신과함께-죄와 벌
"Fate continues even after death."
Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Kim Ja-hong
Cha Tae-hyun
Motivation
His primary motivation throughout his life was to provide for his deaf mother and younger brother, whom he left behind in his youth out of guilt and a desire not to be a burden. In the afterlife, his motivation is to pass the seven trials to be reincarnated and, in his own way, find peace.
Character Arc
Ja-hong begins as a seemingly perfect hero, a selfless firefighter who died a noble death. As he progresses through the trials, his flaws and past traumas are revealed, transforming him from an idealized paragon into a relatable human being burdened by guilt. His arc is about confronting his past and accepting that his life, while dedicated to others, was not without sin. His ultimate redemption comes from his family's forgiveness, not from passing the divine trials alone.
Gang-rim
Ha Jung-woo
Motivation
As the leader, his motivation is to successfully guide their 49th paragon to reincarnation, which will allow him and his fellow guardians to be reincarnated. However, he is also driven by a strong sense of justice and a deep-seated affection for humans.
Character Arc
Gang-rim is the stoic and wise leader of the three guardians. He is resolute in his duty to defend Ja-hong. His arc involves him becoming personally invested in Ja-hong's case, even bending the laws of the afterlife to uncover the truth in the living world. This shows a compassionate side to his otherwise stern demeanor and hints at his own mysterious past, which is further explored in the sequel.
Haewonmak
Ju Ji-hoon
Motivation
Like the other guardians, his main goal is to achieve reincarnation. He is also motivated by his loyalty to Gang-rim and his protective instincts over Deok-choon, the youngest member of their team.
Character Arc
Haewonmak is the skilled fighter of the trio, often providing comic relief with his sarcastic and laid-back attitude. He is initially cynical about their chances but grows to respect and care for Ja-hong. His arc shows a development from a detached guardian to a more engaged and protective figure, especially towards Deok-choon.
Lee Deok-choon
Kim Hyang-gi
Motivation
Her motivation is rooted in a genuine desire to help souls find peace and successfully reincarnate. She is driven by empathy and a strong belief in the inherent goodness of people. She also shares the goal of reincarnation with her fellow guardians.
Character Arc
Deok-choon is the youngest and most compassionate of the guardians, possessing the ability to see a person's past. She has unwavering faith in Ja-hong's goodness from the beginning. Her arc is about maintaining her innocence and empathy in the harsh reality of the afterlife. Her kindness often serves as the moral compass for the group.
King Yeomra
Lee Jung-jae
Motivation
His motivation is to uphold the laws of the afterlife and ensure that souls are judged fairly according to their deeds. He represents the principle of cosmic justice and karma.
Character Arc
King Yeomra is the formidable ruler of the afterlife who oversees all the trials. He appears as an intimidating and impartial judge. His arc in this film is more static, serving as the ultimate authority figure. However, his interactions with Gang-rim and his final judgment of Ja-hong reveal a deeper understanding of human nature and the importance of earthly forgiveness.