The mastermind behind Netflix's global phenomenon, Squid Game, is returning to the streaming giant with a brand new, high-stakes project. Hwang Dong-hyuk is set to produce an exciting Korean crime drama that promises to captivate audiences once more.
The Plot and Creative Team
Titled The Dealer, the series will follow the story of Geonhwa, a highly skilled casino dealer whose life is upended. Just as she prepares for her wedding, Geonhwa falls victim to a devastating housing fraud scheme. To reclaim her future, she is forced to re-enter the dangerous world of gambling she had left behind, tapping into long-dormant talents to set her life back on course.
The scripts are being penned by screenwriters Ohnooy and Lee Tae-young. Notably, the series will mark the directorial debut of acclaimed cinematographer Choi Young-hwan, whose visually stunning work on films like Smugglers, Veteran, and The Thieves has been widely celebrated.
An All-Star Cast Assembled
Leading the cast as the protagonist Geonhwa is A-list star Jung So-min, renowned for her roles in Alchemy of Souls, Love Next Door, and the film Love Reset. She will portray a former dealer who has suppressed her innate abilities for years.
She will be joined by a formidable supporting cast. Ryoo Seung-bum (Good News, Tazza: One Eyed Jack) plays Hwang Chisu, a financially struggling gambler drawn into Geonhwa's plans. Lee Soo-hyuk (S Line, Queen Woo) takes on the role of Jo Jun, a fierce casino competitor. Meanwhile, Ryu Kyung-soo (The Bequeathed, Jung_E) will portray Geonhwa's fiancé, Detective Choi Wooseung, whose kind nature contrasts with his tough professional demeanour.
Hwang's Expanding Slate and Future Projects
The Dealer is the second major project Hwang has been attached to since the conclusion of Squid Game. The production will be handled by Firstman Studio, the same company behind the record-breaking thriller.
Hwang is also developing a separate, highly anticipated film titled Killing Old People Club, inspired by the work of author Umberto Eco. He confirmed during an appearance at MipTV that he has written a 25-page treatment and teased that the film will be "more violent than Squid Game" and "controversial." However, there have been no new updates on this project since its initial announcement in 2022.
With the powerhouse combination of Hwang's production expertise, Choi's directorial vision, and a stellar cast led by Jung So-min, Netflix's upcoming crime epic The Dealer is already shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of intense, character-driven drama.
