Netflix Unveils This Year's K-Content Lineup
First Look at 'Dakgangjeong' and 'The 8 Show'
Films Like 'Jeon,ran' Starring Kang Dong-won and Park Jung-min Also Anticipated
Netflix is once again putting K-content at the forefront this year. Leading with the globally successful 'Squid Game' Season 2, it will release a variety of series, movies, and entertainment programs. These include 'The 8 Show', 'Gisaengsu: The Gray', 'Daehongsu', 'Mystery Investigation Team', 'Jeon, Ran', 'Trunk', 'Gyeongseong Creature' Season 2, 'Solo Hell' Season 4, 'Sweet Home' Season 3, 'Zombie Bus' Season 2, 'Hell' Season 2, and 'Physical: 100' Season 2. Kang Dong-han, Head of Netflix Korea Content Division, revealed the K-content lineup on the 6th, stating, "A variety of rich stories filled with fun, directors, and thrills will continuously come your way." The works to be released this year are introduced by categorizing them into new series, follow-up series, movies, and entertainment programs.
▲ New Series
* Starring Choi Woo-shik, Son Seok-gu, Lee Hee-joon 'Sarinja Onnangam' (The Murderer is Annoying)
The story of an ordinary man who accidentally starts committing murders and the detective who relentlessly pursues him. Based on the webtoon of the same name by artist Kkomabi, which sparked explosive reactions with its cute art style contrasted by shocking storytelling. Screenwriter Kim Da-min, who won the 'Scenario Planning and Development Support' award from the Gyeonggi Content Agency, wrote the script to enhance the genre's completeness. Directed by Lee Chang-hee, known for the drama 'Strangers from Hell' and the film 'Midnight Runners.' It will present a new perspective on sin and punishment. Premieres on the 9th.
* Starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Ahn Jae-hong 'Dakgangjeong' (Sweet Crispy Chicken)
A comic mystery chase about father Seon-man's struggle to retrieve his daughter Mina, who has turned into Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy chicken), and Baek-jung, who secretly loves her. Based on the webtoon of the same name by Park Ji-dok. Directed by Lee Byung-heon, who delivered witty dialogue and cheerful humor in films like 'Extreme Job' and 'Twenty,' and the drama 'Melo is My Nature.' The focus is on the original's unique concept, unexpected humor, and the blend of mystery, offering fresh entertainment. Scheduled for release in Q1.
* Starring Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jung-min, Lee Yeol-eum, Park Hae-joon, Lee Joo-young, Moon Jung-hee, Bae Sung-woo 'The 8 Show'
Eight individuals trapped in a secret space divided into eight floors participate in a dangerous show where time accumulation earns money. Directed by Han Jae-rim, known for films 'The Face Reader,' 'The King,' and 'Emergency Declaration.' The original works are 'Money Game' and 'Pie Game' by Bae Jin-su, which depict primal human desires clashing in capitalist society and have accumulated 300 million global views. The story draws attention through repeated cooperation, betrayal, conflict, and strife in a space divided by unequal structures. Scheduled for release in Q2.
* Starring Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun, Kwon Hae-hyo, Kim In-kwon 'Gisaengsu: The Gray'
The story of unidentified parasitic creatures from space that take humans as hosts, commit murders, and begin forming their own forces. It conveys philosophical messages through the imaginative concept of parasites controlling human brains to manipulate bodies. Based on the manga 'Parasyte' by Hitoshi Iwaaki, which has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho of 'Train to Busan,' who co-adapted the screenplay with writer Ryu Yong-jae. Scheduled for release in Q2.
* Starring Noh Jeong-eui, Lee Chae-min, Kim Jae-won 'Hierarchy'
The story of a secret-bearing transfer student entering Jusingo High School, where the top 0.01% rule as order and law, causing cracks in the once-solid world. Directed by Bae Hyun-jin, who co-directed 'Alchemy of Souls,' 'Big Mouth,' and 'Start-Up,' marking her first series direction. Set in a school founded by the highest-ranking conglomerate group, it interestingly portrays the intertwined stories of eighteen youths' love, friendship, revenge, and compassion. Scheduled for release in Q2.
* Starring Sol Kyung-gu, Kim Hee-ae 'Dolpung' (Gale)
The story of a Prime Minister who wants to uproot corrupt massive power and the Deputy Prime Minister of Economy who opposes him. It offers immersive storytelling through the clash of strong beliefs and convictions. Screenplay by Park Kyung-soo, known for dramas 'The Chaser,' 'Empire of Gold,' and 'Punch,' which dealt with the world of power. Directed by Kim Yong-wan, who helmed films 'Champion,' 'Method: Repetition,' and the drama 'Method.' Scheduled for release in Q3.
