Netflix has announced the official production and primary cast of its upcoming Korean original series “Paper Man.”
The crime drama follows an ordinary, overlooked man who makes a living creating knock-offs, only to find his life flipped upside down when he crafts a flawless counterfeit bill that plunges him into a treacherous criminal underworld.
The storyline centers on Cha Myung-jo, a weary man who works at a firm that produces imitation character stickers. Although he is technically the head of his household, he spends his days completely overshadowed at home by his highly successful wife, who works as an elite judge.
His mundane reality shifts dramatically when he inadvertently creates a counterfeit banknote so perfect that it cannot be distinguished from actual legal tender, dragging him into an unexpected and perilous reality.
Blending elements of a crime thriller with rich human drama, “Paper Man” aims to explore the weight of money, human desire, and the social boundaries that define what is real versus what is fake. The narrative promises to deliver these deep themes with a healthy dose of humor and bite.
Director Lee Il-hyung, known for crafting high-tension projects with propulsive plots such as “A Violent Prosecutor” and the upcoming thriller “Karma,” will lead the production. His expertise is expected to bring a sharp cinematic craft to the story, neatly entangling money, desire, and complex family dynamics.
The confirmed cast list has already raised massive anticipation among fans of the Hallyu wave. Jo Jung-suk, celebrated for his versatile performances in the hit medical drama “Hospital Playlist” and box office hits like “Exit” and “Pilot,” stars as Cha Myung-jo. He will portray a dynamic character arc, shifting from a beaten-down family man to someone awakened by a dangerous ambition.
Park Hae-soo, a global favorite recognized for his prominent roles in “Squid Game,” “Narco-Saints,” and “Karma,” takes on the role of Oh Seung-eop. His character is the sharp, relentless First Deputy Director of the Anti-Counterfeiting Division at the Korea Mint, serving as the primary investigator who lands squarely on Cha Myung-jo’s trail.
Claudia Kim, who has built an impressive domestic and international filmography with projects like “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Gyeongseong Creature,” and “The Atypical Family,” portrays Ko Hye-seok. She plays Cha Myung-jo’s cool-headed wife and elite judge, maintaining the façade of a perfect life while privately wrestling with real personal dilemmas and family issues.
“Paper Man” will be available to stream globally, exclusively on Netflix.
This article was written with the help of A.I., based on a Netflix Newsroom story, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.