Agent Choi "Choi Yo-won; K.LEE; Assistant Manager Lee Kangheon"

Veteran member of the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau and one of the earliest named characters in the *Dark Exploration Records*. Member of the Dispatch & Rescue Unit, Black Tortoise Team 1 alongside Ryu Jaekwang.

Profile

Appearance

Wears a Bureau agent uniform and has the "appearance of a salaryman," but has a conspicuous scar around his neck (gained from the Cold Storage ghost story).

Personality

Comes off as cheerful and sociable, often talking casually with co-workers, but is incredibly skilled and becomes serious when needed. Internally distrustful and suspicious due to experience, yet cares deeply for those under him and has a strong sense of duty toward protecting civilians. Thorough in investigations, willing to lie and hide his intentions behind a smile, and will exploit anything for the survival of himself and others. Kim Soleum notes Choi was created by the writers of *Dark Exploration Records* before the Bureau was refined to prioritize agents' lives, so he naturally pushes himself to the limit to save every civilian.

History

A longtime Bureau agent who has been through multiple explorations, making him very knowledgeable about the organizations, factions, and items in the world. Because he joined very early, he uses his real name instead of a codename. He gained the scar around his neck from the Cold Storage ghost story.

Synopsis

First mentioned as an agent sent to investigate Looky/Lucky Mart, a supernatural supermarket Kim Soleum and Agent Bronze were rescuing a civilian from. In the record, Choi investigated the fourth floor after realizing prior agents were dead, became contaminated, and turned into an employee. Due to Kim Soleum's intervention, the investigation was wrapped up before Choi entered. He later recruited Kim Soleum into Black Tortoise Team 1. He recognized Kim Soleum in the Faceless Market and investigated a bought tip. During the Mermaid Grave ghost story, he stayed an extra day to search for missing children and defended them from Daydream Inc. He later followed Kim Soleum to the Dream Incubation Room, revealing he had infiltrated Daydream Inc. as "Assistant Manager Lee Kangheon." After Kim Soleum saved him from Director Ho, he let him go, and later arrested Kim Soleum hoping he would clear his name and join the Bureau properly.

Abilities

Highly skilled in physical combat, adept with both sword and gun. His real expertise is his experience exploring ghost stories, making decisive, methodical, life-saving decisions. Always carries a backup transmitter and escape tools, improvises rescues, and can recognize people by the vein patterns on their wrists (even identifying which body parts belong to whom).

Equipment