Netflix has greenlit a new Korean series that promises to deliver psychological thrills with an A-list cast. “Notes From the Last Row,” starring Choi Min-sik and Choi Hyun-wook, will adapt the popular Spanish play “El Chico de la última fila” for Korean audiences.
The suspenseful drama centers on Heo Mun-oh, a grumpy literature professor and writer whose creative spark has long since dimmed. His world shifts when he encounters Lee Kang, an enigmatic student who consistently occupies the classroom’s back row but possesses extraordinary literary talent.
Veteran Choi Min-sik, fresh off his performances in “Exhuma” and “Big Bet,” takes on the role of Heo Mun-oh. The character’s journey begins when Lee Kang’s writing assignment stands out as the sole submission that captures his attention, prompting him to mentor the mysterious student.
Rising star Choi Hyun-wook, who gained recognition through “Weak Hero Class 1” and “Twenty-Five Twenty-One,” portrays Lee Kang, an engineering student hiding remarkable literary abilities. Under Mun-oh’s guidance, Lee Kang navigates an increasingly unpredictable path shaped by his mentor’s intense fascination with his work.
The cast also includes Huh Joon-ho (“Buried Hearts,” “Noryang: Deadly Sea”) who plays Kim Su-hun, Mun-oh’s successful writer friend whose laid-back confidence stems from his literary fame. Su-hun represents everything Mun-oh aspires to be, serving as both inspiration and source of secret envy that has left Mun-oh feeling perpetually defeated.
Kim Yun-jin, known internationally for “Lost” and more recently “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area,” takes on the role of Ahn Eun-joo, Su-hun’s wife. Meanwhile, Jin Kyung (“Veteran,” “Extraordinary Attorney Woo”) rounds out the ensemble as Jo Hyeon-suk, Mun-oh’s psychologist wife.
Behind the camera, director Kim Gyu-tae brings his expertise in psychological storytelling, having previously helmed “The Trunk” and “Our Blues.” The screenplay comes from Jang Myung-woo, writer of “My Mother, the Mermaid.”
Kakao Entertainment and Gtist are producing the series, which is currently in production, with a table read featuring the main cast recently completed.
