Vampire Detective

Synopsis

Vampire Detective is a 2016 South Korean television series starring Lee Joon as Yoon San, a private detective with a dark secret—he is a vampire. After abandoning his previous life, Yoon San uses his supernatural abilities to solve crimes often overlooked or deemed unsolvable, blending the gritty realism of detective work with the eerie intrigue of vampire lore. The series skillfully combines elements of mystery, thriller, and supernatural drama as Yoon San grapples with his haunted past and ongoing search for a cure, while navigating the moral complexities of his vampiric nature. Set against the backdrop of Seoul, Vampire Detective offers a fresh take on the vampire genre, integrating procedural storytelling with emotional depth and gripping suspense.

Cast

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  Lee Joon

  Yoon San

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  Oh Jung-se

  Yong Goo-Hyung

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  Lee Se-young

  Han Gyeo-Wool

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  Kim Yoon-hye

  Jung Yoo-Jin

• 

  Lee Chung-ah

  Yo-Na

• 

  Jo Bok-rae

  Kang Tae-Woo

Reviews

Vampire Detective received mixed to moderately positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the show holds a rating of 6.8 out of 10 based on user reviews, reflecting a generally favorable but divided reception. Critics praised Lee Joon's compelling portrayal of the conflicted detective, highlighting his ability to balance vulnerability with intensity. The show's unique premise was noted for blending traditional crime procedural elements with supernatural themes in an intriguing manner. However, some reviewers pointed out pacing issues and occasionally inconsistent character development. For instance, reviewers at AsianWiki appreciated the show's atmospheric tone and suspenseful storytelling but felt that the narrative occasionally struggled to maintain momentum across its episodes. Similarly, The Korea Herald remarked that while the fusion of vampire mythology and detective drama was refreshing, the series sometimes leaned too heavily on genre clichés. Despite these critiques, fans praised the series for its dark, moody aesthetic and the emotional depth of its lead character, making Vampire Detective a memorable addition to the vampire drama genre.