Miracle in Cell No. 7 - Characters & Cast

Yong-gu's sole motivation is the well-being and happiness of his daughter, Ye-sung. Every action he takes, from wanting to buy her a backpack to his final, heartbreaking decision in court, is driven by his profound paternal love.

Lee Yong-gu is a static character in the sense that his core nature—pure, loving, and childlike—does not change. His journey is not one of internal transformation but of enduring external hardship. He enters the prison an innocent man and remains so, his goodness acting as a catalyst for change in those around him. His arc is tragic; despite his unwavering innocence, he is forced by a corrupt system to make the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter.

Her primary motivation is to be with her father. She displays incredible resilience and love, never doubting his innocence and wanting only to be reunited with him.

As a child, Ye-sung is intelligent and fiercely devoted to her father. Her arc involves being thrust into a traumatic situation where she is separated from her father and must rely on the kindness of strangers (the inmates and the prison warden). She is the 'gift' or 'miracle' that brings light into the darkness of Cell No. 7, her presence humanizing the prisoners and strengthening their resolve to help her father.

Her driving motivation is to fulfill her father's last wish and prove his innocence to the world. She is fueled by love, memory, and a deep-seated need for justice.

The adult Ye-sung's character arc is the narrative frame of the film. Having been raised by the prison warden, she fulfills her promise to her father by becoming a lawyer. Her arc is one of determination and vindication, as she meticulously prepares to reopen her father's case and fight the system that wronged him. Her journey culminates in achieving posthumous justice for her father, bringing his story to light and clearing his name.

His motivation shifts from upholding prison rules to seeking true justice for Yong-gu and protecting Ye-sung. He is driven by a newfound sense of duty and compassion after witnessing Yong-gu's profound goodness.

The prison warden, Jang Min-hwan, initially views Yong-gu with the same prejudice as everyone else. However, after Yong-gu saves his life during a fire, he begins to see the truth. His arc is one of redemption and moral awakening. He transforms from a cog in the prison system to a compassionate ally who recognizes the injustice and ultimately becomes a surrogate father to Ye-sung, raising her as his own.

Initially motivated by self-preservation and maintaining his status, his motivation becomes rooted in repaying his debt to Yong-gu and a genuine affection for both father and daughter.

As the leader of Cell No. 7, So Yang-ho is initially tough and intimidating. His arc demonstrates a significant transformation from a cynical criminal to a loyal and caring friend. After Yong-gu saves his life, his hardened exterior melts away, and he becomes the chief architect of the plan to bring Ye-sung into the cell, leading the other inmates in their quest to help Yong-gu.