Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has revealed his first move following the conclusion of the smash-hit death game series.
Netflix confirmed Wednesday in South Korea that production is underway on The Dealer, a new original series produced by Hwang and starring a high-profile cast led by Jung So-min, Ryoo Seung-bum and Lee Soo-hyuk.
Described as a “high-stakes casino crime drama,” the show marks the series directorial debut of acclaimed cinematographer Choi Young-hwan, whose credits include a slew of major Korean films like Smugglers, Veteran, Tazza: The High Rollers and The Thieves. Hwang is producing through his Firstman Studio banner, the company behind Squid Game.
The Dealer centers on Geonhwa, a gifted casino dealer whose life is upended when her wedding plans collapse after she becomes entangled in a housing scam. Forced back into a world she had deliberately left behind, Geonhwa plunges into the shadowy underworld of illegal gambling — and is compelled to tap long-suppressed supernatural abilities that give her an unnatural edge at the tables as she fights to reclaim control of her future.
From left: Hwang Dong-hyuk, Ryu Kyung-soo, Jung So-min, Choi Young-hwan, Lee Soo-hyuk and Ryoo Seung-bum at a table read for Netflix’s The Dealer in Seoul.
Netflix
Jung (Love Reset, Alchemy of Souls, Love Next Door) stars as Geonhwa, in what Netflix describes as a sharp departure from her previous roles, portraying the woman who has spent years suppressing powers that could tilt any game in her favor.
Ryoo (Tazza: One Eyed Jack, The Berlin File) plays Hwang Chisu, a financially desperate gambler living bet to bet who becomes entangled in Geonhwa’s dangerous scheme, while Lee (S Line, Queen Woo, The Player 2: Master of Swindlers) co-stars as Jo Jun, a formidable casino player whose cool-headed instincts and unreadable poker face make him a perpetual wild card. And Ryu Kyung-soo (The Bequeathed, JUNG_E) rounds out the top-billed cast as Choi Wooseung, Geonhwa’s fiancé — a gentle partner at home who conceals a steely edge as a detective.
With Netflix still mum on the rumored development plans for a U.S.-based spinoff of Squid Game — as hinted at by Cate Blanchett’s surprise appearance in the series finale — global fans can try their luck on The Dealer for now.
Lee Soo-hyuk at the Netflix table read in Seoul.
Netflix
Ryoo Seung-bum finds a dramatic moment.
Netflix
Jung’s role in The Dealer is said to be a departure from her usual warm, relatable persona.
Netflix
Ryu Kyung-soo, of Itaewon Class fame, plays Jung’s character’s fiancé.
Netflix