Netflix’s latest Taiwanese series “Had I Not Seen The Sun” brings a haunting mystery romance from the award-winning creators of “Someday or One Day.” The show tells a complex story that moves between past and present, centered around a serial killer and the documentary filmmaker who uncovers his tragic past. With the first part now streaming and the second arriving next month, here’s a complete guide to the characters and the actors who bring them to life.
The Central Mystery: Understanding the Story
Had I Not Seen The Sun begins with 25-year-old Li Jen-yao confessing to brutal murders and turning himself in to police. Known in society as the “Rainstorm Killer” for committing his crimes on rainy days, he reveals gruesome details but never discloses his motives. Years later, he grants his first interview to an aspiring documentary filmmaker, Chou Pin-yu. As she digs deeper into his case, she experiences troubling visions of a schoolgirl named Chiang Hsiao-tung, which connect to Jen-yao’s high school past. The series shifts between present-day interviews and flashbacks to unravel buried secrets of love, hatred, guilt, and redemption.
The directors describe the theme as “irreversibility,” exploring how some wounds never fully heal. Director-writer Chien Chi-Feng explained the core message: “Through the series, we hope to encourage everyone to cherish the people and things around them, and to embrace every life that has been hurt.”
Main Cast and Characters
Tseng Jing-hua as Li Jen-yao
Tseng Jing-hua plays the complex central character Li Jen-yao, the criminal known as the Rainstorm Killer. His character surrenders to police and eventually agrees to be interviewed by a documentary team, setting the main story in motion. The actor described the series as transitioning “from a campus youth romance into dark suspense” that conveys “the profound experiences of emotional separation, as well as healing and forgiveness.”
Viewers might recognize Tseng Jing-hua from his role as Birdy in the 2020 film “Your Name Engraved Herein” or from his nomination for Best New Performer at the Golden Horse awards for “Detention.”
Moon Lee as Chiang Hsiao-tung
Moon Lee portrays Chiang Hsiao-tung, the schoolgirl who appears in the documentary filmmaker’s visions. Her character is connected to Jen-yao’s traumatic high school past, adding emotional layers to the story with hints of unresolved guilt and love. In the teaser, her character is shown dancing ballet on a rooftop, described as fragile as a butterfly.
Moon Lee is a rising Taiwanese actress best known for her lead role in the Netflix series “The Victims’ Game” from 2020-2024. She shared her excitement about the project: “To me, Had I Not Seen The Sun represents the warm and gentle sunlight after days of winter rain. This is also a project I’ve long, long been looking forward to.”
Chiang Chi as Chou Pin-yu
Chiang Chi plays Chou Pin-yu, the aspiring documentary filmmaker who interviews Jen-yao in prison. As she investigates his case, she becomes emotionally drawn into his life and begins experiencing strange visions of a schoolgirl, blurring the lines between reality and dreams. This role marks Chiang Chi’s first major acting project.
Supporting Cast and Ensemble
The series features an extensive supporting cast that adds depth to both the past and present timelines. Lyan Cheng plays a significant role, though specific character details remain limited. Her character likely connects to either the killer’s past or the present-day narrative, possibly offering a link between both timelines.
The ensemble cast includes several notable Taiwanese actors:
- Umin Boya
- Yao Chun-yao
- Nic Chiang
- Biubiu Chen
- Ann Lee
- Chris Lung
- Shih Chih-tian
The series also features special appearances by Vega Tsai and Chu Te-kang.
The Creative Team Behind the Drama
Had I Not Seen The Sun comes from the award-winning creative team behind the popular Taiwanese series “Someday or One Day.” The show is directed by Chiang Chi Cheng and Golden Bell winner Chien Chi-Feng, with writing by Chien Chi-feng and Lin Hsin-huei.
Director Chiang explained the symbolic contrast between moths and butterflies in the story: “Moths and butterflies are attracted to light—yet one only appears at night, while the other dances in the day. In this story, they symbolize two people from different worlds, destined never to fly under the same sky.”
Release Schedule and Viewing Details
Netflix is releasing the series in two parts, with Part 1 containing multiple episodes now available as of November 13, 2025. Part 2 will follow on December 11, 2025, continuing the story where the first part concludes.
The series falls into the mystery romance genre with supernatural elements, rated for viewers 16 and above. Each episode runs approximately 50-60 minutes, with the first part consisting of multiple episodes that set up the central mystery between the killer and the filmmaker.
Producer Phoebe Ma praised the storytelling and cast performances: “One of the highlights of Had I Not Seen The Sun is the story itself—full of twists and turns, with never a dull moment. Watching the characters’ experiences and transformations naturally draws you in emotionally. The cast delivers performances unlike anything they’ve shown before.”
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Credits: about.netflix.com
