Netflix preps Korean ‘Money Heist’ remake

Netflix is working on a Korean adaptation of its Spanish-language crime drama La Casa De Papel (aka Money Heist).

The 12-episode remake, which is being co-produced by the country’s BH Entertainment and Contents Zium, will be directed by Kim Hong-sun (The Guest) and written by Ryu Yong-jae (My Holo Love) and his team.

The Spanish series, which originally aired on Atresmedia’s Antena 3 channel, is currently in production on its fifth and final season for Netflix, which said that the fourth season was viewed by more than 65 million households in the first four weeks of release in April.

Created by Alex Pina, the show follows a gang of criminals that undertake a high-stakes series of robberies.

“Korean creators have been developing their own language and audiovisual culture for years,” commented Pina. “They have managed, like our series, to go beyond cultural borders and become a point of reference for thousands of viewers around the world, especially among young people.

“That is why I find it fascinating that the world of La Casa De Papel is so attractive to Korean creators as to do an adaptation. The fact that the action is set on the Korean Peninsula also seems to me to be a milestone which I am really delighted about.”

Contents Zium has worked on shows including Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation and More Than Friends, and is reportedly pursuing a Hollywood remake of Korean horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum.

BH Entertainment, meanwhile, was founded by South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun and manages local talent, including Yoo Ji-tae (Healer), and Han Hyo-joo (Spring Waltz).