Black (South Korean TV series)

Lore & Background

The series centers on Han Moo-gang, a detective who joins the Violent Crimes Unit to investigate a case from 20 years prior. After his death, he is possessed by Grim Reaper #444, and a gesture or mannerism from the possessed body leads Kang Ha-ram to mistake him for her childhood first love. Kang Ha-ram possesses the ability to foresee death as a dark shadow looming over someone, which turns out to be a grim reaper following them to their moment of death.

Supporting characters include Yoon Soo-wan, a doctor in love with Kim Joon (the original human); Oh Man-soo, a second-generation chaebol; and various grim reapers such as #419, #007, and #416. The script reading took place on July 24, 2017.

Reader's Guide

Black is significant as a 2017 OCN fantasy-thriller that blends supernatural elements with a detective narrative. Its premise—a grim reaper investigating cold case murders while falling in love with a mortal woman—explores themes of forbidden involvement in human affairs. The series features a large ensemble cast and a complex plot involving serial murders, adoption, and supernatural rules. Its legacy includes a Malay-language web series adaptation that replaced the grim reaper concept with Orang bunian, a supernatural being from Malay folklore, released on Viu for two seasons. The series remains notable for its unique fusion of genres and its exploration of moral boundaries between the living and the dead.

Did You Know?

• The series aired on OCN from October 14 to December 10, 2017, every Saturday and Sunday at 22:20 (KST).
• The script reading of the cast was held on July 24, 2017.
• The series was adapted into a Malay-language web series that replaced the grim reaper with Orang bunian, a supernatural being in Malay folklore.
• The series was available on Netflix in some regions after broadcast, but claims of a simultaneous streaming deal are unverified and incorrect.