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A Heist like No Other—Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area, a Uniquely Korean Tale

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

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.

Yoo Ji-tae and Kim Yunjin

Yoo Ji-tae, who plays the Professor, shares with the press that his character is a man of conviction, which is also a trait that he personally resonates with.

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.

We also feel that Yoo Ji-tae as the Professor has 100% synchronisation!

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 and Jun Jong-seo

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, Kim Ji-hun and Jang Yoon-ju

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.

Viewers can surely look forward to the heart warming moments of Moscow and Denver!

Jang Yoon-ju, plays Nairobi, an attractive con-artist. The top-model was voted by the cast as the character that was most similar to their true self! When asked about the character she has most chemistry with in the show, she joked that it was money before giving a subtle hinted to the press to look forward to her chemistry with a certain character in Part 2 of the series!

Kim Seung-O, Park Myunghoon and Lee Joobeen

Park Myung-hoon, plays Cho Youngmin, the director of the Unified Korea Mint. The Parasite actor revealed a story where Writer Ryu gave him a verbal casting offer for his role in Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area but he did not believe it at first. His character will contrasts that of Denver, which is a punch point of the series.

Kim Seung-O plays Cha Moohyuk, a talent sent from the North to the South when the robbers occupied the Mint. The actor mentioned that he is thrilled that global fans will be able to view Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area soon and expressed his hope that many will enjoy the show.

Lee Joobean plays Yun Misun, the deputy member of the Mint who is having an affair with Cho Youngmin. The actress believes that the setting of the series— a unified Korea, is a strength that will allow viewers to distinguish the Korean remake from the original hit Spanish series.

Lee Hyun-woo, Kim Ji-hoon and Lee Kyu-ho

Lee Hyun-woo plays Rio, an immature boy from medical school and the hacker of the heist. When asked about a trait of Rio that he resonated with, the actor said that it was "Growth" and he felt like he was growing with the character.

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!

Netflix reveals an all-new series, the ultimate heist in an alternate world where North and South Korea have reunited. A new country without borders comes with the printing of a new unified currency that will act as the groundwork to build a stable joint economy. That is, until a crew of robbers— led by the Professor — band together to accomplish a heist without limits. A heist that will go down in history as a revolutionary crime.

Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area will be available on Netflix, 24 June.

Watch the trailer below: