sung-keun as Won Chang-ho[14]

Chairman of the Keumhyung Group and Jong-soo's father.

* Cha Yup [ko] as Oh Chi-hyun[17]
* Choi Min-suk as young Oh Chi-hyun[2]

A fighter from Anhyeon City High School and values loyalty more than life. He is Jong-soo's chief secretary.

* Lee Gang-wook [ko] as Jeong Yoon-ho[18]
* Kim Je-hun as young Jeong Yoon-ho[9]

A taxi driver who is part of the 'Inner Circle' led by Jong-soo and Si-jung's husband.

* Park Geun-rok [ko] as Jeong Sang-eui[15]
* Bae Jun-hyung as young Jeong Sang-eui[9]

A researcher at Keumhyung Pharmaceutical.

* Yoon Sa-bong as Jung Yeon-joo[15]

Captain of Narcotics Team at Anhyeon Police Station.

* Jung Jae-kwang as Kim Chang-soo[19]

A detective of Narcotics Team at Anhyeon Police Station and Jae-gyeong trusted right-hand man.

* Park Jung-pyo as Yoo Kyung-hwan[15]

A detective of Violent Crimes Team at Anhyeon Police Station and has an antagonistic relationship with Yeon-joo.

* Yoo Hee-je [ko] as Gong Jin-wook[20]

A mystery person who is related to Jae-gyeong's drug addiction.

* Baek Ji-won as CEO Yoon[21]

A member of a drug gang who deals and distributes the Lemon Mulberry pills in Anhyeon City.

### Others

[edit]

* Seo Yi-ra as Oh Soo-hyun[22]

The youngest detective of Narcotics Team at Anhyeon Police Station under Jae-gyeong.

* Lee Sang-jun as Kim Woo-sung[15]

A junior reporter at Anhyeon Economic Daily who is Yoon-jin's junior.

* Ryu Hye-rin as Kang Si-jung[15]

Yoon-ho's wife and an Anhyeon City High School alumni.

* Han Hyeon-jun as Min Hyun-woo[15]

A high school student who helps Jun-seo in delivering pharmaceutical drugs.

* Kim Min-sik as Park In-soo[15]

A detective of Violent Crimes Team at Anhyeon Police Station.

* Byun Hyo-joon as Min Jung-guk[15]

A detective of Violent Crimes Team at Anhyeon Police Station.

* Oh Il-young as Lee Myung-guk[23]

A senior researcher at Keumhyung Pharmaceutical.

* Park Chan-woo [ko] as No Gyu-min[24]
* Ahn Do-gyu as teen No Gyu-min[25]

A taxi driver who is Chae Kyung-tae's friend in high school days.

### Special appearances

[edit]

* Jang Hyuk-jin as Hwang Hong-suk[2]
* Lee Chang-hun [ko] as a corporate PR staff[2]

## Production

[edit]

### Development

[edit]

Director Kim Mun-kyo, who worked on Trolley (2023), and writer Lee Hyun, who worked on Diary of a Prosecutor (2019), are in charge of the directing and writing of the series.[26] Studio S, Soul Pictures, and Good Harvest managed the production.[27]

### Casting

[edit]

Ji Sung and Jeon Mi-do were confirmed to star for the series. This is their first time working together on a project.[28] It is also Ji's comeback on SBS since Doctor John in 2019 and it was Jeon's first lead drama in a terrestrial channel since debuting as an actor in 2006.[26]

## Release

[edit]

Connection was announced to air on SBS TV in the first half of 2024.[26] A special teaser of the series was released on December 29, 2023.[29] SBS' production team confirmed that the series would air on May 24, 2024, every Friday and Saturday at 22:00 (KST).[30] It is also available to stream on Wavve, Coupang Play, Kocowa and Vidio.[31][32]

## Viewership

[edit]

Connection : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)

Season| Episode number| Average

|
|

1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12| 13| 14
| 1| 1.038| 1.090| 1.288| 1.432| 1.507| 1.665| 1.619| 1.649| 1.650| 2.039| 1.735| 1.952| 1.859| 2.560| 1.649

Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[33]

