The Anticipated Korean Adaptation of the Spanish Hit Series Set to Debut with Unique Cultural Themes and Characters.
The highly anticipated Korean adaptation of the renowned Spanish crime series Money Heist will be available for streaming on Netflix starting June 24th. Titled Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, this first part focuses on a groundbreaking hostage robbery set against the backdrop of the unification of the Korean Peninsula. It showcases a cast of unique characters, each with distinct personalities. Directed by Kim Hong-sun and written by a talented team, the series promises to draw fans of the original while navigating its unique cultural context.
Part 1 will comprise six episodes, featuring traditional Korean masks known as Hahoe Tal, in contrast to the Salvador Dali masks seen in the original version. The cast includes familiar names such as Park Hae-soo from Squid Game, Jeon Jong-seo from Burning, and Lee Hyun-woo. Although expectations for a strong fanbase are high, concerns arise about the release timing due to Netflix’s recent subscriber declines.
The recently released teaser suggests a tone of intensity, hinting at violence with blood splattered across promotional materials. It features a narration that declares, “A robber who steals on a grand scale can change the world and become a hero.” The teaser ends with seven individuals in Hahoe masks brandishing guns, but Netflix has yet to reveal specific character details.
The original Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) spans five seasons and tells the story of two meticulously planned heists—one at the Royal Mint of Spain and the other at the Bank of Spain. Narrated by the character Tokyo, played by Úrsula Corberó, the series unfolds through a series of flashbacks and hidden narratives.
The show garnered critical acclaim for its intricate storytelling, character development, and innovative impact on Spanish television, earning an International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. The Italian anti-fascist song “Bella Ciao,” which became a summer hit across Europe in 2018, features prominently throughout the series. By that time, Money Heist had become the most-watched non-English-language series and one of the most popular series overall on Netflix.
Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area will consist of 12 episodes, differing from the original Spanish series, which included 15 episodes in its first season.
