‘Squid Game’ Star Lee Byung-hun Begins Production on ‘The Koreans’

Disney+ has recently announced the start of production on a new series titled “The Koreans,” which is a reimagining of the popular FX show “The Americans.” This new series will feature Lee Byung-hun and Han Jimin as lead actors, playing the roles of North Korean spies living undercover in South Korea.

The storyline of “The Koreans” is set against the backdrop of the early 1990s, during a period of democratization and cultural change in South Korea. The series follows a middle-class family who are hiding a dangerous secret – they are actually elite North Korean operatives working to undermine the South from within. Despite appearing as ordinary citizens to their friends, neighbors, and even their own children, the couple must navigate their loyalty to their homeland, their personal identities, and their family bonds, all while being pursued by a determined Korean counterintelligence agent.

Lee Byung-hun, known for his roles in “Squid Game” and “No Other Choice,” and Han Jimin, recognized for her work in “Heavenly Ever After” and “Love Scout,” will lead the cast of “The Koreans.” The series will be directed by Ahn Gilho, whose previous credits include “The Glory” and “Memories of the Alhambra.” Production will be handled by Imaginus and Studio AA, with the screenplay adapted by Park Eunkyo from the original FX series created by Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields.

“The Koreans” is set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ internationally and on Hulu in the U.S. This announcement comes as part of Disney+’s efforts to expand its Korean content offerings, which already include popular shows like “Made in Korea” and “Tempest.” The streaming platform has several other Korean originals in development, such as “Perfect Crown” starring IU and Byeon Wooseok, “Portraits of Delusion” with Suzy and Kim Seonho, and “The Remarried Empress” featuring Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon, Lee Jongsuk, and Lee Seyoung. Additionally, viewers can look forward to second seasons of “A Shop for Killers” and “Made in Korea.”

With its unique premise and talented cast, “The Koreans” promises to be a captivating addition to Disney+’s lineup of original content, offering viewers a fresh take on espionage and family dynamics in a complex political landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as the series continues production and prepares for its highly anticipated premiere.