Actors who left a strong impression with the film 'The Roundup' have reunited after eight years. This time, instead of playing villains, they step into the roles of former special forces soldiers defending their neighborhood, capturing viewers’ attention from the start.
The drama generating buzz solely through its star-studded casting is the Coupang Play and Genie TV original series 'UDT: Heroes Next Door.' From the first episode, the story captivates with thrilling sequences of consecutive explosions in the neighborhood and an unusually grand scale.
According to Nielsen Korea on November 18, the premiere of 'Heroes Next Door' achieved a nationwide pay-TV household rating of 2%. For an OTT original series, this is a respectable result. For reference, ENA’s previous hit drama 'Ms. Incognito' started its first episode with a 2.4% rating and eventually became ENA’s second-highest-rated series.
The series attracted attention for reuniting Yoon Kye Sang and Jin Seon Kyu, who famously portrayed Jang Chen and Wei Sung Rak in 'The Roundup,' which drew 6.88 million viewers in 2017, ranking as the third-highest-grossing R-rated Korean film of all time. At the drama’s production press conference on the 17th, the two actors shared their thoughts on working together again after eight years.
'Heroes Next Door' focuses on former special forces soldiers who come together solely to protect their families and neighborhood—not global peace or national security. Yoon Kye Sang plays insurance investigator Choi Kang, a former JDD special operations soldier nicknamed “the guy who never went to the army” in his neighborhood. He is a dual-natured character with sharp analytical skills and empathy, which he hides in daily life.
Jin Seon Kyu portrays Gwak Byung Nam, a former HID counter-terrorism trainee who was reassigned to the maintenance unit after a knee injury. As the local youth association president for 13 years, he runs the hardware and stationery shop Kkum Namu and even oversees neighborhood recycling. When a series of explosions occurs in their area, residents with different backgrounds come together, forming the drama’s central ensemble.
On taking the role, Yoon Kye Sang said, “I wanted to do action before it got too late. When I was offered the role of Choi Kang, I saw it as the right opportunity. The duality of his character is appealing, especially when his true nature emerges in crises.” He added, “Some carefully choreographed action appears in episode two, and executing it made me realize there are still opportunities for action at my age,” showing confidence.
About his chemistry with Jin Seon Kyu, he remarked, “It’s even stronger than in 'The Roundup.' We had great rhythm together. I respect him so much both as a person and as an actor. Maybe that’s why our chemistry is so natural. It was hard to tell if we were acting or just having fun.”
Jin Seon Kyu responded, “Like in 'The Roundup,' we did script readings and practice together. On set, I kept thinking, ‘Why is our synergy so good?’ Yoon Kye Sang and I are completely different, like ‘sausages and rice cakes,’ but we fit perfectly. And unlike in 'The Roundup,' where Wei Sung Rak was Jang Chen’s subordinate, this time we’re equals,” drawing laughter.
Ko Gyu Pil, who played Cholong in 'The Roundup 3,' also joins the cast. He praised working with Yoon and Jin: “I had the chance to reunite with Jin Seon Kyu, having worked with him on Count before. I was amazed at how supportive and skilled he is. I wanted to work together again, and this project made it possible.”
Yoon Kye Sang and Ko Gyu Pil first met about 20 years ago on the drama 'Crazy for You.' Ko reflected, “Back then, my acting was minimal and not very helpful. I hope I contributed even a little this time.”
Director Cho Woong, known for 'The Miracle We Met,' 'Justice,' 'Going to You at a Speed of 493km,' and 'A Virtuous Business,' made his first foray into OTT productions with this drama. He explained, “Unexpected events happen, but the protagonists solve them with everyday, small-scale methods. The use of ordinary items in action sequences differentiates this series from other action works.”
Cho added, “The more the characters interact, the more interesting it becomes. I’m confident the series will get even more engaging with each episode. Character chemistry is crucial; it’s not just about the incidents but also the tension and humor created through character interactions. From the five main leads to neighborhood residents and villains, I believe we assembled the perfect cast.”
Regarding casting three actors from 'The Roundup' as leads, Cho said, “Yoon Kye Sang and Jin Seon Kyu were offered roles with their 'Roundup' chemistry in mind. Ko Gyu Pil is a long-time friend, and we wanted to highlight his strengths.”
The drama’s script is co-written by Ban Gi Ri, known for 'Missing: The Other Side' and 'Shin's Project,' along with rising writer Kim Sang Yun. In addition to Yoon, Jin, and Ko, the cast includes Kim Ji Hyun, Lee Jung Ha, and Lee Bong Ryeon.
On viewership expectations, Yoon Kye Sang humorously appealed, “'Ms. Incognito' did very well. I hope our drama exceeds that. Please… help us!” For context, 'Ms. Incognito' started at 2.4% and ended at 7.1%, ENA’s second-highest rating.
'Heroes Next Door' will run for 10 episodes, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 PM on Coupang Play and Genie TV, with simultaneous broadcast on ENA.
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