What happens when two of Korea’s biggest stars reunite after more than two decades? Can Lee Byung-hun and Jun Ji-hyun, who once played siblings in Happy Together (1999), now transform into a married spy couple on screen? Will their long-awaited pairing create the same legendary impact as their past projects—or even surpass it?
And could this collaboration mark the birth of Korea’s next globally acclaimed drama?
The buzz is all about Koreans—the highly anticipated Korean adaptation of the U.S. hit The Americans. With top-tier talent, a gripping espionage premise, and the promise of a historic reunion, anticipation is already sky-high.
Project Overview
Koreans isn’t just another drama—it’s one of the most high-profile projects currently in the works. Adapted from the critically acclaimed FX series The Americans, the story is being reimagined against the tense backdrop of Korea’s military dictatorship era. Instead of Cold War Washington, D.C., viewers will be taken into a divided Korea filled with espionage, double lives, and dangerous secrets.
At the helm is director Ahn Gil-ho, best known for The Glory. With his proven talent for weaving suspenseful yet emotional narratives, expectations are high that Koreans will deliver cinematic storytelling on a whole new level.
Main Cast Discussions
When it comes to casting, Koreans are aiming straight for the top. Lee Byung-hun is reportedly in advanced—if not final—talks to headline the series, while Jun Ji-hyun has officially received an offer and is currently reviewing it.
If both stars sign on, it will mark their first on-screen reunion in 26 years since Happy Together (1999). Unlike their sibling roles back then, this time they would portray a married spy couple, torn between love, loyalty, and deception in the heart of Korea’s turbulent past.
Production & Platforms
This ambitious project is being produced by Studio AA with reports indicating the production budget is massive. The exact broadcast platform is still to be confirmed, however, there are some insiders already stating that discussions with big OTT players around the world are already underway. Having your drama go out to the world should be huge.
Filming is expected in the second half of 2025, with insiders estimating it will be released in 2026.
Plot & Concept
Although The Americans originally unfolded in the Cold War of Reagan-era America, Koreans will anchor the story to Korea’s military dictatorship. This framework situates the spy story and also creates a rich socio-political environment and explores issues of secrecy, loyalty, and survival in an authoritarian environment.
At its core, the drama focusses on a spy couple who live the double life as a husband and wife, and ordinary spouses, all while pursuing dangerous missions. The clash of their personal, familial ties and dangerous professional identities is sure to produce rich emotional depth and suspense.
Why It’s Thrilling
Three main elements are driving the excitement surrounding Koreans:
- Star – Lee Byung-hun’s return to spy thrillers (after his iconic role in IRIS, 2009) is already generating hype.
- Dream – Jun Ji-hyun’s potential involvement will make this a one-time, one-generation tandem, especially with Ahn Gil-ho directing.
- Globally – With its espionage format, huge historical background, and deeply layered narrative, there is potential for Koreans to engage the entire world.
So… overall, this is not simply another K-drama, this is a project that can change K-drama.
Status & Expectations
At this point, both Lee Byung-hun and Jun Ji-hyun remain in discussion but have not yet confirmed. Even with negotiations still pending, the possibility of their reunion has already created headlines and fan-related dialogue across Asia and beyond.
With casting and production ramping up, many industry insiders are wondering if Koreans could be one of the most talked-about K-dramas of 2026.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Conclusion
Koreans bring together a powerful intersection of history, espionage, and super-starter. By the nature of the ambitious scale and the potential reunion of Lee Byung-hun and Jun Ji-hyun, this project will be one of the most anticipated dramas in recent memory.
If approved, this piece will not only be a spy thriller film—it could become a pivotal moment in K-drama history as a new standard for both domestic and global watching.