Average TV viewership ratings  Ep. | Original broadcast date  | Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)[33]

|
|

Nationwide  | Seoul
1  | May 24, 2024  | 5.7% (7th) | 6.1% (3rd)
2  | May 25, 2024  | 6.1% (2nd) | 7.0% (2nd)
3  | May 31, 2024  | 7.0% (4th) | 6.7% (3rd)
4  | June 1, 2024  | 7.9% (2nd) | 8.2% (2nd)
5  | June 7, 2024  | 8.5% (2nd) | 8.5% (1st)
6  | June 8, 2024  | 9.4% (2nd) | 10.0% (2nd)
7  | June 14, 2024  | 9.4% (2nd) | 9.8% (1st)
8  | June 15, 2024  | 9.1% (2nd) | 9.5% (2nd)
9  | June 21, 2024  | 9.1% (2nd) | 8.9% (2nd)
10  | June 22, 2024  | 11.1% (2nd) | 11.4% (2nd)
11  | June 28, 2024  | 9.7% (2nd) | 10.4% (1st)
12  | June 29, 2024  | 10.6% (2nd) | 11.2% (2nd)
13  | July 5, 2024  | 11.0% (2nd) | 11.7% (1st)
14  | July 6, 2024  | 14.2% (2nd) | 14.8% (2nd)
Average  | 9.2% | 9.6%

