Park Hae-soo, Lee Hee-joon, and Kwak Sun-young have shared their final thoughts now that the gripping drama The Scarecrow has concluded its run. The series wrapped up with its highly anticipated finale, leaving a strong impression on viewers through its intense storytelling. The lead actors reflected on their experiences with the project and expressed gratitude for the audience’s engagement throughout the season. Their comments provide deeper insight into the emotional weight they carried while portraying complex characters across multiple timelines.
The Scarecrow follows a determined detective who teams up with a man he resents to solve brutal murders spanning from 1988 to 2019. The narrative explores heavy themes of justice, trauma, and societal failures inspired by real events. With the finale now complete, the cast’s reflections highlight both the challenges and rewards of bringing this story to life. Production teams had released new stills and behind-the-scenes details to accompany these farewell messages.
Park Hae-soo, who portrayed the determined Kang Tae Joo, shared his experiences with audience responses. “I heard many reactions saying the drama was difficult or frightening to watch. In the first half especially, I was constantly asked, ‘So who’s the culprit?’ and that made me realize just how immersed viewers were in the story. Later on, many people told me they felt angry and heartbroken alongside the characters.” He added, “Personally, the phrase I heard most often on the streets was ‘Kang Tae Joo, fighting!’ I’m simply grateful.”
Lee Hee-joon brought depth to Cha Si Young, a complex figure opposing the protagonist. His performance highlighted the moral ambiguities within the story. “Because the subject matter is heavy and the story itself isn’t lighthearted, I never expected it to receive this much love. That’s why I’m even more thankful,” Lee Hee-joon remarked. This appreciation underscores the unexpected resonance of the drama's challenging themes.
Kwak Sun-young played Seo Ji Won, providing crucial support to the investigation across different eras. Her role evolved significantly from the 1980s to the present day. “The comment I heard most often was that it was terrifying yet incredibly gripping. I also noticed that the criticism, which was initially directed only at the killer, eventually expanded toward those who mishandled the investigation back then. I’m truly grateful so many viewers showed interest in this drama,” Kwak Sun-young said.
As the finale has now aired, the actors highlighted key moments that defined the conclusion. Lee Hee-joon, who portrayed a prosecutor entangled in covering up truths, teased the weight of future developments viewers witnessed. “As Cha Si Young becomes a member of the National Assembly, he has more to protect—and more to lose. Please pay attention to the choice he makes when faced with the truth. In particular, the emotions in the final courtroom scene will be an important point to watch,” he shared. These elements delivered a powerful resolution to the long-running mystery.
Kwak Sun-young elaborated on her character's agency in the modern timeline. “Unlike the past, when the media was controlled by outside forces, Seo Ji Won is relatively freer in the drama’s present-day setting of 2019. Please look forward to how she reveals what happened in Gangseong to the world, how her friendship with Kang Tae Joo continues, and how the remaining characters move forward with their lives,” Kwak Sun-young commented. Her insights add anticipation for the narrative closure.
Park Hae-soo offered a final reflection on his journey with the lead role. “Meeting the character Kang Tae Joo gave me many experiences both within the story and as an actor. At times it felt frustrating, but it was also incredibly desperate and heartfelt. I’m grateful to viewers who empathized with and deeply cared about the story, and I hope this drama can offer even a small measure of comfort to the victims and their bereaved families,” he reflected. This personal note emphasizes the emotional weight carried by the entire cast.
The drama has sparked widespread discussions about justice and societal failures through its gripping plot. Viewers have followed the characters' struggles with intense investment. The production successfully blended suspense with deeper commentary on historical cases. Overall, The Scarecrow stands out for its bold storytelling and strong performances.
The finale of The Scarecrow aired on May 26 at 10 p.m. KST. It is now available to stream internationally on Viki.
Source: Naver
