“Devil Instructor” Jung Eun-chae Returns as Ahn Bo-hyun’s Boss in Chaebol X Detective 2

Actress Jung Eun-chae is returning to television as veteran detective Ju Hye-ra in SBS’s new Friday-Saturday drama Chaebol X Detective 2. The series premieres on August 7 at 9:50 p.m., with Jung taking on the role of Ju Hye-ra, the leader of Violent Crimes Team 1 at Gangha Police Station.

Ju Hye-ra is a former ace of the National Police Agency’s counterterrorism team who volunteers to lead Violent Crimes Team 1. She also has a long history with the drama’s protagonist, Jin I-soo, played by Ahn Bo-hyun, dating back to their days at the police academy. At that time, Ju Hye-ra was the “devil instructor” who put Jin, then a trainee, through severe training. Years later, the two meet again with Ju now serving as his direct superior and investigative partner.

In the stills released for the drama, Jung Eun-chae projects the presence of a seasoned detective, moving from a crisp police dress uniform to a chic black leather jacket. Her entrance also creates a sharp contrast with chaebol detective Jin I-soo: while he arrives at work in a supercar, Ju Hye-ra is shown getting off a motorcycle.

Park Ji-hyun, who worked opposite Jin I-soo in Season 1, has departed the series, and Jung Eun-chae joins as the new investigative partner. The production team said that from the moment they first met Jung, they felt certain she was Ju Hye-ra herself. They explained that the character’s layered appeal, someone who appears cold but carries a heated inner drive, has been completed through Jung’s performance.

The production team also expressed anticipation for Jung’s chemistry with Ahn Bo-hyun. “The teamwork she shows with Ahn Bo-hyun is also beyond expectations. Viewers will be able to feel the class of a girl-crush veteran professional,” the team said.

Chaebol X Detective 2 reunites director Kim Jae-hong and writer Kim Bada. The drama will present a lively investigative partnership by combining Jin I-soo’s money-powered approach, which uses wealth to change the game, with Ju Hye-ra’s sharp investigative instincts.

The series takes its place in SBS’s ongoing Friday-Saturday drama lineup. SBS has previously presented works that delivered cathartic entertainment to viewers, including Taxi Driver, The Fiery Priest, The Judge from Hell, and Good Partner. Chaebol X Detective 2 has been scheduled as the follow-up to the drama Agent Kim Reactivated.

Production is jointly handled by Studio S, Big Ocean ENM, and BA Entertainment. The drama is also considered one of the key titles in SBS’s season-based drama lineup continuing through 2026.

Jung Eun-chae has built a wide-ranging filmography across both period dramas and modern-set works. Her credits include the global hit Pachinko, as well as Anna, Your Honor, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, and Honour. She has portrayed characters at opposite extremes, from an arrogant chaebol woman to a factory worker.

In Chaebol X Detective 2, Jung will show both a refined image and the resolve of a detective who moves through rough crime scenes. The production team described Jung’s look and character as “a visual where handsome and pretty coexist” and “a character who holds heat beneath coolness.” Chaebol X Detective 2 premieres on SBS on August 7 at 9:50 p.m.