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Launch guide for the drama The Scarecrow: where and when to watch
The official premiere happens today on the South Korean channel ENA. Check out the details so you don't miss any episode:
Premiere date: April 20, 2026
Broadcast: Mondays and Tuesdays
Time: 10 PM (KST) / Approximately 10 AM in Brazil
Total episodes: 12
Where to watch in Brazil: Rakuten Viki (with Portuguese subtitles)
Tip: The weekly release format is perfect for those who like to theorize. Prepare yourself for intense discussions on social media after each episode.
The Plot: A Nightmare That Returns from the Past
The story follows Kang Tae-ju (Park Hae-soo), a brilliant detective whose career was ruined by a traumatic incident. Demoted and sent back to his hometown, Gangseong, he hopes to find peace but instead finds a trail of blood.
A new series of murders begins to haunt the region, perfectly mirroring the unsolved crimes of 1988 — known as the "Scarecrow Crimes".
The Narrative Difference
The series uses two timelines to build the mystery:
1988: Where it all began and the trauma took root in the community.
2026 (Present): The desperate hunt to prevent history from repeating itself.
Unlike common thrillers, the focus here is on psychological weight. The question is not just "who?", but "how did the scars of the past shape these monsters?".
A Heavyweight Cast
The cast is, without a doubt, the great trump card of this production:
Park Hae-soo (Kang Tae-ju): The Round 6 star delivers a protagonist laden with guilt and disturbing silences.
Lee Hee-joon (Cha Si-young): Tae-ju's rival. An ambitious prosecutor who creates a "partnership by hatred" dynamic that completely escapes clichés.
Kwak Sun-young (Seo Ji-won): A tireless journalist who serves as the bridge between the secrets of 1988 and today's crimes.
Why is The Scarecrow's Hype Real?
If you're still unsure whether you should start The Scarecrow, here are three decisive reasons:
Based on Real Facts: The series is loosely inspired by the Hwaseong serial killer case, the same one that inspired the film Memories of a Murderer.
Creative Team: The drama features the direction of Park Joon-woo and screenplay by Lee Ji-hyun, the duo behind the acclaimed Taxi Driver.
Psychological Tension: The rivalry between the detective and prosecutor promises sharp dialogue and a climate of constant distrust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does The Scarecrow premiere? The premiere happens today, April 20, 2026, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.
Will it come to Netflix? At the moment, international streaming rights belong to Rakuten Viki. There is no forecast for Netflix, but the scenario could change depending on global success.
Will there be a season 2? Although planned as a 12-episode miniseries, rumors in the Korean press suggest that the finale could leave important hooks. Everything will depend on the audience in these next two months.
The Scarecrow brings together all the elements that usually transform a drama into a phenomenon: strong cast, psychological suspense and a narrative loaded with tension. If the execution delivers what the premise promises, this has all the makings of the best thriller of 2026.
