Netflix crime drama 'Paper Man' to star Cho Jung-seok, Park Hae-soo, and Claudia Kim

Netflix has officially confirmed production of the Korean crime drama series Paper Man (working title), directed by Lee Il-hyung. The series will star Cho Jung-seok, Park Hae-soo, and Claudia Kim in leading roles, marking a major addition to the streamer’s expanding slate of Korean thrillers.

Storyline

Variety reported the drama centers on Cha Myung-jo, a timid employee at a company producing imitation character stickers. Though he is nominally the head of his household, he lives in the shadow of his accomplished wife. His life changes dramatically when he accidentally creates a counterfeit banknote so flawless it cannot be distinguished from the real thing, pulling him into a criminal world far beyond his experience.

Cast

Cho Jung-seok, known for Hospital Playlist, Exit, and Pilot, plays Myung-jo as he transitions from domestic obscurity to dangerous ambition. Park Hae-soo, recognized for Squid Game, Narco-Saints, and Karma, takes on the role of Oh Seung-eop, the First Deputy Director of the Anti-Counterfeiting Division at the Korea Mint, who relentlessly pursues Myung-jo. Claudia Kim, whose credits include Avengers: Age of Ultron, Gyeongseong Creature, and The Atypical Family, portrays Ko Hye-seok, Myung-jo’s wife, an elite judge who faces hidden dilemmas and mounting family pressures beneath her seemingly perfect life.

Creative Vision

Director Lee Il-hyung, previously behind Karma and A Violent Prosecutor, is known for exploring morally complex protagonists navigating institutional and criminal systems. His involvement signals a layered, character-driven approach to the series.

Netflix’s Expanding Korean Slate

Paper Man joins Netflix Korea’s busy crime and thriller lineup for 2026, which also includes The Art of Sarah starring Shin Hye-sun and Lee Jun-hyuk, and Mousetrap featuring Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu. Together, these projects highlight Netflix’s commitment to expanding its Korean-language output and delivering gripping stories to global audiences.