Netflix has set its sights on the Korean crime drama market with the announcement of Paper Man (working title), featuring stars Cho Jung-seok, Park Hae-soo, and Claudia Kim. Directed by Lee Il-hyung, the series is in production and promises a suspenseful exploration of crime and identity.
Plot and Characters
Paper Man centers around Cha Myung-jo, portrayed by Cho Jung-seok, a beleaguered husband who stumbles into the criminal underworld after crafting a counterfeit bill so perfect it defies detection. Myung-jo's life as a maker of imitation character stickers takes a dramatic turn when his hidden talent for counterfeiting is discovered. The series injects humor and drama into its crime thriller narrative, probing themes of money's value, human desire, and society's perception of authenticity.
Park Hae-soo, known for his roles in Squid Game and Narco-Saints, plays Oh Seung-eop, the vigilant deputy director of the Anti-Counterfeiting Division at the Korea Mint, tasked with pursuing Myung-jo. Claudia Kim, recognized for her performances in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Gyeongseong Creature, stars as Ko Hye-seok, Myung-jo's accomplished wife and a judge facing her own hidden struggles.
Creative Team
Director Lee Il-hyung reunites with Park Hae-soo following their collaboration on the Netflix series Karma. Lee's filmography includes the 2016 success A Violent Prosecutor. This new project continues his exploration of complex narratives and character-driven stories within the crime genre.
Netflix's Expanding Korean Slate
The production of Paper Man aligns with Netflix's strategy to bolster its Korean content offerings. In January 2026, Netflix unveiled an ambitious slate of 33 Korean series and films. Highlights include the romantic comedy Messily Ever After starring Kim Min-ha and Noh Sang-hyun, the romance series Long Vacation directed by Lee Jung-hyo of Crash Landing on You fame, and the political thriller The Generals directed by Yoon Jong-bin.
Netflix's investment in Korean content underscores its status as the leading non-domestic producer for the region, continually expanding its lineup with diverse genres and innovative storytelling.
Production Timeline
While Paper Man has commenced production, Netflix has yet to announce a specific launch date. The anticipation surrounding this series is a testament to the growing global appeal of Korean dramas and the platform's commitment to delivering high-quality international content.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/netflix-paper-man-cho-jung-seok-park-hae-soo-claudia-kim-1236616918/
