An upcoming Netflix original Korean drama series is already making waves.
A powerhouse lineup of top-tier actors has come together for Netflix’s upcoming original series 'Kin and Sin' (Working English Title), or 'Gwaendang' in Korean, generating major buzz even before filming begins.
On February 12, Jeju Province announced that the drama, slated for release on Netflix next year, will officially begin filming on the island starting on the 22nd. “Gwaendang” is a Jeju dialect term meaning “relatives who must be looked after” or “caring relatives.” It also refers to tightly knit groups bound by blood ties, regional connections, or school affiliations - reflecting Jeju’s unique culture, often described as a place where “everyone knows each other within three connections.”
The noir series, scheduled to premiere in the first half of 2027, is co-produced by Angel Ground and Studio N. It will be directed by Choi Jung Yeol, known for films such as 'Glory Day' and 'Start-Up.'
The main cast includes Han Suk Kyu, Yoon Kye Sang, Choo Ja Hyun, Yoo Jae Myung, Kim Jong Soo, and Ko Doo Shim. The story follows three powerful families, the Bu, Yang, and Ko clans, locked in fierce confrontation as they fight to protect their legacies and dominate Jeju.
Billed as a large-scale project featuring some of Korea’s most respected actors and creators, the series will prominently showcase Jeju’s coastal roads, oreum (volcanic hills), and rural fishing villages as key backdrops.
The provincial government is supporting the production in collaboration with the Jeju Content Agency. Assistance includes a one-stop administrative review service for securing filming locations and incentives of up to 100 million KRW (69,334 USD) following evaluation. Officials noted that attracting film and drama productions brings long-term stays by cast and crew, boosting local spending during shoots. After release, filming locations often draw tourists and stimulate related industries, creating significant added economic value.
Last May, Jeju became the first metropolitan government in Korea to sign a memorandum of understanding with Netflix to promote Jeju’s cultural tourism and content industry globally. The province also awarded honorary citizenship to Kim Min Young, Vice President of Content for Asia Pacific at Netflix.
Jeju Governor Oh Young Hoon stated, “Last year, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' gained global popularity, proving the competitiveness of Jeju-based content. We will actively support the filming of ‘Kin and Sin,' so it can further promote Jeju both domestically and internationally, and we will continue expanding efforts to attract film and drama productions.”
Among the ensemble, Han Suk Kyu stands at the center. He debuted in 1991 as part of MBC’s 20th open recruitment class of actors and has built a distinguished career across film and television. From October to November last year, he returned to MBC for the first time in 30 years through the drama My Dearest Nemesis, earning praise for his deeply immersive performance. His track record of delivering standout performances has heightened anticipation for his role in 'Kin and Sin.'
Veteran actress Ko Doo Shim has also joined the cast. She has remained active through projects such as JTBC’s 'The Atypical Family' and Channel A’s variety program 'Check-in Hanyang.'
Notably, Jeju, one of the drama’s central settings, is Ko Doo Shim’s hometown. A member of the Jeju Ko clan, she previously expressed deep affection for the island, even choosing it as the first travel destination on Channel A’s 'Travel with Doo Sim' in 2022.
Yoon Kye Sang, who debuted in 1999 as a member of the group g.o.d, later transitioned into acting with the film 'Flying Boys.' He reached a career peak with his portrayal of Jang Chen in the hit crime film 'The Roundup' and has since appeared in works including 'Mal Mo E: The Secret Mission' and 'The Kidnapping Day.'
With Yoo Jae Myung, Choo Ja Hyun, and Kim Jong Soo rounding out the ensemble, expectations are high for how this rare gathering of acclaimed actors will translate on screen. As anticipation builds, industry watchers are closely following how 'Kin and Sin' will ultimately captivate global audiences.
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