The Fiery Priest
"The Fiery Priest" is a South Korean action-comedy drama that follows the unconventional journey of Kim Hae Il (portrayed by Kim Nam Gil), a hot-tempered Catholic priest with a troubled past. Known for his sharp tongue and unorthodox methods, Hae Il's life takes a tumultuous turn when he becomes entangled in the mysterious death of a senior priest. Determined to uncover the truth, Hae Il forms an unlikely alliance with Detective Goo Dae Young (Kim Sung Kyun), a timid yet talkative officer, and Prosecutor Park Kyung Sun (Lee Ha Nee), an ambitious and intelligent legal professional. Together, this trio delves into a web of corruption and crime that plagues their community, blending humor and suspense as they navigate the challenges of their investigation. As the story unfolds, the team confronts formidable adversaries, including Hwang Cheol Bum (Go Jun), a powerful figure with deep ties to the criminal underworld. Their pursuit of justice is fraught with danger, testing their resolve and camaraderie. The series masterfully balances intense action sequences with comedic elements, providing a fresh take on the crime-solving genre. "The Fiery Priest" has garnered acclaim for its engaging storyline and dynamic performances, particularly highlighting Kim Nam Gil's portrayal of the fiery priest. The drama's unique blend of action, mystery, and humor captivates audiences, making it a standout series in Korean television. With its compelling character development and intricate plot, "The Fiery Priest" offers a thrilling viewing experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 열혈사제
🌎 Also Known As: Hot Blooded Priest, Enthusiastic Priest, Passionate Priest, Yeolhyeolsaje
🎭 Genres: Action, Mystery, Comedy, Crime
🏷 Tags: Badass Male Lead, Eccentric Male Lead, Sassy Female Lead, Bromance, Aggressive Male Lead, Sismance, Corruption, Character Development, Investigation, Frenemy
✍ Screenwriter: Park Jae Bum
🎬 Director: Lee Myung Woo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 40
🗓️ Aired: Feb 15, 2019 – Apr 20, 2019
📅 Airing Days: Friday, Saturday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 35 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
- Kim Hae Il’s First Fight Scene: The fiery priest takes on a group of gangsters in an action-packed scene, showcasing his unorthodox fighting skills and explosive temper.
- The Church Arson Scene: A pivotal moment where Kim Hae Il faces the devastating aftermath of a church fire, intensifying his resolve to uncover the truth.
- Courtroom Showdown: The unexpected humor and wit in the courtroom scene where Hae Il confronts corrupt officials highlight the drama’s unique tone.
- Hilarious Stakeout: Goo Dae Young and Hae Il’s comedic dynamic shines during a chaotic stakeout that goes hilariously wrong.
- Final Confrontation: The epic showdown between Hae Il and Hwang Cheol Bum brings closure to the intense rivalry, blending action with emotional depth.
Filming Locations
- Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: The iconic historical site served as a backdrop for several chase and fight scenes, adding grandeur to the drama.
- Seoul Catholic Churches: Real church buildings were used to lend authenticity to Hae Il’s priestly journey.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: This bustling urban location featured in key sequences, emphasizing the modern-day setting of the story.
- Dongdaemun Market: Scenes of street investigations and chaotic chases were filmed here, capturing the vibrancy of Seoul.
- Neighborhood Cafés: Intimate moments between the characters often unfolded in local cafés, giving a cozy and relatable feel to the drama.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Kim Hae Il’s Priest Robes: The striking contrast of his calm priestly attire with his fiery personality emphasized his complex character.
- Sharp Business Suits: Hwang Cheol Bum’s tailored suits symbolize his power and cunning as a corrupt businessman.
- Dynamic Fight Choreography: The action scenes were enhanced by creative cinematography and well-coordinated fight sequences.
- Bright Urban Aesthetic: The use of vibrant cityscapes contrasted with darker themes, creating visual depth.
- Character-Reflective Costumes: Each character’s wardrobe, from Goo Dae Young’s casual wear to Park Kyung Sun’s sleek office outfits, highlighted their personalities.
