August Brings a Star-Studded Lineup of Compelling Original Series to Streaming Platforms

A scene from the Netflix series "Mask Girl" / Courtesy of Netflix

As the summer heats up, the small screen is set to sizzle with a host of top actors making their highly awaited return to television. Viewers can look forward to a diverse array of genres, from thrilling sci-fi action to heartwarming rom-coms, as streaming platforms roll out a series of captivating original shows.

Leading the charge is acclaimed actor Zo In-sung, who will grace Disney+'s Korean original series "Moving" on August 9. In his first series in six years since the touching drama "Dear My Friends" (2016), Zo takes on the lead role in this sci-fi action adaptation of the popular webcomic by creator Kang Full. The star-studded cast, including Han Hyo-joo, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Ryu Seung-bum, brings to life a tale of teenagers with supernatural powers and their parents, who harbor a painful secret. Together, they face off against dark forces and a mysterious assassin, in a 20-part series penned by its original creator Kang and directed by Park In-je, known for his work on Netflix's hit series "Kingdom."

On August 18, Netflix introduces "Mask Girl," a thrilling series led by the talented actress Ko Hyun-jung and multi-talented singer-actor Nana. The story revolves around Kim Mo-mi, an ordinary office worker yearning for stardom, who finds solace in becoming an internet personality by donning a mask. However, a series of unfortunate events engulfs her life, leading to three actors, including Ko and Nana, embodying the character of Kim. Written and helmed by filmmaker Kim Yong-hoon, known for the acclaimed crime thriller "Beasts Clawing at Straws" (2020), the series promises suspense and intrigue.

SBS's crime suspense series "The Killing Vote," hitting screens on August 10, stars the charismatic actors Park Hae-jin and Lim Ji-yeon. Based on a gripping webcomic, the series follows a mysterious figure wearing a dog mask, dispensing vigilante justice to criminals who have escaped legal repercussions. Using text message polling to let the public decide the fate of these wrongdoers, the vigilante becomes the target of a relentless investigation by a power-hungry policeman portrayed by Park, and a dedicated police officer played by Lim, who seek to put an end to his reign of justice.

Meanwhile, JTBC unveils two romantic comedy series, "Behind Your Touch" and "Destined With You," adding a delightful dose of romance to the lineup. On August 12, "Behind Your Touch" introduces viewers to veterinarian Bong Ye-boon (Han Ji-min), gifted with a unique ability to see the past of animals and people through touch. When her paths cross with ambitious Seoul detective Moon Jang-yeol (Lee), they find themselves embroiled in solving petty crimes, leading to a larger, more sinister serial murder case. The series reunites actress Han with director Kim Suk-yoon and scriptwriter Lee Nam-kyu, marking a much-anticipated collaboration.

"Destined With You" embarks on a fantastical romance journey between civil servant Lee Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah) and lawyer Jang Shin-yoo (Rowoon). Jang, cursed with an ancient affliction, seeks to break the spell by finding the owner of an ancient book. Fate intervenes when he encounters Lee, a low-ranking civil servant who possesses the key to his salvation. Helmed by director Nam Ki-hoon and penned by scriptwriter No Ji-seol, known for their work on Disney+'s "Kiss Sixth Sense" and tvN's "Voice 3" respectively, the series promises enchanting chemistry and a captivating tale of love.

As August dawns, television audiences have much to anticipate, with a plethora of outstanding performances and compelling storylines awaiting them. These top actors' returns promise to make the summer a memorable one for fans of all genres.

Sayart.net 

Sayart, sayart2022@gmail.com