Production Begins on "The Koreans" - A Reimagining of the Critically Acclaimed FX Series "The Americans"

Key Takeaways

• Disney+ starts filming "The Koreans" adaptation.
• Set in 1990s South Korean democratization era.
• Stars Lee Byunghun and Han Jimin as North Korean spies.
• Directed by Ahn Gilho, produced by IMAGINUS, Studio AA.
• Streams Disney+ globally, Hulu in U.S.

Summary

Disney+ has begun production on "The Koreans," a Korean‑language reimagining of FX’s award‑winning series "The Americans." Set amid South Korea’s early‑1990s democratization, the drama follows a middle‑class family whose parents are covert North Korean spies. The series stars Lee Byunghun and Han Jimin, is directed by Ahn Gilho, and will stream internationally on Disney+ and domestically on Hulu.

Pulse Analysis

"The Koreans" marks Disney+'s most ambitious foray into Korean‑language espionage drama, taking the award‑winning premise of FX’s "The Americans" and transplanting it to the tumultuous early‑1990s in Seoul. By leveraging a proven narrative framework while injecting locally resonant political tension, the series aims to attract both fans of the original show and the rapidly expanding global audience for Korean content. The decision to stream the series on Disney+ internationally and on Hulu in the United States reflects a dual‑platform strategy designed to maximize subscriber growth across markets.

The early 1990s were a watershed moment for South Korea, as the nation shifted from authoritarian rule toward vibrant democracy and cultural openness. Positioning two elite North Korean operatives within a middle‑class family allows the show to explore themes of identity, loyalty, and love against a backdrop of rapid social change. Casting Lee Byunghun, known for "Squid Game," and Han Jimin of "Heavenly Ever After" provides star power that bridges generational viewers, while director Ahn Gilho’s experience on "The Glory" promises high‑stakes storytelling and visual flair.

From a business perspective, "The Koreans" strengthens Disney+’s APAC slate, joining titles like "Tempest" and "The Tyrant" to solidify the platform’s reputation for premium Korean originals. The series also offers a fresh entry point for advertisers targeting affluent, culturally engaged audiences in both Asia and the West. If the adaptation captures the critical acclaim of its predecessor, it could generate award buzz, further differentiating Disney+ in the crowded streaming landscape and driving long‑term subscriber retention.