Bae Shik-joong, also known as Bae Man-deok, is a significant supporting character who serves as a close friend and ally to the protagonist, Lee Yoon-sung. His background is rooted in Thailand, where he was the only Korean friend that Yoon-sung had during the latter's training and upbringing in that country. Before meeting Yoon-sung, Shik-joong had a personal history that led him to instruct his new friend to one day find and protect a girl named Kim Na-na, linking his past directly to a key figure in the story. Shik-joong was saved by Yoon-sung from a group of thugs in Thailand, an event that forged a deep and lasting bond of loyalty between them.

In terms of personality, Shik-joong is depicted as having a problematic gambling habit, yet he is also known for being a very good cook, showcasing a more domestic and caring side to his nature. He often incurs huge debts from purchasing items through home shopping networks, which adds a layer of comic relief to his character. Despite these flaws, his loyalty to Yoon-sung is unwavering, and he operates as a trusted partner in the field. His primary motivations are driven by a sense of debt and friendship towards Yoon-sung, who saved his life, as well as a past connection to Kim Na-na. He was a witness to the hit-and-run accident that killed Na-na's mother and put her father into a coma, a crime for which he was forced to lie about who was at fault. This past event is a source of guilt and explains his earlier request for Yoon-sung to look after her.

Shik-joong's role in the story is that of an indispensable assistant and partner to Lee Yoon-sung in his crusade as City Hunter. He often pretends to be a Korean-American investor, using this false identity to create opportunities for Yoon-sung to access targets or gain information. In one instance, he successfully used a fake badge to infiltrate a secure control booth, demonstrating his nerve and ability to improvise. His relationship with Lee Yoon-sung is the core of his character, defined by mutual trust and reliance. He also has a mysterious and crucial link to Kim Na-na through the tragic accident he witnessed, which positions him as a figure who connects the main characters' pasts. His relationship with the antagonist Lee Jin-pyo is more complex, as Shik-joong and Yoon-sung become partners under a scheme orchestrated by Jin-pyo, placing him within the manipulative web of the main villain. Jin-pyo once almost killed Shik-joong, framing another character for the attempt, which was a calculated move to manipulate others in the story.

Throughout the series, Shik-joong demonstrates development primarily by actively confronting his past. He moves from being a man in hiding, living in Thailand to escape the consequences of his involvement in the long-ago accident, to returning to Seoul and aiding Yoon-sung directly. His decision to come back and help, despite the risks, shows a commitment to rectifying past wrongs and protecting those he cares about, like Na-na. In terms of notable abilities, Shik-joong is highly skilled in impersonation and infiltration, effectively playing the role of a wealthy investor to gain access to high-security locations and events. His ability to think on his feet, as seen in the conference hall infiltration, is a key asset. Beyond his espionage work, he possesses the practical and grounding skill of being an excellent cook, a trait that provides a contrast to the high-stakes world of revenge and corruption that surrounds him.