K-dramas have always found unique ways to explore the themes of power, money, and love. One of the boldest series to dive into the corruption of law and justice is Incarnation of Money (돈의 화신 / Donui Hwashin), a 2013 SBS drama that blends crime thriller, revenge, and dark comedy into a compelling story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Directed by Yu In-Sik and written by the acclaimed duo Jang Young-Cheol and Jung Kyung-Soon (famous for Giant and History of a Salaryman), this series masterfully presents a tale of political intrigue, greed, and the price of justice.
The drama aired from February 2 to April 21, 2013, for a total of 24 episodes. It stars popular actor Kang Ji-hwan alongside Hwang Jung-eum, with veteran actors Park Sang-min, Choi Yeo-jin, Oh Yoon-ah, and Kim Soo-mi rounding out the cast.
Baca juga: Sinopsis Strangers Again (2023)Quick Synopsis
At its heart, Incarnation of Money follows the journey of Lee Cha-don (Kang Ji-hwan), a prosecutor who grew up in an orphanage with no memory of his past. What he doesn’t know is that he is actually Lee Kang-seok, the son of a wealthy tycoon, Lee Joong-man — who was brutally murdered years ago.
The murder was orchestrated by Ji Se-kwang (Park Sang-min), a corrupt prosecutor who conspired with the tycoon’s mistress, Eun Bi-ryeong (Oh Yoon-ah, later known as Angelina). To cover up the crime, Kang-seok’s mother was falsely accused and thrown into prison.
The young Kang-seok tried to expose the truth, but everyone — lawyers, reporters, family associates — betrayed him for money. In a desperate escape attempt, he was hit by a car and lost his memory.
He was later taken in by Bok Hwa-soo (Kim Soo-mi), a wealthy but ruthless loan shark who decided to raise him as her protégé. With her financial backing, Kang-seok (now Cha-don) became a prosecutor — but when his lost memories begin to resurface, he sets out on a mission of revenge against the five people who destroyed his family’s life:
Baca juga: Review Drama Korea The Beauty Inside (2018)- Ji Se-kwang – the corrupt prosecutor and mastermind behind the murder.
- Eun Bi-ryeong / Angelina – the traitorous mistress.
- Kwon Jae-gyu – the lawyer who looked away for a bribe.
- Reporter Go – the journalist who chose money over truth.
- Hwang Jang-shik – the family’s trusted attorney who betrayed them.
This revenge plot becomes the driving force of the drama, mixing suspense, legal maneuvering, and emotional twists along the way.
Main Characters and Cast
1. Lee Cha-don / Lee Kang-seok (Kang Ji-hwan)
A clever, witty, and morally conflicted prosecutor. Cha-don’s personality is a blend of charm, cunning, and vulnerability as he uncovers the truth about his past. Kang Ji-hwan’s performance balances comedy, drama, and emotional weight, making Cha-don a truly memorable lead.
2. Bok Jae-in (Hwang Jung-eum)
The daughter of Bok Hwa-soo, she grew up with Cha-don and shares a complicated love-hate relationship with him. Initially portrayed as cheerful and somewhat spoiled, she later becomes a crucial emotional anchor for Cha-don’s revenge journey. Hwang Jung-eum’s lively presence injects humor into the otherwise dark story.
3. Ji Se-kwang (Park Sang-min)
The main antagonist — a prosecutor who pretends to be honorable while secretly manipulating the system for personal gain. Park Sang-min delivers a chilling performance, making Ji Se-kwang one of the most detestable villains in K-drama history.
4. Eun Bi-ryeong / Angelina (Oh Yoon-ah)
A former nightclub singer turned mistress of Lee Joong-man. After the tycoon’s death, she seizes control of the family fortune. Her character is ambitious, cunning, and relentlessly greedy.
5. Jeon Ji-hoo (Choi Yeo-jin)
An honest, by-the-book prosecutor who often clashes with Cha-don both professionally and personally.
6. Bok Hwa-soo (Kim Soo-mi)
The tough, sharp-tongued loan shark who saved Cha-don and financed his education. Despite her greed, she has a soft spot for her foster son and brings comic relief to the drama’s tense moments.
Key Themes
1. Greed and Corruption
The drama highlights how easily the law can be bent by those with money and power. Prosecutors, lawyers, and reporters — all become pawns when greed takes over.
2. Revenge vs. Justice
Cha-don’s quest for vengeance raises an important question: is revenge truly a path to justice, or does it risk turning the victim into another villain?
3. Love and Found Family
Amidst the dark revenge plot, there’s a heartwarming love story between Cha-don and Jae-in, as well as the complex but ultimately caring bond between Cha-don and Bok Hwa-soo.
4. Dark Comedy
Unlike many legal dramas that lean heavily into serious tones, *Incarnation of Money* uses satire and absurd humor to keep the story engaging and balanced.
Strengths
- A tightly written plot filled with twists and political intrigue.
- Outstanding performances, especially from Kang Ji-hwan and Park Sang-min.
- Sharp social commentary on corruption and the legal system in South Korea.
- A unique mix of thriller and comedy that keeps it from feeling too heavy.
Weaknesses
- Some melodramatic scenes may feel drawn-out for certain viewers.
- The villains are portrayed almost entirely as evil, lacking shades of gray.
- The tonal shifts between comedy and tragedy might confuse viewers unfamiliar with dark comedy.
Episode Highlights
Episodes 1–6: The Tragedy and Lost Memories
We witness the downfall of the Lee family — Joong-man’s murder, his wife’s false imprisonment, and young Kang-seok’s desperate attempt to escape before losing his memory.
Episodes 7–12: Becoming a Prosecutor
Cha-don grows into a clever, ambitious prosecutor with a reputation for handling money-related cases. His reunion with Bok Jae-in sparks comedic and romantic moments while Ji Se-kwang’s career flourishes in the background.
Episodes 13–18: Secrets Revealed
Cha-don recovers pieces of his memory and discovers the truth about his identity. His revenge begins in earnest, targeting those who betrayed his family — though Ji Se-kwang remains a formidable opponent.
Episodes 19–24: Final Showdown
Cha-don finally gathers enough evidence to expose Ji Se-kwang and the others. The courtroom battles and emotional confrontations reach their peak, culminating in the full revelation of the murder and a bittersweet resolution.
Reception and Popularity
While Incarnation of Money didn’t hit record-breaking ratings, it maintained a solid average of 10–15% according to Nielsen Korea — impressive for a drama with such daring themes. It gained a loyal following for its bold social commentary and clever writing.
Internationally, the series resonated with fans across Asia for its mix of suspense, satire, and emotional storytelling.
Final Verdict
Incarnation of Money is not your typical courtroom drama. With its clever combination of corruption, revenge, romance, and dark humor, it delivers a gripping experience that leaves a lasting impression.
If you enjoy dramas filled with intrigue, morally complex characters, and unexpected twists — this series deserves a spot on your watchlist. It’s a reminder that money can buy almost everything, but it cannot erase the truth.
Looking for the Indonesian version? Read it here.
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