* Starring Kim Yoon-seok, Yoon Kye-sang, Go Min-si, Lee Jung-eun 'Amudo Eomneun Supsokeseo' (In the Forest Where No One Is)
A mystery thriller about a pension owner struggling to protect his precious life as his daily life begins to collapse with the appearance of a suspicious woman. Directed by Mo Wan-il, who delicately captured subtle psychology and tense atmospheres in dramas 'The World of the Married' and 'Misty.' It promises chilling tension and unpredictable curiosity at every moment. Scheduled for release in Q3.
* Starring Woo Do-hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, Oh Jung-se, Kim Hae-sook 'Mr. Plankton'
The story of a man named Hae-jo, born by mistake, embarking on his last journey in life, accompanied forcibly by Jae-mi, the unhappiest woman in the world. Script by Jo Yong, writer of the drama 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay,' and directed by Hong Jong-chan, known for dramas 'Juvenile Justice' and 'Dear My Friends.' Scheduled for release in Q4.
* Starring Seo Hyun-jin, Gong Yoo 'Trunk'
The story revolves around a secret marriage service revealed through a trunk floating on a lakeside and the strange marriage between two people involved. The service is a premium matching service that finds customized spouses. In-ji and Jung-won gradually get to know each other through this service, but secrets and pains they each hold come to light through incidents. Based on the novel of the same name by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, author of 'Wandeugi' and 'Elegant Lies.' Directed by Kim Kyu-tae, known for his delicate sensibility in dramas 'Our Blues,' 'It's Okay, That's Love,' and 'Live.'
▲ Follow-up Series
* Starring Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, Lee Do-hyun, Go Min-si, Park Gyu-young, Jin Young, Yoo Oh-sung, Oh Jung-se, Kim Moo-yeol, Kim Si-a 'Sweet Home' Season 3
A drama depicting the desperate and intense battle of those caught between monsters and humans. Those who were scattered come together and begin to unleash their desires. Director Lee Eung-bok, responsible for the entire season, will reveal the final secret of evolution where desire transforms into monsters, delivering a spectacular conclusion. Scheduled for release in Q2.
* Starring Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee, Lee Moo-saeng, Bae Hyun-sung 'Gyeongseong Creature' Season 2
A drama exploring the unfinished ties, fate, and grudges of Gyeongseong, where Tae-sang from Season 1 meets Ho-jae, who resembles him, and Chae-ok, who survived the spring of Gyeongseong. Writer Kang Eun-kyung of dramas 'Dr. Romantic' and 'Gu Family Book' teams up with director Jung Dong-yoon of 'Stove League' to deliver a powerful story combining historical and genre elements. While Season 1 vividly portrayed monsters and human greed born in a dark and turbulent era, Season 2 shifts the setting to Seoul in 2024. Scheduled for release in Q3.
* Starring Kim Hyun-joo, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Shin-rok, Lim Sung-jae, Lee Dong-hee, Yang Ik-june 'Hell' Season 2
Depicts a world thrown into chaos by the announcement of hell-bound notices. The story revolves around Chairman Jeong Jin-soo and Park Jung-ja of the New Truth Society, intertwined with lawyer Min Hye-jin of Sodo and the factions of the New Truth Society and Arrowhead. Based on the comic 'Hell' by Choi Gyu-seok, author of 'The Insiders,' and director Yeon Sang-ho of 'Train to Busan.' Season 1 was loved for its bold theme of hell-bound notices and deep questions about life and death, sin and punishment, autonomy and coercion.
* Starring Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-joon, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun 'Squid Game' Season 2
The story of participants risking their lives to become the final winner in a mysterious game with a prize of 45.6 billion won. Season 1 became Netflix's highest-grossing series and achieved global success. Season 2 begins with Gi-hun, who gave up going to the U.S., returning with his own purpose. Directed, written, and produced again by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the first Asian to win the Primetime Emmy Award for directing.
▲ Movies
* Starring Song Joong-ki, Choi Sung-eun 'Rogiwan'
The story of North Korean defector Gi-wan, who arrives in Belgium with his last hope in life, and Marie, a woman who has lost her reason to live, drawn to each other. Gi-wan struggles persistently to obtain refugee status. Marie is a Korean-Belgian former shooting athlete. Though initially entangled by fate, they gradually grow closer and change. Based on the novel 'I Met Rogiwan' by Jo Hae-jin. Director Kim Hee-jin portrays the emotions of those pushed to the edge embracing each other through the encounter of a man who wants to live and a woman who thinks she has no reason to live. Releases on the 1st of next month.
