On January 14, Netflix officially confirmed production of its new crime drama « The Dealer« with an eagerly-awaited cast: Jung So-min, Ryoo Seung-bum, Lee Soo-hyuk and Ryu Kyung-soo. A promising quartet reunited in a series mixing game, danger and survival.
The director is Choi Young-hwan, known for his work as director of photography on Smugglers and Veteran, while Hwang Dong-hyuk (creator of Squid Game) joins the project as producer. An association that augurs a nervous and visually striking staging.
A behind-the-scenes look at casinos
The Dealer follows the path of Jung Geon-hwa, a brilliant casino croupier whose marriage plans suddenly collapse. Victim of a scam while trying to secure housing for her future home, Geon-hwa finds herself cornered. To save her future, she has no choice but to awaken long-buried abilities and plunge into the dangerous, underground world of gambling.
Jung So-min embodies this complex heroine, renowned for her impeccable professionalism behind the tables, but fiercely opposed to alcohol, gambling and excess. A cruel irony for a woman forced to immerse herself in the world she swore to avoid.
Ryoo Seung-bum plays Hwang Chi-su, a man who survives by gambling the money he earns begging in casinos. An unpredictable character, he ends up joining Geon-hwa's plan, bringing a raw, marginal dimension to the story.
Lee Soo-hyuk plays Jo Jun, a formidable gambler who upsets the balance of the casino. Mastering the table with chilling ease and an impassive face, he establishes himself as a key figure, generating constant tension.
Finally, Ryu Kyung-soo plays Choi Woo-seung, Geon-hwa's boyfriend and a detective specializing in violent crimes. Gentle and caring in his private life, he is relentless in his work, pursuing his investigations to the end, even if it means getting dangerously close to the world Geon-hwa is sinking into.
With its blend of personal drama, crime and psychological suspense, The Dealer is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Korean Netflix projects to come. More information to come.
