Kim Ji Won prepares to take on the challenging role of Korea’s first-ever female detective. According to an exclusive report from Sports Chosun on October 29, Kim has received the script for Detective Park Mi Ok, a new drama written by the legendary Jung Seo Kyung and directed by Kim Hee Won.
Although the project is still in early development, writer Jung Seo-kyung reportedly delivered the script directly to the 33-year-old actress.
Sources say she has been writing the story with Kim specifically in mind since the very beginning. That detail alone has fans curious about how the actress will interpret this bold, history-making role.
Detective Park Mi Ok reunites Kim Ji Won with director Kim Hee Won, with whom she worked on the record-breaking hit Queen of Tears. The 2024 drama became the highest-rated series in tvN history, reaching an incredible 24.9% nationwide rating (Nielsen Korea, paid households). It also dominated Netflix’s global charts, staying in the top 10 for weeks
Writer Jung Seo Kyung, best known for her powerful, female-led narratives, is attached to the project.
Jung is one of Korea’s most respected screenwriters, famous for her long-standing collaborations with director Park Chan Wook. She has worked with Park on critically acclaimed films such as Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, Thirst, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave.
She later brought that same depth and sophistication to the small screen with hit dramas like Mother (starring Lee Bo Young), Little Women (with Kim Go Eun), and Tempest (starring Jun Ji Hyun).
Each project has earned praise for its rich female perspectives and emotionally layered writing. Given her track record, expectations are sky-high for her another female-centric project, Detective Park Mi Ok. The story centers on Park Mi Ok, a real-life historical figure who became Korea’s first female detective.
Kim Ji Won was recognized for her roles in historical fantasy Arthdal Chronicles, deeply emotional My Liberation Notes, and romantic powerhouse Queen of Tears.
Before diving into Detective Park Mi Ok, Kim Ji Won will first complete filming for her upcoming medical thriller Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia, set for release in 2026. In that drama, she plays Gye Soo Jung, a brilliant surgeon who takes on corruption in the medical world. This is her return to a doctor role for the first time since Descendants of the Sun.
The “Lovestruck in the City” actress was recently honored with the Prime Minister’s Commendation at the 2025 Korea Popular Culture & Arts Awards for her contributions to Korean culture and entertainment.