Themes and Messages
- Justice vs. Corruption: The drama explores the battle between good and evil, focusing on the corruption ingrained in society.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Hae Il’s journey of personal redemption is a central theme, offering hope and second chances.
- Faith and Morality: The series delves into the conflict between religious values and human flaws.
- Friendship and Teamwork: The unlikely alliances formed between Hae Il, Goo Dae Young, and Park Kyung Sun emphasize the power of teamwork.
- Societal Critique: Through humor and drama, the series critiques societal issues such as corruption, inequality, and abuse of power.
Interesting Facts
- Kim Nam Gil’s Iconic Role: Kim Nam Gil won multiple awards for his portrayal of Kim Hae Il, solidifying his status as one of Korea’s top actors.
- Cultural Impact: The show sparked discussions on societal issues, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
- Unexpected Comedy: Despite its heavy themes, the drama is known for its well-timed humor, making it a unique blend of genres.
- High Ratings: “The Fiery Priest” consistently topped viewership charts during its airing, making it one of SBS’s most successful dramas.
- Real Martial Arts Training: Kim Nam Gil underwent rigorous martial arts training to perfect Hae Il’s intense fight scenes.
Awards
“The Fiery Priest” has garnered significant recognition in the South Korean entertainment industry, earning numerous awards and nominations for its outstanding performances and production. Here is a comprehensive list of its accolades:
2019 Baeksang Arts Awards:
- Best Actor: Kim Nam-gil – Nominated
2019 Busan International Film Festival:
- Best Actor: Kim Nam-gil – Won
2019 Korean Broadcasters Association Awards:
- Best Drama: “The Fiery Priest” – Won
2019 Seoul International Drama Awards:
- Excellent Korean Drama: “The Fiery Priest” – Won
- Best Actor: Kim Nam-gil – Won
2019 Korea Drama Awards:
- Best Drama: “The Fiery Priest” – Nominated
- Best Screenplay: Park Jae-bum – Nominated
- Star of the Year Award: Go Jun – Won
- Popular Character Award (Male): Ahn Chang-hwan – Won
2019 Grimae Awards:
- Best Actor: Kim Nam-gil – Won
- Best Picture (Drama): Yoon Dae-young, Park Jong-ki – Won
2019 SBS Drama Awards:
- Grand Prize (Daesang): Kim Nam-gil – Won
- Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama: Kim Nam-gil – Nominated
- Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama: Lee Ha-nee – Won
- Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama: Kim Sung-kyun – Won
- Best Supporting Team: “The Fiery Priest” – Won
- Best Supporting Actor: Go Jun – Won
- Wavve Award: “The Fiery Priest” – Won
- Producer’s Award: Kim Nam-gil – Nominated
- Best New Actor: Eum Moon-suk – Won
- Best New Actress: Keum Sae-rok – Won
2024 SBS Drama Awards:
- Grand Prize (Daesang): Kim Nam-gil – Nominated
- Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama: Kim Nam-gil – Won
- Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Seasonal Drama: Lee Ha-nee – Won
- Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama: Kim Sung-kyun – Won
- Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama: Sung Joon – Won
- Excellence Award, Actress in a Seasonal Drama: Kim Hyeong-seo – Won
- Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries Seasonal Drama: Seo Hyun-woo – Won
- Best New Actor: Seo Bum-june – Won
- Best Young Actor: Moon Woo-jin – Won
- Scene Stealer Award: Ko Kyu-pil – Won
- Scene Stealer Award: Ahn Chang-hwan – Won
These accolades reflect the drama’s exceptional storytelling, compelling performances, and its impact on audiences and critics alike.
Real-Life Loves on Set
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of any real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of “The Fiery Priest.” The actors, including Kim Nam-gil, Kim Sung-kyun, and Lee Ha-nee, are known for maintaining professionalism on set and keeping their personal lives private. While their on-screen chemistry has been praised, it has not translated into off-screen romances. The cast has expressed mutual respect and camaraderie, focusing on delivering compelling performances without personal entanglements. Therefore, any rumors suggesting otherwise remain unsubstantiated.
