Netflix is doubling down on its Korean-language originals with a new action-noir series that will star Lee Jung-eun and Kim Moo-yul, according to a casting announcement that surfaced Tuesday. The project, currently operating under the working title "The Shooter," marks a significant addition to the streaming platform’s growing slate of genre-driven programming from South Korea.
The eight-episode series centers on a former special forces sniper who is pulled back into the deadly world he tried to leave behind. After a failed mission leaves him with deep psychological scars, the protagonist attempts to build a quiet life, only to be targeted by a powerful criminal syndicate with ties to corrupt officials. Lee Jung-eun, best known internationally for her scene-stealing performance in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," will take on the role of a veteran intelligence officer who recruits the sniper for one final, high-stakes operation. Kim Moo-yul, recognized for his work in films such as "The Divine Fury" and the series "Money Game," is set to portray the haunted marksman at the center of the story.
While plot specifics remain tightly under wraps, sources describe the series as a gritty, character-driven thriller that explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the moral compromises inherent in state-sponsored violence. The creative team is reportedly aiming for a cinematic visual style, with extensive location shooting planned across Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province. Production is expected to begin later this year, with a targeted release for late 2027.
A Familiar Title, A Different Story
Netflix’s announcement has drawn inevitable comparisons to past projects bearing similar names, but the streaming service is quick to emphasize that this is an entirely original property. The title "The Shooter" has been used before - most notably for a 1995 action film starring Dolph Lundgren, which followed a CIA agent investigating the murder of a Cuban ambassador. That earlier picture, directed by Ted Kotcheff, was a modestly received thriller that has since become a cult curiosity among genre fans, though it never achieved significant commercial success. Its existence, however, creates a potential point of confusion that Netflix will need to navigate in its marketing.
The 1995 version featured a cast including Maruschka Detmers, Assumpta Serna, and John Ashton, and was released theatrically in December of that year with a runtime of 104 minutes. Critical reception at the time was lukewarm, with reviewers praising Lundgren’s physical commitment but noting the film’s formulaic plot and dated geopolitical tension. The movie’s low TMDb score of 4.838 out of 10 reflects its status as a minor footnote in action cinema history. Netflix has not indicated whether the new series will acknowledge or connect to the earlier film in any way, with insiders suggesting the similarity is coincidental.
Building on a Winning Formula
The new project fits neatly into Netflix’s broader strategy of investing heavily in Korean content. Following the global phenomenon of "Squid Game" and the sustained popularity of thrillers like "My Name" and "The Glory," the platform has aggressively expanded its partnerships with top Korean talent. Lee Jung-eun’s casting is particularly notable, as her profile has risen dramatically since her "Parasite" breakout. She has since balanced supporting roles in prestige projects with lead performances in television, including the acclaimed drama "Our Blues." Her ability to shift between warm, maternal characters and steely, authoritative figures makes her an intriguing choice for an intelligence operative role.
Kim Moo-yul, meanwhile, brings a physical intensity that should serve the series’ action sequences well. He has demonstrated range across both period dramas and contemporary thrillers, and his recent work has leaned into morally ambiguous characters. The pairing of the two leads suggests a dynamic relationship that could anchor the series’ emotional core, with Lee’s veteran officer mentoring - or possibly manipulating - Kim’s reluctant soldier.
The directorial duties have not yet been confirmed, but industry speculation points to a filmmaker with experience in both genre filmmaking and prestige drama. The writing team is said to include veterans of several well-regarded Korean crime shows, which bodes well for the series’ narrative depth. Netflix has learned that Korean audiences and international viewers alike respond to stories that combine visceral action with social commentary, and "The Shooter" appears designed to hit that mark.
What’s Next
Netflix has not set a premiere date, and the series remains in active development, with casting for additional key roles still underway. Given the scale of production and the involvement of two bankable stars, "The Shooter" is shaping up to be one of the platform’s flagship Korean releases in the coming years. For fans of the genre, the project represents another reason to keep a close watch on Netflix’s East Asian slate.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