* In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d Lee, Min-ji (December 11, 2023). 범죄수사 스릴러 '커넥션' 형사 지성-기자 전미도 출연 확정 [공식] [Crime investigation thriller 'Connection' Detective Ji-sung and reporter Jeon Mi-do confirmed to appear [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024 - via Naver.
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p 1회 우리 마약팀 안현경찰서의 자랑이다 [1\. Our Drug Team Is the Pride of Anhyeon Police Station]. Connection. Episode 1 (in Korean). May 24, 2024. SBS TV. Archived from the original on August 4, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
3. ^ a b 오는 5월 24일(금) 첫 방송 예정인 SBS 새 금토드라마 <커넥션>의 메인포스터 2종이 공개되었습니다. [Two main posters for SBS' new Friday-Saturday drama <Connection>, which is scheduled to air for the first time on Friday, May 24, have been released.]. Facebook (in Korean). April 30, 2024. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
4. ^ 커넥션 [Connection]. SBS. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
5. ^ a b Kang, Seon-ae (December 11, 2023). "이름만 들어도 신뢰감 돋는 조합"...지성-전미도, '커넥션' 출연 확정 ["Combination that gives credibility just by hearing the name"...Ji Sung and Jeon Mi-do confirmed to appear on 'Connection'] (in Korean). SBS Entertainment News. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024 - via Naver.
6. ^ Ahn, Byun-gil (May 7, 2024). 조한결 '커넥션' 출연...지성 아역으로 [Cho Han-gyeol appears in 'Connection'...as young role of Ji Sung] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 - via Naver.
7. ^ Kim, Myung-mi (May 17, 2024). 김민주, 전미도 고등학교 아역 변신 "이제껏 볼 수 없던 얼굴"(커넥션) [Kim Min-ju, transform as Jeon Mi-do in high school days "A face you've never seen before" (Connection)] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024 - via Naver.
8. ^ Lee, Chang-gyu (April 5, 2024). 권율, SBS '커넥션' 출연 확정...지성·권미도와 호흡 [공식입장] [Kwon Yul confirmed to appear on SBS 'Connection'...Working with Ji Sung and Jeon Mi-do [Official Statement]] (in Korean). Sports News. Archived from the original on April 6, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024 - via Naver.
9. ^ a b c [대중문화칼럼] 아역 배우의 미래와 인공지능의 향배는 [[Popular Culture Column] The future of young actors and the future of artificial intelligence]. Cheonji Ilbo (in Korean). July 2, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
10. ^ Choi, Lee-jung (April 16, 2024). 김경남, SBS '커넥션' 재벌 2세 변신...지성∙전미도와 호흡 [Kim Kyung-nam, transformed into a second generation chaebol in SBS' 'Connection'...Working with Ji Sung and Jeon Mi-do] (in Korean). OSEN. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024 - via Naver.
11. ^ Jung, In-seon (July 2, 2024). '커넥션' 박시윤, 대전서 자랐다... 부친은 대덕특구서 근무 중 ['Connection' Park Si-yun, grew up in Daejeon... Father works in Daedeok Special Zone] (in Korean). Daejeon Ilbo. Retrieved October 22, 2024 - via Naver.
12. ^ Lee, Kyung-ho (April 29, 2024). 정순원, SBS 새 금토극 '커넥션' 합류..전미도와 호흡 [공식] [Jeong Soon-won joins SBS' new Friday-Saturday drama 'Connection'...Working with Jeon Mi-do [Official]] (in Korean). Star News. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024 - via Naver.
13. ^ Jo, Sung-woon (July 3, 2024). 김민주X조한결X조민구, '20년 전, 숨은 이야기 또 있다' (커넥션) [Kim Min-ju X Cho Han-gyeol X Jo Min-gu, '20 years ago, there is another hidden story' (Connection)] (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Retrieved October 22, 2024 - via Naver.
14. ^ a b Kim, Yoo-jin (May 10, 2024). 문성근·정유민·차엽·이강욱·김민주, '커넥션' 출연 [Moon Seong-geun, Jeong Yu-min, Cha Yeop, Lee Kang-wook, and Kim Min-ju appear in 'Connection'] (in Korean). Star News. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 - via Naver.
15. ^ a b c d e f g h i Kang, Sun-ae (May 16, 2024). "지성-전미도와 어떤 관계?"...'커넥션', 필독해야 할 '인물 관계도' ["What is Ji-seong's relationship with Jeon Mi-do?"...'Connection', a must-read 'Character Relationship Chart'] (in Korean). SBS Entertainment News. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024 - via Naver.
16. ^ Son, Bong-suk (May 18, 2024). 신예 이현소, '커넥션' 윤나무 아역 활약 예고 [Rookie Lee Hyun-so, preview of his performance as the young role of Yoon Na-moo in 'Connection'] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Retrieved October 22, 2024 - via Naver.
17. ^ Yoo, Ji-hye (April 28, 2024). '명품 조연' 차엽, SBS '커넥션' 출연 확정...'의리남' 변신 [Cha Yup, a 'luxury supporting actor', confirmed to appear in SBS' 'Connection'...Transformation into a 'loyal man'] (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024 - via Naver.
18. ^ Ryu, Ye-ji (May 14, 2024). 이강욱, 결혼 후 택시기사로 열일...열등감·욕심 MAX('커넥션') [Lee Gang-wook works hard as a taxi driver after marriage...Inferiority and greed MAX ('Connection')] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024 - via Naver.
19. ^ Son, Bong-suk (April 19, 2024). 정재광, '커넥션' 형사 창수 역 출연 [Jung Jae-kwang appears as detective Chang-soo in 'Connection'] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on April 19, 2024. Retrieved April 19, 2024 - via Naver.
20. ^ Kim, Chae-yeon (May 9, 2024). 유희제, 지성x전미도 '커넥션' 출연..베일에 감춰진 인물 [공식] [Yoo Hee-je, to appear in Ji Sung x Jeon Mi-do's 'Connection'...A person hidden in the veil [Official]] (in Korean). OSEN. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 - via Naver.
21. ^ 윤사장 [President Yoon]. SBS. Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
22. ^ Ahn, Byung-gil (May 2, 2024). 서이라, 첫 지상파 뜬다...'커넥션' 출연 [Seo Yi-ra, coming for her first terrestrial TV series...To appear on 'Connection'] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 - via Naver.
23. ^ Lee, Da-gyeon (June 1, 2024). '커넥션' 지성X전미도, 마약 중독 비밀 공유...공조 스타트 ['Connection' Ji Sung X Jeon Mi Do, sharing drug addiction secrets...Cooperation begins] (in Korean). Maeil Gyeongje. Archived from the original on June 1, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024 - via Naver.
24. ^ Hwang, Gyu-joon (July 7, 2024). '커넥션' 지성-전미도, 박찬우(노규민)와의 만남으로 윤나무(박준서)의 진심 알았다 ['Connection' Ji Sung and Jeon Mi-do, through meeting Park Chan-woo (No Gyu-min), learn about Yoon Na-moo's (Park Jun-seo) true feelings]. Star Daily News. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
25. ^ Kang, Sun-ae (June 14, 2024). "모두가 의심스럽다"...'커넥션', 미스터리 6人에 추리력 폭발 ["Everyone is suspicious"...'Connection', 6 mystery people explode with reasoning power] (in Korean). SBS Entertainment News. Retrieved October 22, 2024 - via Naver.
26. ^ a b c Lee, Seung-hun (September 12, 2023). [단독]'대상' 지성·'지상파 첫' 전미도, '커넥션' 주인공 [종합] [[Exclusive] 'Grand Prize' Ji Sung, 'First Terrestrial' Jeon Mi-do, are 'Connection' protagonist [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Star News. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024 - via Naver.
27. ^ Choi, Yoon-na (December 11, 2023). '에이스 형사' 지성X'사회부 기자' 전미도, '커넥션' 출연 [공식] ['Ace Detective' Ji Sung X 'Social Affairs Reporter' Jeon Mi-do appears on 'Connection' [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024 - via Naver.
28. ^ Kang, Seog-jung (December 11, 2023). 지성･전미도, 믿고 보는 조합..SBS '커넥션' 출연 확정[공식] [Ji Sung and Jeon Mi-do, a trusted combination...SBS 'Connection' casting confirmed [Official]] (in Korean). OSEN. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024 - via Naver.
29. ^ Lee, Ha-neul (December 30, 2023). "마약반 형사가 마약을 해?" 지성·전미도 SBS 드라마 '커넥션' 스페셜 티저 공개 ["Does a Narcotics Detective Do Drugs?" Ji Sung and Jeon Mi-do SBS drama 'Connection' Special Teaser Released] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024 - via Naver.
30. ^ Moon, Hwa-young (April 19, 2024). '커넥션' 지성·전미도, 마약 중독 추적한다...5월 24일 첫방 ['Connection' Ji Sung and Jeon Mi-do track down drug addiction...First broadcast on May 24th] (in Korean). The Fact. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved April 19, 2024 - via Naver.
31. ^ Hong, Ji-hoon (May 24, 2024). 드라마 '커넥션', 원작 웹툰 없는 등장 인물 관계도 본격 전개...OTT 재방송 다시보기 웨이브·쿠팡플레이 [Drama 'Connection', character relationships without the original webtoon are in full swing...Watch OTT reruns again Wavve·Coupang Play] (in Korean). Biz Enter. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024 - via Nate.
32. ^ Grover, Ashima (June 21, 2024). "Ji Sung's Connection climbs high on buzzworthy K-drama chart; Hierarchy wins Netflix audiences on Global Top 10". Hindustan Times. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
33. ^ a b Nielsen Korea ratings:
* "Ep. 1". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). May 24, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
* "Ep. 2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). May 25, 2024. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
* "Ep. 3". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). May 31, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
* "Ep. 4". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 1, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
* "Ep. 5". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 7, 2024. Archived from the original on June 7, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
* "Ep. 6". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 8, 2024. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
* "Ep. 7". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 14, 2024. Archived from the original on June 14, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
* "Ep. 8". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 15, 2024. Archived from the original on June 15, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
* "Ep. 9". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 21, 2024. Archived from the original on June 23, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
* "Ep. 10". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 22, 2024. Archived from the original on June 23, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
* "Ep. 11". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 28, 2024. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
* "Ep. 12". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 29, 2024. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
* "Ep. 13". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 5, 2024. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
* "Ep. 14". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 6, 2024. Archived from the original on August 20, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website (in Korean)
* Production website at Soul Pictures (in Korean)
* Connection at IMDb
* Connection at HanCinema

