New Korean action shows coming to Disney+ this year

HAVEN’T moved on from the Korean action series “Moving” and “Big Bet?” Well, there’s another slate of Korean shows of the same genre that will premiere on streaming service Disney+ this year.

Following the success of these two Korean originals, Disney+ unveiled new titles for its audiences including “Blood Free,” “Unmasked,” “The Tyrant” and “Gangnam B-Side.”

Television program “The Zone: Survival Mission” is also returning to the platform for a third season. 

Meanwhile, Kang Full, the creator of “Moving,” has two new offerings: “Uncle Samsik” and “Light Shop.” These titles were announced last month, with “Parasite’s” Song Kang-ho starring in “Uncle Samsik.”

Curious what these shows are about? Here’s a synopsis of how each story will unfold:

‘Blood Free’

“Blood Free” tells the story of an ex-bodyguard who is hired to protect the chief executive officer (CEO) of a controversial lab-grown meat company, who is also a survivor of a life-changing attack.

This will be topbilled by South Korean actor Ju Jihoon, who gained traction for his roles in the 2006 romance series “Princess Hours” and the 2019 period horror series “Kingdom.” 

He will be joined by actress Han Hyojoo from the popular series “W,” “Happiness,” and “Moving.”

‘Unmasked’

This new drama, set in modern-day Seoul, revolves around a group of investigative journalists who are fighting for their careers after a controversial story went public. To save their jobs, they are given a task to solve a 20-year-old cold case involving a famous actor who went missing without a trace.

“Unmasked” will feature award-winning actress Kim Hyesoo, who is known for her roles in K-dramas “Signal,” “Juvenile Justice,” and “Under the Queen’s Umbrella.”

‘The Tyrant’

The forthcoming action series follows a United States government agent who is on a mission to recover a deadly new virus that was stolen from the South Korean government, prompting a battle between global intelligence agencies and heinous parties as the former tries to prevent the spread of the virus.

According to reports, actor Kim Seon-ho from the noir action film “The Childe” is part of the series’ cast members.

‘Gangnam B-Side’

Another drama that will probably have the viewers on the edge of their seats is “Gangnam B-Side.”

This thriller crime series is about a pariah detective who finds himself navigating a world of vice, drugs and corruption as he investigates the disappearance of his friend’s daughter, the latest in a slew of women that are missing in Gangnam. His investigation leads to something that might be a threat to the city’s wealthiest elite.

“Gangnam B-Side” will once again showcase actor Ji Chang-wook in an action role, following his performances in the action series “The K2” and “The Worst of Evil,” and films like “Fabricated City” and “Hard Hit.”

‘The Zone: Survival Mission’ (Season 3)

South Korean host Yoo Jae-suk and actress Kwon Yuri are returning for the third season of “The Zone: Survival Mission,” along with new hosts Kim Donghyun, a former UFC fighter, and Dex, a popular content creator.

Premiering in 2022, the Korean variety show challenges cast members by putting them in a disaster-simulated space where they must survive for four hours.

The new season will follow how the four hosts survive a more complex range of challenges.

‘Uncle Samsik’

Set in the 1960s, “Uncle Samsik” will show how an idealistic politician and a mysterious political fixer named Uncle Samsik will join forces to help the struggling post-war Korea get back on its feet, and where citizens can eat three meals a day.

Song will give life to the titular role, while actor Byun Yohan will portray the idealistic Kim San.

‘Light Shop’

The hit webtoon “Light Shop” will be adopted into a series of the same name. It follows a group of strangers who are captivated by a light shop at the end of a seedy alleyway, guarded by a vigilant shopkeeper. The mysterious shop could hold the key to these individuals’ pasts, presents and futures.

The series’ cast members include Ju, “Parasite’s” Lee Jungeun, “Strong Girl Bong-soon’s” Park Bo-young, and “Veteran’s” Bae Seong-woo.

Disney+ has yet to reveal the premiere dates for these new Korean titles.