Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Annoying but irresistibly likable Seo Dong Jae (Lee Jun Hyuk) returns, grappling with survival under the misconception that he’s a sponsored prosecutor. Coming this October, TVING’s Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard is a spin-off of the fan-favorite tvN series Stranger. Spin-offs carve out new narratives from beloved characters or settings of original projects, expanding its universe while preserving the allure of the original. Today, we introduce five films and dramas returning as spin-offs.
Spin-off of ‘No Gain No Love’: ‘The CEO’s Menu’
No Gain No Love follows the sham marriage between Son Hae Young (Shin Mina) and Kim Ji Wook (Kim Young Dae). Hae Young is determined to avoid loss at all costs, while Ji Wook is hesitant to cause any harm. Living by the motto “Life’s just a series of calculations,” Hae Young might come off as materialistic, but her character has been praised for being both realistic and relatable.
The CEO’s Menu is a spin-off series set in the world of an erotica web novel written by the character Nam Ja Yeon (Han Ji Hyeon) from the drama. In this spin-off, Nam Ja Yeon finds herself taking over the body of the heroine in her own story, sparking romance with the male lead, Kang Ha Jun. Lee Sang Yi, playing Bok Kyu Hyun, an heir who’s set on never getting married, plays the romantic lead. Given the novel’s risqué storyline, the spin-off promises an intriguing narrative. It’s slated for release in the second half of this year.
Spin-offs from ‘Concrete Utopia’: ‘Concrete Market’ and More
Released in 2023, Concrete Utopia is based on the popular webtoon Pleasant Bullying, depicting survivors in a building that withstood a massive earthquake. Starring Lee Byung Hun, Park Seo Joon, and Park Bo Young, the film explores their desperate survival in the last standing building.
This chaotic world continues in other works, including the Netflix film Badland Hunters starring Ma Dong Seok, which shares the post-apocalyptic setting but introduces new characters and genres. This “Concrete Universe” will also feature two more series: Pleasant Outcast (literal title), featuring Sung Yu Been and Won Ji An, set in a collapsed school, and Concrete Market, starring Hong Kyung and Lee Jae In, set in an apartment complex. Release dates are still to be announced.
Spin-off of ‘The Priests’: ‘Black Nuns’
Director Jang Jae Hyun, who recently has redefined the history of K-occult cinema with Exhuma, first gained widespread support from occult fans with The Priests (2015), a film about priests trying to save a girl possessed by an evil spirit. The movie, which drew in 5.44 million viewers, demonstrated that the occult genre could also be embraced by the mainstream, thanks to its accessible narrative style.
The upcoming spin-off Black Nuns (literal title) features Song Hye Kyo and Jeon Yeo Been as nuns attempting to save a boy possessed by a powerful demon, following the priestly duo of Kim Yun Seok and Kang Dong Won. While not directly linked to The Priests, expectations are high for this female-led continuation. Song Hye Kyo recently expressed in an ELLE Korea interview her excitement about discovering another side of herself through Black Nuns.
‘Spin-off of ‘Kill Boksoon’: ‘The Mantis’
Last year’s Kill Boksoon, an action film about a legendary assassin and mother, Gil Bok Soon (Jeon Do Yeon), captured attention with its gripping narrative. The meeting of The Merciless director Byun Sung Hyun and Jeon Do Yeon drew traction from the start, and as expected, the result met with the expectations.
The assassin universe continues in the spin-off The Mantis (literal title), centered around an A-class assassin mentioned in passing in Kill Boksoon as having been “on vacation.” The spin-off follows “Mantis” Han Wool (Yim Si Wan) returning from a long hiatus, his rival Jae Yi (Park Gyu Young), and retired legend Dok Go (Jo Woo Jin), vying for the top assassin spot. If Kill Boksoon explored the conflict between motherhood and killing, The Mantis zooms in on the action-packed rivalry among the killers.
Spin-off of ‘Hospital Playlist’: ‘Resident Playbook’
Hospital Playlist, beloved for its portrayal of a 20-year friendship among doctors at Yulje Hospital, diverges from typical medical dramas by focusing on personal stories and friendships. The real-friend chemistry of Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Jeon Mi Do, and Kim Dae Myung was particularly loved.
Resident Playbook, set in the same hospital, stars Go Youn Jung, Shin Si A, and Kang You Seok as obstetrics and gynecology residents. Initially set for a spring release, its premiere has been delayed due to intensifying medical disputes in Korea.
>> ‘Resident Playbook’ Faces Uncertain 2024 Premiere With Ongoing Medical Strike
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
