Actor Kim Shin-bi has expressed strong enthusiasm for a potential third season of the drama ‘The Riches and the Detective,’ following the conclusion of its second season. In a recent interview, Kim discussed the evolution of his character, Choi Kyung-jin, and the collaborative dynamics on set.
Character Evolution and Action Sequences
Kim Shin-bi, who portrays the youngest detective in the Kang Hyung-chul team, Choi Kyung-jin, noted the significant development of his character throughout the series. He explained that while Season 1 focused more on the investigative aspects, Season 2 allowed for a greater display of action, starting from overseas investigations in Mexico.
“In Season 1, Kyung-jin’s action scenes weren’t as prominent,” Kim explained. “But in Season 2, right from the first episode where we go to Mexico for an investigation, I got to show extended action sequences with seniors Ahn Bo-hyun and Kang Sang-jun. Those scenes are actually my favorite. They really highlight each character’s unique traits.”
He elaborated on how the action sequences in Season 2 were designed to showcase the distinct styles of the main characters. “Jin Soo-hyung’s character has a very stylish way of fighting, while Park Joon-young senior uses logical and intellectual combat. In contrast, Kyung-jin, while performing action scenes, might end up subduing a criminal by, for example, spraying chili powder on them,” Kim said with a laugh. “Those are the moments that define each character. I was really looking forward to filming them, and now that I have, they’ve become the best scenes for me.”
On-Set Training and Collaboration
The actor revealed that preparing for the extensive action sequences in Season 2 involved dedicated training. “Since it was my first time performing such long action scenes, I was incredibly excited and nervous,” Kim shared. “Before filming, I went to a stunt school to practice. Senior Ahn Bo-hyun, who has a lot of experience in action scenes, meticulously guided me, which made the preparation even more enjoyable.”
Kim also praised the production team and the overall environment. “Thanks to the staff and the supportive atmosphere they created on set, not only those specific action scenes but all the action sequences were completed without any accidents. I’m very satisfied with how it all turned out,” he stated.
Chemistry with Co-Stars
The positive chemistry among the four main cast members has been a recurring theme in interviews. Kim Shin-bi echoed these sentiments, particularly highlighting the impact of Jung Eun-chae joining the cast in Season 2.
“The chemistry became even better in Season 2 with the addition of senior Jung Eun-chae,” Kim noted. “I already liked senior Jung Eun-chae, so when I heard she was joining, I was very excited. Everyone on set acted as a mood-maker. It was a set where we all helped each other, giving and receiving synergy.”
Describing his interactions with Jung Eun-chae, Kim said, “My impression of senior Jung Eun-chae is that while her character, Joo Hye-ri, has charisma, off-camera, she’s the one who initiates conversations, plays jokes, and is a very affectionate senior.”
When asked about the other two seniors, Ahn Bo-hyun and Kang Sang-jun, Kim spoke highly of them. “I first met senior Ahn Bo-hyun in Season 1, and even through Season 2, my impression of him as a senior I want to learn from and grow like hasn’t changed. Despite being so cool and handsome, his meticulous attention not only to the actors but to the overall set impressed me. Even casual remarks we made while chatting were remembered by him, and he’d later say things like, ‘Weren’t you worried about this?’ or ‘Didn’t we talk about this back then?’ I was amazed by his thoughtfulness.”
Regarding Kang Sang-jun, Kim added, “Compared to Season 1, Kyung-jin has more scenes with Kang Sang-jun in Season 2. We often had great ideas and synergy when we met in the mornings. I learned a lot from him on set.” He concluded by expressing gratitude, “More than any individual senior, the entire team gave and received positive synergy from each other. I often wondered if there could be another set like this.”
Looking Ahead to Season 3
The finale of ‘The Riches and the Detective’ saw the team apprehending the main villain, Yoo Sung-won, and hinting at future cases, raising anticipation for a potential Season 3. When asked if he would readily accept an offer for Season 3, Kim was unequivocal.
“If Season 3 is confirmed, I definitely want to do it. And I have no intention of letting Kyung-jin go,” he stated emphatically. “I really want to continue. If Kyung-jin were to appear in Season 3, I imagine she would have even more intense and stylish action scenes than in Seasons 1 and 2.”
Kim further mused on the character’s dual nature. “Although she’s the youngest and shows a strong side, I think she could show a charming side as a lovely and cute dongsaeng (younger sibling) when the work is done and the team members are sharing personal conversations. The phrase ‘ultimate Kyung-jin’ comes to mind. And I don’t want to let go of senior Lee Soo-hyung either,” he added, referring to another key character.
