Netflix is raising the stakes in the K-drama arena by reuniting the creative force behind the global sensation Squid Game for a brand-new crime series, Dealer. Packed with star power and a gripping plot, this latest original promises to deliver intense drama, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances.
On January 14, Netflix officially confirmed the production of Dealer (딜러, English title TBA) and revealed its stellar cast lineup: Jung So-min, Ryu Seung-beom, Lee Soo-hyuk, and Ryu Kyung-soo. With this announcement, the streaming giant signaled the series’ full-scale green light, igniting excitement among K-drama fans worldwide.
At the heart of Dealer is Jeong Geon-hwa, a skilled casino dealer whose quiet life takes a sharp turn when her wedding plans are threatened. Scammed while trying to secure a home for her newlywed future, she’s forced to tap into a long-hidden skill to survive. As she descends into the perilous and glittering world of high-stakes gambling, the drama explores ambition, deception, and the heavy price of survival in a place where every move can be your last.
Jung So-min, celebrated for her range in titles like 30 Days, Alchemy of Souls, Love Next Door, and Would You Marry Me?, takes on a bold transformation in this role. Her portrayal of Geon-hwa—a character untouched by vices like drinking or gambling until fate intervenes—promises depth and emotional resonance.
Ryu Seung-beom steps into the shoes of Hwang Chi-soo, a man who thrives on casino hustles and high-risk bets. Known for his standout work in Good News, Tazza: One Eyed Jack, and Berlin, Ryu is expected to bring a layered complexity to Chi-soo, who becomes an unexpected ally in Geon-hwa’s dangerous plan.
Lee Soo-hyuk joins as Jo Jun, a player whose mere presence can disrupt the casino floor. With memorable performances in S Line and Queen Woo, Lee embodies a masterful tactician whose cold poker face and sharp instincts add an extra edge to the story.
Ryu Kyung-soo, recently seen in Netflix’s The Bequeathed, as well as Noise and YADANG: The Snitch, plays Choi Woo-seung—Geon-hwa’s supportive boyfriend and a dedicated violent crimes detective. His dual nature—gentle in love yet relentless in pursuit of justice—will showcase his dynamic acting range.
The series is helmed by Choi Young-hwan, acclaimed for his cinematography in Smugglers, Veteran, Tazza, and The Thieves. His expertise in crafting dynamic visuals is expected to bring the casino world to life with both glamour and grit.
Adding to the anticipation, Firstman Studio—the powerhouse behind Squid Game—is producing the series, with Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk onboard as planner and producer. With such an elite combination of talent in front of and behind the camera, Dealer is poised to be one of Netflix’s most talked-about K-dramas of 2026.
Dealer will stream exclusively on Netflix, making it a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers, intricate character dynamics, and high-stakes storytelling.
