The visionary behind Netflix's global phenomenon, Squid Game, is returning to the streaming giant with a gripping new project. Hwang Dong-hyuk is set to produce a Korean crime drama titled The Dealer, which has already assembled a stellar cast and promises high-stakes tension.
The Plot and Creative Team
The series will follow Geonhwa, a highly skilled casino dealer who has left her past behind. Her life is upended when she becomes the victim of a devastating housing fraud scheme, just as she plans to get married. Forced back into the dangerous world of gambling she once knew, Geonhwa must rediscover her dormant talents to reclaim her future.
Screenwriters Ohnooy and Lee Tae-young are crafting the scripts. Notably, acclaimed cinematographer Choi Young-hwan, known for his visually stunning work on films like Smugglers and Veteran, will make his directorial debut with this series.
A-List Korean Cast Unveiled
Leading the ensemble is top-tier actress Jung So-min, who will portray the protagonist, Geonhwa. Jung is celebrated for her roles in hit series like Alchemy of Souls and Love Next Door, as well as the film Love Reset.
She will be joined by an impressive supporting cast:
- Ryoo Seung-bum (Good News, Tazza: One Eyed Jack) plays Hwang Chisu, a financially desperate gambler drawn into Geonhwa's plans.
- Lee Soo-hyuk (S Line, Queen Woo) takes on the role of Jo Jun, a fierce competitor in the casino world.
- Ryu Kyung-soo (The Bequeathed, Jung_E) portrays Geonhwa's fiancé, Choi Wooseung, a detective whose kind nature contrasts with his tough professional approach.
Squid Game Legacy and Future Projects
The Dealer marks the second major project for Hwang Dong-hyuk since the conclusion of Squid Game, which ended with its third season in 2025. The production company behind the smash-hit, Firstman Studio, is also onboard for this new venture.
Hwang continues to develop other ambitious ideas. He confirmed during an appearance at MipTV that he has written a 25-page treatment for a film titled Killing Old People Club, inspired by Umberto Eco's work. He teased that the film would be "controversial" and "more violent than Squid Game," though there have been no updates since its initial announcement in 2022. A US-based Squid Game spin-off is also reportedly in development.
With its compelling premise, debut director with a stellar visual pedigree, and a cast of Korea's most popular actors, The Dealer is shaping up to be Netflix's next major must-watch drama.
