'The Koreans': Squid Game Stars Lead Remake of 'The Americans'
Lee Byung-hun & Han Ji-min star as North Korean spies in new drama.
Top Summary
- What happened: A Korean remake of 'The Americans,' titled 'The Koreans,' is in production, starring Lee Byung-hun and Han Ji-min.
- Why it matters: The show promises a fresh take on the spy drama genre, exploring complex themes of loyalty and family against the backdrop of Korean history.
- What changes for people: Viewers can expect a high-quality series with familiar faces, exploring a unique cultural perspective on the Cold War spy narrative.
- Who is affected: Fans of 'Squid Game,' 'The Americans,' and Korean dramas, as well as international audiences on Disney+ and Hulu subscribers in the U.S.
'The Koreans': A New Spy Thriller
'The Koreans', a reimagined version of the acclaimed series 'The Americans', has officially begun production. The series features Lee Byung-hun and Han Ji-min, known for their roles in 'Squid Game' and 'Heavenly Ever After' respectively.
The show will follow a seemingly ordinary middle-class family concealing a dangerous secret. They are North Korean spies undercover in South Korea during the 1990s.
The Plot Thickens
The narrative is set against the backdrop of South Korea’s democratization and rapid cultural transformation. The spies face a constant struggle, caught between allegiance to their homeland and their family bonds.
A relentless Korean counterintelligence agent is closing in, adding suspense and danger to their already complex lives.
Star Power and Production Team
Lee Byung-hun, acclaimed for his role in 'Squid Game' and 'No Other Choice', and Han Ji-min, known for 'Heavenly Ever After', lead the cast. Ahn Gilho, director of 'The Glory', directs the series.
The screenplay is adapted by Park Eunkyo, known for 'Made in Korea' and 'Mother'. The original series was created by Joe Weisberg and showrun by Weisberg and Joel Fields, which starred Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys.
Release Details
'The Koreans' will be available internationally on Disney+. US viewers can watch it on Hulu. This represents an expansion of Korean content on these streaming platforms.
Legacy of 'The Americans'
The original series, 'The Americans,' received critical acclaim. It won the Golden Globe for best drama in 2019. It also earned AFI TV Program of the Year honors for its first five seasons, from 2014 to 2018.
The series starred Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, two Soviet KGB officers posing as a married American couple. They lived in suburban Washington, D.C., during the 1980s Cold War.
What to Watch Next
As production progresses, expect more casting announcements and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Keep an eye out for a release date on Disney+ and Hulu to witness this reimagining of a classic spy drama unfold.