The Drama
Crystal S. Anderson with De'siree Fairley
City Hunter is loosely based on a Japanese manga of the same name. The promotional poster illustrates the major dynamics among characters in the drama. The protagonist, Yoon Sung (Lee Min Ho), fills the center of the image looking cautiously over his shoulder. His gaze is mirrored by the larger background figure, Lee Jin Pyo (Kim Sang Joon), the adoptive father of Yoon Sung. The juxtaposition of the two figures gestures towards their complicated relationship, which unfolds in the city of Seoul but begins in Thailand.
Several other relationships are missing from the poster, relationships that underscore the family ties that, along with the action, make up the plot. The love interest, Kim Na Na (Park Min Young, defies type by often taking on the role of savior. She, like Yoon Sung, grapple with self-imposed responsibilities toward her father. The poster highlights the relationship between Yoon Sung and his father, but it is his relationship with his mother, Lee Kyung Hee (Kim Mi Sook) that has the greatest impat on him.
Natonal intrigue and politics emerge in the midst of these interpersonal relationships. Jin Pyo and his compatriots are betrayed by his governement and he seeks revenge on the corrupt politicians who benefit.