Lee Byung-hun, Han Ji-min, and Lee Hee-joon to Star in Disney+ Spy Thriller “The Koreans”

New Delhi, March 25, 2026: The landscape of Korean dramas is set for a massive shift as Disney+ officially confirms the production of its upcoming original series, “The Koreans.” In a casting announcement that has sent shockwaves through the global Hallyu community, industry heavyweights Lee Byung-hun, Han Ji-min, and Lee Hee-joon have been confirmed as the primary leads for this high-stakes espionage thriller.

“The Koreans” is not just another spy story; it is a highly anticipated reimagining of the critically acclaimed FX series The Americans. By localizing the award-winning premise, the show aims to explore the unique geopolitical tensions of the Korean Peninsula during a pivotal era in history.

A 1990s Espionage Masterpiece

While the original U.S. series was set during the Cold War of the 1980s, “The Koreans” shifts the narrative to Seoul in the 1990s. This era—marked by rapid democratization and cultural modernization in South Korea—serves as the perfect backdrop for a story about hidden identities and shifting loyalties.

The plot centers on a middle-class family living in a typical Seoul apartment complex. To their neighbors and even their own children, they appear to be an ordinary, hardworking couple. However, behind closed doors, they are elite North Korean sleeper agents tasked with a mission to destabilize the South from within.

The Powerhouse Cast

The series brings together three of Korea’s most respected actors, promising a masterclass in psychological tension:

• Lee Byung-hun as Kim Myung-jun: The Squid Game star takes on the role of an elite North Korean spy who has lived undercover in South Korea for over a decade. Known for his commanding screen presence, Lee is expected to bring a layered, brooding intensity to a man caught between his duty to the North and his life in the South.
• Han Ji-min as Yoon Hwa-kyung: Playing the role of Myung-jun’s wife and fellow operative, Han Ji-min will showcase her versatility by portraying a character forced to maintain a delicate balance between maternal instincts and her ruthless training as a spy.
• Lee Hee-joon as Cha Ki-seok: Adding a layer of “nail-biting tension” to the story, Lee Hee-joon portrays a tenacious detective specializing in national security. In a classic suspense trope reimagined, his character moves in right next door to the spy couple, initiating a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse.

Behind the Scenes: A “Dream Team” Collaboration

The creative pedigree behind “The Koreans” is as impressive as its cast. The series will be helmed by Director Ahn Gil-ho, the visionary behind global hits like The Glory, Stranger (Secret Forest), and Happiness. His reputation for meticulous detail and building suffocating atmosphere makes him the ideal choice for a character-driven spy drama.

The script is being penned by Park Eun-kyo, the acclaimed writer behind The Silent Sea and Mother. The adaptation is produced by Imaginus and Studio AA, with Disney+ positioning the series as one of its flagship Asian originals for the coming year.

Why It Matters

For fans of the original FX series, “The Koreans” offers a fresh “recontextualization” of the source material. Instead of the US-USSR dynamic, the show delves into the deeply emotional and shared history of the two Koreas. As noted by Disney executives, the series focuses heavily on the “couple and family dynamics,” exploring the humor and heartbreak that arise when two people must bridge an ideological divide while raising a family.