Netflix To Release Korean Version Of ‘Money Heist’ Series?

The Spanish Netflix series La Casa de Papel AKA Money Heist took the world by storm. While that series is over, the story continues in a South Korean version of the drama/thriller series. Titled Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, the series will take on cast members named for the original characters.

Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area on Netflix

Money Heist ran for five successful seasons on Netflix, drawing worldwide acclaim. Fans will likely be doubtful that the South Koreans can pull Money Heist off as well as the Spaniards did. However, another South Korean series, Squid Game was equally successful, so why not?

In fact, South Korean movies and series have become popular in recent years, particularly the K-Dramas. Meanwhile, Netflix does its best to procure the best of the bunch, while its dubbing team does an excellent job with the soundtrack. The addition of a South Korean version of Money Heist will certainly be intriguing to fans.

It is unclear whether the gang will wear the iconic Salvador Dali masks. However, actor Park Hae-Soo said in a video that his counterpart in the role of Berlin had sent him a mask all the way from Spain. Despite this, he keeps us guessing as to which iconic mask the heist gang will wear.

Despite that, Park did say that he will be sending a mask to actor Pedro Alonso in Spain to return the favor.

About the new South Korean series

The series is directed by Kim Hong-sun, known for his previous work on K-Dramas like The Guest and Voice. Meanwhile, Ryu Yong-Jae, screenwriter of K-dramas like My Holo Love, will write the adaptation. Ryu will be joined by Choe Sung-jun and Kim Hwan-Chae in the writing room.

Plot of Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area

As for the plot, reportedly we can expect a very similar plot to the Spanish version, but with some noticeable differences. The following is the synopsis as provided so far:

The Professor, a genius strategist and his talented crew of top-class thieves attempt to pull off an unprecedented heist in the Korean Peninsula. Much like the original Money Heist, the storyline will have a series of unexpected twists and turns. Meanwhile, the crew will stage a hostage situation, while facing inexplicable challenges. All eyes are focused on the background and definition behind the title Joint Economic Area.

While there is no official trailer as yet, Netflix did release the following teaser, revealing the main cast.

Apparently, the Netflix series is in post-production at this time, meaning the premiere is just months away. The streamer has said that Money Heist will be released at some point this year.

About the cast of the K-Drama thriller series

The teaser revealed the main characters in the Korean version of the series. As could be seen, they are taking on the same city names as their Spanish counterparts. A screen capture from the teaser is included here, showing all the main cast.

The Professor is played by Yoo Ji-Tai, while his brother, Berlin is played by Park Hae-Soo. The two ladies in the initial gang, Tokyo and Nairobi are played by Jun Jong-Seo and Jang Yoon-Ju respectively. Of the two tough guys, Helsinki is played by Kim Ji-Hoon, while Lee Kiyu-Ho plays Oslo.

The role of Rio is played by Lee Hyun-Woo, while Kim Ji-Hun plays Denver. Meanwhile, Moscow is played by Lee Won-Jong and the police inspector Woo Jin is played by Kim Yunjin, who played Sun on the series Lost.

Is the Spanish creator involved in the project?

It should be noted that Alex Pina, the creator of the original Money Heist, isn’t involved in the South Korean version. However, he was interested to hear about the project. What’s on Netflix quote Pina saying that Korean creators have been developing their own language and audiovisual culture for years.

Pina said they have managed, like their series, to go beyond cultural borders and attract viewers from around the world. Moreover, Pina said he finds it fascinating that the world of La Casa de Papel is so attractive to Korean creators. He added that the fact that the action is set on the Korean peninsula also seems to be a milestone that he is really delighted about.

So far, we know that Season 1 of Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area will have a total of 12 episodes. Each episode will have a runtime of 60 minutes.

Again, regrettably, we have no release date for the new K-Drama thriller, but with luck, we will know more soon.

Money Heist fans, are you looking forward to the South Korean version of the successful thriller series? Let us know by dropping a comment below.