* Starring Kim Woo-bin, Kim Sung-kyun 'Mudosilmugan' (Martial Arts Officer)
The story of Lee Jeong-do, who holds 9th dan in Taekwondo, Kendo, and Judo, and probation officer Kim Seon-min, who recognizes his crime-detecting instincts and martial arts skills, monitoring electronic anklet subjects to prevent crimes. Directed by Kim Joo-hwan, known for the film 'Midnight Runners' and drama 'Hounds.' The title refers to those who monitor electronic anklet subjects under probation to ensure public safety due to high recidivism risk. Scheduled for release in Q3.
* Starring Kim Da-mi, Park Hae-soo 'Daehongsu' (The Great Flood)
An SF disaster film depicting the last day on Earth engulfed by a great flood, focusing on a desperate battle to save a child in a submerged apartment. Directed by Kim Byung-woo, known for 'The Terror Live' and 'PMC: The Bunker,' vividly conveying complex emotions and the urgency of the struggle amid an irresistible disaster. Scheduled for release in Q4.
* Starring Kang Dong-won, Park Jung-min, Cha Seung-won, Kim Shin-rok, Jin Sun-kyu, Jung Sung-il 'Jeon, Ran' (War and Chaos)
Set in a chaotic era of war. The son of Joseon's top military family, Jong-ryeo, and his servant Cheon-yeong become close aides to King Seonjo and militia fighters, respectively, facing off against each other. The drama adds battle and chase action to the story of people living in a chaotic era, delivering genre entertainment. Directed by Kim Sang-man, produced and written by Park Chan-wook. Scheduled for release in Q4.
▲ Entertainment Programs
* Starring Shin Dong-yup, Sung Si-kyung 'Seong+Inmul: Netherlands, Germany Edition'
A talk variety show exploring the unknown world of sex and the adult culture industry. It offers quick, cheerful, and entertaining character exploration talks within a short runtime. Like the Japan and Taiwan editions, it features various stakeholders from the Netherlands and Germany, sharing vivid voices related to sexual culture. Releases on the 20th.
* 'Physical: 100 Season 2 ? Underground'
An extreme survival game entertainment show where 100 contestants compete to find the best 'body.' Season 1 was the first Korean variety show to rank No. 1 in Netflix's global TV show (non-English) category, with an astonishing 192.63 million hours viewed over six weeks. Season 2 aims even higher, showcasing a more powerful world with overwhelming scale and meticulously designed quests. Participants continuously test their limits, striving to become the last one standing. Scheduled for release in Q1.
* Starring Lee Yong-jin, John Park, Lee Eun-ji, Lee Hye-ri, Kim Do-hoon, Karina 'Mystery Investigation Team'
An adventure mystery variety show tracking and solving bizarre cases that cannot be explained scientifically. Directed by PD Jung Jong-yeon, known for the brain survival game 'Devil's Plan,' who unfolds unique themes in a distinctive worldview. The main attractions are the cast's collaboration and intense investigations solving cases in unpredictable ways. Scheduled for release in Q2.
* Starring Jo Se-ho, BamBam, Mimi 'Super Rich Foreigners'
A luxury reality show depicting stories of the super-rich never seen before. It looks into what the top 1% wealthy do, wear, and eat in Korea. Scheduled for release in Q2.
* 'The Influencer'
A social survival variety show searching for the most influential influencer. It cleverly utilizes the characteristic of social media where people's attention translates into money. Participants fiercely compete by any means in a unique world where subscriber and follower counts are their value and power. Scheduled for release in Q3.
* Starring Baek Jong-won 'Unknown Chef (Working Title)'
A competition variety show featuring intense cooking battles among people with exceptional taste regardless of age, experience, or genre. The project started with the question, "Who is the best cook in Korea?" It showcases cooking battles among restaurant chefs to home cooking kings with exceptional taste.
* 'Solo Hell Season 4'
A bold and frank dating reality show of singles on the isolated island 'Hell Island,' where couples can only leave. Breaking existing formats with shocking rules and unexpected relationship narratives, it has received hot responses every season. It was the first Korean variety program to enter Netflix's global top 10 TV shows (non-English) category. Scheduled for release in Q4.
* 'Zombie Bus Season 2'
The sequel to the popular variety show that ranked 5th in Netflix's global top 10 series (non-English) category. Produced again by CP Park Jin-kyung of 'My Little Television,' 'Ants Are Still Busy Today,' and 'Dunia,' and PD Moon Sang-don of 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' and 'Night Walking Night.' The new cast will undertake more diverse and novel quests than the previous season. Scheduled for release in Q4.
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