On Wednesday morning, we attended the virtual press conference for Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area. The upcoming Netflix 6-episode series has garnered global attention prior to its release and many have been anticipating for the Korean remake of La Casa de Papel.

Present at the press conference were the star-studded cast lineup— Yoo Ji-tae, Kim Yunjin, Park Haesoo, Jun Jong-seo, Lee Won Jong, Park Myung-hoon, Kim Sung-O, Kim Ji-hun, Jang Yoon-ju, Lee Joobeen, Lee Hyunwoo, Kim Ji-hoon, Lee Kyu-ho, together with Director Kim Hong Sun and Writer Ryu Yong- Jae.

When asked to describe the directing and writing process for the series. Writer Ryu expressed that he was intrigued by the original series, La Casa de Papel. He thought about how he could sustain the great charms of every character in the show, set against the backdrop of the two Koreas.

Director Kim agreed and mentioned that this was a story he really wanted to work with. He went on to talk about the attractive personalities of the characters and how viewers will especially enjoy them, no matter where and when they are put in.

The actor also candidly revealed an interesting behind-story. A citizen living in the same building as him, questioned if he was a Professor, unbeknownst to his role in Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area. That coincidental moment made the actor realise that he is rather similar to his character.

Kim Yunjin, plays a top negotiator in the heist, Seon Woojin, who is also fighting for the custody of her child. "I am very happy to be sitting here and it feels amazing to be part of this journey so that more actors and creators can be introduced to the world stage", the actress also showed her excitement to be back on the Korean screen and expressed her joy on K-content receiving support by all around the world!

Park Haesoo, plays Berlin, a North Korean who manipulates the hostages, inducing fear into them. The Squid-Game actor talked about the Hahoetal Masks (하회탈) and how he felt the overwhelming power when all cast members wore them.

The actor also shared that it was extremely challenging to recite his lines in the Pyongyang accent and they even had a tutor who taught the cast along the way.

Jun Jong Seo, plays Tokyo, a ordinary North Korean girl whose fantasy breaks into pieces after arriving in South Korea. The actress revealed that the character of Tokyo was changed a lot and she will be a more calm and rationale version, compared to the original series.

Lee Won-jong plays Moscow, a coal miner and the father of Denver. Kim Ji-hun plays Denver, the son of Moscow, who does not tolerate injustice. The father-and-son pair revealed that they went beyond the traditional way of table-script reading and even stood up to express their line with their body movement and gestures. As expected from the veteran actor Lee Won Jong! Actor Kim Ji-hun also shared how he gave hug to his on-screen father after they filmed their first scene.

Kim Ji-hoon and Lee Kyu-ho play Helsinki and Oslo respectively, former gangsters from Yanbian. They have strong brotherhood and contrasting to their violent appearances, they are rather warm-hearted towards the hostages. Their chemistry will be shown in Part 2!