* v
* t
* e

Works by Studio S

As production company|

* Phantom
* Empire of Gold
* All About My Romance
* Angel Eyes
* The Village: Achiara's Secret
* Beautiful Gong Shim
* Innocent Defendant
* Suspicious Partner
* Distorted
* Return
* Secret Mother
* Your Honor
* Heart Surgeons
* Doctor Detective
* Secret Boutique
* VIP
* Nobody Knows
* Alice
* Do You Like Brahms?
* The Penthouse: War in Life
* Taxi Driver
* Lovers of the Red Sky
* Through the Darkness
* Business Proposal
* One Dollar Lawyer
* Cheer Up
* Trolley
* Revenge of Others
* The First Responders
* Dr. Romantic 3
* Revenant
* The Killing Vote
* The Escape of the Seven
* My Demon
* Flex X Cop
* Connection
* Good Partner
* Seoul Busters
* The Judge from Hell
* The Fiery Priest 2
* Brewing Love
* Love Scout
* Buried Hearts
* Our Movie
* Spring of Youth

As planner/creator/developer|

* A Girl Who Sees Smells
* Divorce Lawyer in Love
* Good Casting
* Delayed Justice
* One the Woman
* Why Her
* Payback

*[No.]: Number
*[CP]: Chief producer
*[Ep.]: Episode
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template