Netflix is producing two new Korean original series – a thriller titled “The Rat” (working title) and a romantic comedy called “Lovestuck.”
“The Rat” has confirmed the casting of Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu in what will be their first collaboration together. Based on the Kakao Entertainment webtoon “Field Mouse” by Ludovico, the series draws inspiration from an old Korean folktale where a rat transforms into a human by consuming clipped fingernails.
Ryu Jun-yeol (“Revelations,” “The 8 Show”) will play Moon-jae, a sociophobic novelist living a reclusive life. His character’s world is turned upside down when he discovers his fingerprint no longer unlocks his phone and his only friend goes missing. Stripped of his identity and finances, Moon-jae learns that a mysterious entity known as “the Rat” has stolen everything from him, setting him on a quest to reclaim his life.
Sul Kyung-gu (“The Whirlwind,” “Kill Boksoon”) takes on the role of No-ja, a loan shark who operates a private detective agency. Having once pursued Moon-jae for an unpaid debt, No-ja is surprised when the novelist reappears after three years seeking help to track down “the Rat.” Though initially focused on recovering his money, No-ja soon finds himself caught up in the hunt.
The thriller will be directed by Kim Hong-sun, known for genre shows like “Dear Hongrang,” “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area,” “The Guest,” “L.U.C.A.: The Beginning,” and “Voice.” Lee Jae-gon, who penned “Special Affairs Team TEN” and “A Model Family,” will write the script. The series is produced by Kakao Entertainment, CJES Studio, and H.House.
In a separate announcement, Netflix revealed that production has begun on “Lovestuck,” a romantic comedy that brings together director Kim Jang-han (“Do You Like Brahms?,” “My Demon”) and writer Mo Ji-hye (“You Raise Me Up”) after a four-year hiatus. The series stars Jung Hae-in (“Something in the Rain,” “One Spring Night,” “Mom’s Friend’s Son”) and Ha-young (“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call”).
Ha-young portrays Go Eun-sae, an ambitious prosecutor known for being quick, clean, and clever who loses her memory while tracking a crime syndicate. Jung Hae-in plays Jang Tae-ha, a former youth boxing champion turned gang member seeking redemption as a small-town boxing coach. On his final mission, he crosses paths with Eun-sae, his long-lost first love who no longer remembers him. To protect her, he creates a lie that could change both their lives.
“Lovestuck” is produced by Studio S and distributed by Netflix.
