Popular South Korean actress Park Min-young is stepping into bold new territory with her latest role as a brilliant con artist in "Confidence Man KR," Amazon Prime Video's first original series produced in Korea. The show, which premieres this Saturday, represents a significant milestone for Korean entertainment as it marks Amazon's inaugural foray into Korean original content production.
Park Min-young, who gained international recognition through last year's hit drama "Marry My Husband," plays Yoon Yi-rang, a charismatic con artist with an exceptionally high IQ of 165, placing her in the top 1 percent of the population. This role marks a dramatic departure from her previous characters, offering her the opportunity to showcase a more dynamic and physically demanding performance style.
"It's Amazon Prime's first original work in Korea, so I thought this is an opportunity I can't miss," Park explained during a press conference held at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo District, Seoul on Monday. The 39-year-old actress expressed her enthusiasm for taking on more energetic roles, stating, "As an actor, I've always yearned for roles that are lively, vibrant and dynamic, with plenty of physical action. This role finally allowed me to lead and showcase even more energetic acting than before."
The actress drew a striking contrast between her new character and her previous work in "Marry My Husband." "In [that drama], my character suffered quietly, but in here, I get to fight back, which is incredibly appealing," she noted, highlighting the empowering nature of her latest role.
"Confidence Man KR" is a Korean adaptation of the popular Japanese drama "Confidence Man JP," which captivated audiences on both television and film. The Korean version follows three exceptionally skilled con artists who target modern-day villains through elaborate schemes and clever trickery. The series explores contemporary themes of morality and justice, blurring the lines between crime and retribution in today's society.
What distinguishes this Korean remake is its unique cultural perspective on the caper genre. By incorporating Korean humor, cultural sensibilities, and social context, the series aims to establish a new "K-caper" genre that could appeal to global audiences. Director Nam Ki-hoon emphasized the thoughtful approach taken in adapting the original material for Korean viewers.
"The original was outstanding, but when adapting it to a Korean version, we focused on the motivations behind each con," Nam explained. "More than just makeup and disguises, the series presents a multitude of situations – giving it the feel of a gift set. We worked hard to showcase just how many different scenes and stories could be packed into a single show."
Joining Park Min-young in this ambitious project is veteran actor Park Hee-soon, who plays James, described as the spiritual anchor of the Confidence Man con team. Park Hee-soon welcomed the opportunity to explore comedy after years of more serious roles. "I've played a lot of serious roles so far, so I've been eagerly awaiting a chance to try comedy and was interested in transforming my image. This project was the perfect opportunity to satisfy both desires, which is why I chose it," he shared.
The series represents a significant step forward in the global distribution of Korean content. In Korea, "Confidence Man KR" will be available on TV Chosun and Coupang Play starting Saturday. For international audiences, the show will stream on Amazon Prime Video across 240 countries and regions worldwide, excluding Korea, demonstrating the platform's commitment to bringing Korean storytelling to a global audience.
This international distribution strategy reflects the growing global appetite for Korean entertainment content, following the success of various K-dramas and films in recent years. With Park Min-young's proven international appeal and Amazon Prime's extensive global reach, "Confidence Man KR" is positioned to potentially become another Korean entertainment export success story.
