This is a spoiler review for MONEY HEIST KOREA – JOINT ECONOMIC AREA. I have already posted a first impressions pod which gave some of the first takes and the vibes of the show, talked about the cast, this has a lot of spoilers so if you haven't seen it go and get it watched, it's all on Netflix globally, and then come back.
This is a Korean-language near-future remake and continuation of the Netflix hit La Casa de Papel, better known as Money Heist. After 5 successful and critically acclaimed seasons which were known for tight plotting and some great characterisations, as well as bringing Spanish-language content to a wider audience, Netflix have decided to take this further. I really like the fact they took this to SK rather than just doing a US remake, and they've been able to enlist some top quality acting talent as a result.
They've established this as taking place in 2025, where a joint currency and widespread economic cooperation has come about between NK and SK and the war is finally over on the peninsula.
The nexus of this economic cooperation is the Joint Economic Area, on the site of what is in reality today the Joint Security Area or the Dimilitarized Zone AKA DMZ where North and South Korean troops stand facing one another and there is a truce in effect. This is traditioanlly where negotiations have taken place and visiting the DMZ is often a major diplomatic undertaking for world leaders who have singiicant relationships with SK. The opening credits of MHK JEA show the DMZ as it is now with two figures shaking hands, and this will be important later on.
That's all stuff that is added to this series and not brought in from the original, and one reason why I think this is worth watching even if you are coming to this from the OG, all the North-SOuth collaboration macro stuff is new. You're essentially getting a fun bank job wrapped in a geopolitical thought experiment wrapper.
Listen in for an episode by episode discussion.
The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas
Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.
Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.
The K-botak Podcast is a podcast where I review Korean films and television series or K-dramas.
Join the conversation on Twitter, be part of the K-botak community and discuss your favourite shows, movies, actors and more.
Follow K-botak on Buzzsprout and catch the show on Spotify, Apple, Google and most places you get podcasts.