Whether espionage, romance, or comedy, Korean dramas often offer an eclectic mix of storylines set in the North and South that are highly entertaining.
As North Korea remains an enigma to most of the world, it is certainly intriguing to see different interpretations of characters and settings through these titles on Netflix that offer viewers a lens into a land relatively unknown.
1. ‘Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area’ (series)
Director Kim Hong-sun and writer Ryu Yong-jae reimagine the original Spanish series “Money Heist” – or “La Casa De Papel” – with a mint located at the Joint Security Area where the Koreas are divided.
With the reconciliation of the two nations comes the printing of a new unified currency, presenting the perfect opportunity for a crew of thieves to band together to accomplish a revolutionary heist.
“Money Heist: Korea” premieres on Netflix today.
2. ‘Crash Landing On You’ (series)
This romantic comedy follows a South Korean heiress who lands in the North after a paragliding mishap, thrown quite literally into the life of army officer Ri, who decides to help her hide.
“Crash Landing” gained international acclaim by offering audiences an eye-opening look of village life in North Korea, with impeccable details including a makeshift steam bath and an underground kimchi cellar traditionally used to keep food fresh.
With its mix of realism and fantasy, this is a must-watch.
3. ‘The Spy Gone North’ (film)
Starring Hwang Jung-min, Lee Sung-min, Cho Jin-woong, and Ju Ji-hoon, this film is loosely based on the real-life story of former South Korean agent Park Chae-seo.
Set in 1993, Park goes undercover as a businessman to infiltrate a North Korean nuclear facility, only to find that his own turf is manipulating the country’s political elections with the help of the North.
4. ‘Operation Chromite’ (film)
In 1950, just a few months after North Korea invades most of South Korea, United States forces led by army general Douglas MacArthur devise a plan to aid the struggling South Koreans.
Based on the real-life events of the Battle of Inchon, this war movie follows a team of South Korean spies who go behind enemy lines to steal a map of the North’s coastal defences to pave the way for a major invasion.
5. ‘Steel Rain’ (film)
An action thriller based on the 2011 webtoon of the same name, “Steel Rain” stars Jung Woo-sung and Kwak Do-won, and follows a North Korean agent dubbed “Number One” who escapes the South with the country’s injured leader in an attempt to keep him alive amidst a coup.
While operatives from the North hunt for the two of them, the agent has to work with the South Koreans to stop a nuclear war.