Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has unveiled his first move following the conclusion of the smash-hit death game series. Netflix confirmed Wednesday in South Korea that production is underway on The Dealer, a new original series produced by Hwang and starring a high-profile cast led by Jung So-min, Ryoo Seung-bum, and Lee Soo-hyuk.
The show, described as a "high-stakes casino crime drama," marks the series directorial debut of acclaimed cinematographer Choi Young-hwan, whose credits include a slew of major Korean films like Smugglers, Veteran, Tazza: The High Rollers, and The Thieves. Hwang is producing through his Firstman Studio banner, the company behind Squid Game.
The Dealer centers on Geonhwa, a gifted casino dealer whose life is upended when her wedding plans collapse after she becomes entangled in a housing scam. Forced back into a world she had deliberately left behind, Geonhwa plunges into the shadowy underworld of illegal gambling - and is compelled to tap long-suppressed supernatural abilities that give her an unnatural edge at the tables as she fights to reclaim control of her future.
Jung (Love Reset, Alchemy of Souls, Love Next Door) stars as Geonhwa, portraying a woman who has spent years suppressing powers that could tilt any game in her favor. This role marks a sharp departure from her previous roles and showcases her versatility as an actress.
Ryoo (Tazza: One Eyed Jack, The Berlin File) plays Hwang Chisu, a financially desperate gambler who becomes entangled in Geonhwa's dangerous scheme, while Lee (S Line, Queen Woo, The Player 2: Master of Swindlers) co-stars as Jo Jun, a formidable casino player with cool-headed instincts and an unreadable poker face that make him a perpetual wild card.
Ryu Kyung-soo (The Bequeathed, JUNG_E) rounds out the top-billed cast as Choi Wooseung, Geonhwa's fiancé - a gentle partner at home who conceals a steely edge as a detective.
With Netflix still mum on the rumored development plans for a U.S.-based spinoff of Squid Game - as hinted at by Cate Blanchett's surprise appearance in the series finale - global fans can try their luck on The Dealer for now.
