The legendary youth noir comic 'Beat' by Heo Young Man, a giant in the Korean comic industry, is being reborn as a drama series.
On June 11, newly established production company ALT Studio (CEO Kim Young Bae) announced, “Our first project will be a 10-episode drama adaptation of 'Beat,' based on the comic of the same name by Heo Young Man.”
'Beat' is one of Heo Young Man’s most iconic works, serialized in Young Champ from 1994 to 1995. The comic captures the anger, confusion, frustration, and growing pains of youth in a Korean-style noir tone. It gained explosive popularity at the time, selling over a million copies, and even sparked a “Beat syndrome” by popularizing props featured in the story, such as the Honda CBR600F motorcycle, Zippo lighters, and Marlboro Reds.
In 1997, the comic was adapted into a film starring Jung Woo Sung and Ko So Young, directed by Kim Sung Soo. The movie drew over 870,000 viewers in Seoul alone and left a lasting impact with memorable quotes like “I never had a dream” and “A 17-to-1 fight.” It is considered the film that cemented Jung Woo Sung’s status as a youth icon of the 1990s.
The upcoming drama remake has sparked great interest, particularly over which actor will play Min, the iconic role originally portrayed by Jung Woo Sung. Beyond simple casting, there's anticipation for a new face who can represent today’s youth, signaling a fresh generational voice.
As ALT Studio’s debut project, the 'Beat' drama aims to reinterpret the 1990s spirit of youth through a modern lens. The series is expected to evoke deep nostalgia for older generations while providing relatable themes for younger viewers in their teens and twenties.
ALT Studio was founded by key producers behind successful dramas such as 'Taxi Driver 1 & 2,' 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty,' 'A Good Day to Be a Dog,' and the upcoming July release 'The Defects.' Known for its strength in preserving the emotion of original works while aligning with contemporary trends, the studio is drawing significant attention for its approach to reimagining 'Beat,' a defining work of its era.
ALT Studio’s first project, 'Beat,' is currently in active planning and production with a target release in the first half of next year.
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