The Fiery Priest

A hotheaded Catholic priest with a violent past, Kim Hae-Il, refuses to let crooks hide behind religion. When an elderly priest dies under suspicious circumstances, Hae-Il teams up with a sharp-edged detective and a prosecutor to probe corruption, protect victims, and punish those who exploit faith for selfish gain. The series mixes fast, physical action with dark humor and courtroom-style confrontation, so scenes flip from brutal brawls to satirical takes on sermons. Along the way the trio uncovers moral compromises inside institutions, while personal loyalties and scars make every confrontation about more than simple law enforcement.

Released in 2019, The Fiery Priest was created by Park Jae-beom and directed by Park Bo-ram, starring Kim Nam-gil, Lee Hanee, Kim Sung-kyun, Sung Joon, and Seo Hyun-woo.

Critics and viewers noted the show's unusual blend of crime procedural, slapstick comedy, and melodrama, and Kim Nam-gil's performance got particular attention for balancing rage, wit, and vulnerability. The series leans into themes of institutional hypocrisy, justice versus mercy, and how trauma shapes people’s choices. Pacing is brisk, episodes favor memorable set pieces, and supporting actors add comic relief without undercutting the darker stakes. On user-driven sites it holds a solid average, reflecting strong audience approval for tone and performances.

The Fiery Priest made an impression on contemporary Korean TV by bringing a bleaker moral core to mainstream entertainment while keeping broad appeal. Its mix of violence and humor influenced how later shows handled antihero leads and satirical takes on authority figures. The central character, a priest who refuses to act meekly, became a recognizably different kind of protagonist, and the show prompted wider conversation about how religion and power interact in modern society.