Korean remakes, romance series to hit small screen in June

Posters for Netflix's new original series, "Money Heist: Korea ― Joint Economic Area," left, and Tving's new romance series, "Yumi's Cells 2" / Courtesy of Netflix, Tving

By Lee Gyu-lee

The Korean adaptation of Netflix's smash-hit Spanish series, "Money Heist," is finally set to debut in the upcoming month along with a string of other series, ranging from romantic comedies to fantasy romances.

Netflix's new Korean original series, "Money Heist: Korea ― Joint Economic Area," scheduled to hit the streaming platform on June 24, brings together a star-studded cast: Yoo Ji-tae from the crime film, "Oldboy," Kim Yun-jin from the U.S. series, "Lost," Park Hae-soo from Netflix series "Squid Game," and Jeon Jong-seo from mystery film "Burning."

Following the central plot of the original crime drama, the remake will revolve around a group of skilled thieves from both North and South Korea. The story will follow the group trying to pull off a major heist, led by a genius strategist as their mastermind, overtaking the mint of a unified Korea while holding hostages.

The 12-part crime series is directed by Kim Hong-sun, who is known for leading several crime thriller series, such as "Voice" (2017) and "The Guest" (2018). It is co-written by Ryu Yong-jae and Kim Hwan-chae, who also co-scripted the 2019 thriller series, "Psychopath Diary," and writer Choe Sung-jun.

Scenes from the new comedy crime series, "Cleaning Up" / Courtesy of JTBC

Another Korean remake, "Cleaning Up," is set to premiere on June 4. Adapted from the 2019 British TV series of the same name, the new crime comedy drama revolves around three cleaners ― played by actors Yum Jung-ah, Jeon So-min and Kim Jae-hwa ― at a financial service company. One day, they overhear a piece of lucrative information about an insider trade and try to use the chance to turn their financially struggling lives around.

The 16-part series is led by Yoon Seong-sik, who previously directed the hit comedy series, "Mr. Queen" (2020), and is written by Choi Kyung-mi, who wrote the crime thriller series, "Return" (2018).

Two romance series, "The Jinx's Lover" and "Yumi's Cells 2," are also scheduled to come out in the coming month.

Based on the webtoon of the same name, "The Jinx's Lover," which will air on June 15, is a romance story between a fish vendor, Gong Soo-gwang (Na In-woo), and a girl with a special ability, Lee Seul-bi (Seohyun).

Soo-gwang is known to be the unluckiest man around. Then, he comes across Seul-bi, who has been living her life isolated from the world because of her ability to see other people's futures when she touches them.

The series is directed by Yoon Sang-ho, who led the 2021 period series, "River Where the Moon Rises," and the 2017 period series, "Saimdang, Light's Diary," and is scripted by writer Jang Yoon-mi.

The second season of the romance series, "Yumi's Cells," will premiere on June 10. The series, also based on the hit webtoon of the same name by Lee Dong-gun, revolves around a woman in her 30s, named Kim Yu-mi (Kim Go-eun).

The romantic comedy series follows Yu-mi's journey in search of happiness in her personal life, romance and work, with the help of her "cells," portrayed as human-like figures. The new season will pick up on the plot from the first season, unfolding the story of her new romance with her co-worker, Ba-bi (Park Jin-young).

The series is directed by Lee Sang-yeob, who led the rom-com series, "Shopaholic Louis," and co-scripted by Song Jae-jung, who wrote "Find Me in Your Memory," as well as newcomer Kim Kyung-ran.

Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn
Site Map E-paper Subscribe Register LogIn