Report: Suspicious Partner – Episode Guide & Narrative Analysis Series Title: Suspicious Partner (Hangul: 수상한 파트너) Network: SBS Airing Period: May 10, 2017 – July 13, 2017 Episodes: 40 (Original broadcast) / 20 (International streaming versions) Genre: Romantic Comedy, Legal Drama, Thriller, Mystery
1. Executive Summary Suspicious Partner is a South Korean legal drama that gained significant popularity for its blend of lighthearted romance and a gripping serial killer subplot. The series follows Noh Ji-wook, a charismatic prosecutor turned defense attorney, and Eun Bong-hee, a quirky trainee who becomes a murder suspect. Note on Episode Count: In South Korea, the series aired as 40 episodes (approximately 35 minutes each). On international streaming platforms (like Viki, Kocowa, Netflix), these were condensed into 20 episodes (approximately 70 minutes each). This guide follows the 20-episode international standard.
2. Main Characters
Noh Ji-wook (Ji Chang-wook): A brilliant prosecutor who transitions to defense law. He struggles with past trauma and initially appears cold but is deeply protective. Eun Bong-hee (Nam Ji-hyun): A prosecutor trainee who becomes a murder suspect. She is resilient, hardworking, and possesses a unique, bubbly personality. Jang Hee-joon (Choi Tae-joon): Ji-wook’s best friend and a fellow lawyer. He provides comic relief but hides a secret crush. Cha Yoo-jung (Kwon Nara): A prosecutor and Ji-wook’s ex-girlfriend who attempts to win him back. Jung Hyun-soo (Dong Ha): The central antagonist. A mysterious figure connected to a series of murders who develops a twisted obsession with Bong-hee. suspicious partner episode guide
3. Detailed Episode Guide & Arc Analysis Arc 1: The Setup & The Wrongful Accusation (Episodes 1–4) This arc establishes the central relationship through a mix of slapstick comedy and high stakes. Bong-hee catches her boyfriend cheating, accidentally grabs Ji-wook’s phone instead of a weapon, and later stumbles upon a murder scene.
Key Plot Points:
Bong-hee is wrongfully accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend. Ji-wook resigns as a prosecutor to defend her, risking his career. The "Amnesia Killer" (Jung Hyun-soo) is introduced subtly. Bong-hee is acquitted, but her reputation is ruined. Report: Suspicious Partner – Episode Guide & Narrative
Arc 2: The Transition & Co-Habitation (Episodes 5–8) Following the trial, the dynamic shifts. Ji-wook opens his own law firm and hires Bong-hee. The "slasher" subplot intensifies as the true antagonist reveals his face to the audience, though not yet to the protagonists.
Key Plot Points:
Bong-hee moves into the building housing Ji-wook’s office/home. The romance begins to bloom amidst bickering and legal cases of the week. The killer begins targeting people connected to Ji-wook’s past. Ji-wook realizes the current murders are linked to a case from his childhood. Note on Episode Count: In South Korea, the
Arc 3: The Past Trauma & The Obsession (Episodes 9–12) The tone darkens significantly. The connection between Ji-wook and the killer is explored. It is revealed that Ji-wook’s parents were killed by a psychopath, and the current killer, Jung Hyun-soo, views Ji-wook as his "God."
Key Plot Points: