A new crime thriller is set to arrive on South Korean television, bringing a story of suspense, old grudges, and a hunt for a serial killer. ENA’s upcoming Monday-Tuesday drama ‘The Scarecrow’ has finalized its main cast and revealed its premiere date, building interest among fans of the genre. The series brings together a group of respected actors to tell a story that spans three decades.
The drama follows a detective who gets demoted to his hometown, only to find himself chasing a series of murders. His path crosses with an elite prosecutor from his past, a person he despises, forcing them into an uneasy partnership. With a strong creative team behind it and a schedule set for April, here is everything known about the upcoming series.
Mark Your Calendars for the April Premiere
The Scarecrow is scheduled to premiere on April 20, 2026. The show will air every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM KST on the ENA cable channel. For viewers who prefer streaming, the drama will also be available on KT Genie TV and TVING, making it accessible across different platforms.
The series will consist of 12 episodes, with each episode expected to run for about 60 minutes. The broadcast schedule will continue through late May, assuming no interruptions. This marks a significant addition to ENA’s lineup for the spring season, placing it alongside other anticipated Korean dramas releasing around the same time.
Episode 1: April 20, 2026 (Monday)
Episode 2: April 21, 2026 (Tuesday)
Episode 3: April 27, 2026 (Monday)
Episode 4: April 28, 2026 (Tuesday)
Episode 5: May 4, 2026 (Monday)
Episode 6: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday)
Episode 7: May 11, 2026 (Monday)
Episode 8: May 12, 2026 (Tuesday)
Episode 9: May 18, 2026 (Monday)
Episode 10: May 19, 2026 (Tuesday)
Episode 11: May 25, 2026 (Monday)
Episode 12: May 26, 2026 (Tuesday)
A Story Rooted in Real Events and Personal Conflict
The Scarecrow is a crime investigation thriller that spans from 1988 to 2019. The plot centers on Kang Tae-joo, a detective who finds himself demoted from Seoul to his hometown of Gangseong. Once there, he becomes involved in investigating a series of brutal serial murders. The story takes a tense turn when he must join forces with Cha Si-young, a prosecutor he has hated since their school days.
The drama is reportedly inspired by real-life events, specifically drawing from the infamous Hwaseong serial murder case. This background adds a layer of historical weight to the fictional narrative, grounding the characters’ pursuit of justice in a very real and dark chapter of Korean history.
The story explores the complex dynamic between the two lead characters. Kang Tae-joo is driven by his instincts and a need to uncover the truth, while Cha Si-young views the high-profile case as a stepping stone into politics. Their forced collaboration is filled with tension, mistrust, and the lingering effects of past bullying.
Meet the Main Cast and Their Characters
The drama features a strong ensemble of actors, each taking on roles that are central to the story’s mystery.
Park Hae-soo takes on the lead role of Kang Tae-joo. He is an ace detective with sharp instincts and a strong sense of justice. After being demoted, he returns to his hometown and becomes consumed by the serial murder case. Park Hae-soo shared his thoughts on the character:
“Kang Tae-joo may not be supremely righteous, but he is certainly a person who is confident in himself. After encountering a horrific serial murder case and living through that era, he is a character who truly seeks to understand and embrace the pain of victims and those around them.”
Lee Hee-jun plays Cha Si-young, an elite prosecutor. On the surface, he is polished and politically savvy, using the serial murder case to fuel his ambitions. Beneath this exterior, he carries deep insecurities, partly stemming from his authoritative father. His reunion with Kang Tae-joo brings back a troubled history of school bullying.
Kwak Sun-young appears as Seo Ji-won, a reporter for the Gangseong Ilbo newspaper. She is an elementary school classmate of Kang Tae-joo and serves as a key observer of the investigation, reporting on the truth while keeping a close watch on the police.
Seo Ji-hye takes on the role of Kang Soon-young, Kang Tae-joo’s younger sister. She is a kind elementary school teacher who becomes entangled in an unexpected incident. This role is noted as a transformation for the actress, who is known for her work in other romantic and family dramas.
Supporting Cast
- Song Geon-hee plays Lee Gi-beom, the younger brother of a local bookstore owner and the boyfriend of Kang Soon-young
- Jung Moon-sung portrays Lee Gi-hwan, the bookstore owner and a childhood friend of Kang Tae-joo
- Baek Hyun-jin plays Kim Man-chun, the head of Gangseong Police Station
- Yoo Seung-mok appears as Cha Mu-jin, Cha Si-young’s powerful and cold father, a former military general turned politician
- Ryu Hae-jun joins as the youngest detective at the Gangseon Police Station, serving as Kang Tae-joo’s junior
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
The series is directed by Park Joon-woo, known for his work on genre-driven dramas like ’Taxi Driver’ and ’Crash’. His experience in handling action and suspense is expected to be a major strength for the show. The script is written by Lee Ji-hyun, who previously collaborated with director Park on ’Taxi Driver’, raising expectations for a well-crafted narrative.
The production is a collaboration between KT Studio Genie and Studio Anzailen, ensuring the project has the backing of experienced drama production companies.
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Where Global Audiences Can Watch
While ENA is the primary broadcaster in South Korea, international viewers will be able to stream the series through KT Genie TV and TVING. However, no official announcements have been made regarding availability on global streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Viki for markets outside of Korea. Viewers will need to check their local streaming services closer to the release date for specific availability.
Also Read: For All Mankind Season 5 Episode 2 Release Schedule: Streaming Date, Time, and Episode Details
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