Butterfly, the new spy thriller series on Prime Video, has officially premiered all six episodes on August 13, 2025. Starring Daniel Dae Kim as a former intelligence operative, the show blends high-stakes action with deep family drama. Based on the BOOM! Studios graphic novel, the series takes viewers across South Korea, showcasing stunning filming locations and a star-studded cast.
Butterfly Season 1 Plot and Background
The series follows David Jung (Daniel Dae Kim), a former U.S. spy who faked his death and started a new life in South Korea. His past catches up when a secret organization, Caddis, sends a deadly assassin, Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), to eliminate him. The story explores betrayal, survival, and complex family ties.
Created by Ken Woodruff (The Mentalist, Gotham) and Steph Cha, the show is inspired by the Butterfly graphic novel by Arash Amel and Marguerite Bennett. Unlike the comic, which was set in America and Europe, the TV adaptation shifts the action to South Korea, adding fresh visuals and cultural depth.
Main Cast and Characters
- Daniel Dae Kim as David Jung – A former spy hiding in South Korea.
- Reina Hardesty as Rebecca – A young, ruthless assassin with a secret connection to David.
- Piper Perabo as Juno – David’s former partner and Rebecca’s boss.
- Louis Landau as Oliver Barnes – A key ally or enemy (details kept under wraps).
- Kim Tae-hee as Eunju Kim – A recurring character tied to David’s past.
- Park Hae-soo (Squid Game) as Yong Shik Choi – A mysterious figure in the spy world.
Supporting actors include Charles Parnell as Senator George Dawson and Kim Ji-hoon as Gun, adding more layers to the espionage drama.
Filming Locations Across South Korea
Unlike typical spy shows set in Western cities, Butterfly was filmed entirely in South Korea, showcasing both famous and lesser-known locations:
- Seoul – The capital city features heavily, with scenes shot in Gangnam, Yeouido Island, and Bukchon Hanok Village. The Seoul Station and Mapo Bridge also appear in high-speed chase sequences.
- Busan – Known for its mountains and coastal scenery, Busan was used for intense car chases and dramatic seaside confrontations.
- Daegu – A major trade hub, this city provides a gritty backdrop for key scenes.
- Andong-si – Famous for its heritage sites, this location adds a historical touch to the spy thriller.
Director Kitao Sakurai (The Eric Andre Show) helmed the first two episodes, while Jinmin Kim and Jann Turner directed the remaining installments.
Release and Reception
All six episodes of Butterfly dropped on Prime Video on August 13, 2025. The show has received mixed but generally positive reviews:
- Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 72% approval rating, calling it a “dependable thriller with strong performances.”
- Metacritic scores it 61/100, indicating “generally favorable” reception.
Critics praise Daniel Dae Kim’s performance but note the plot can feel predictable at times. Fans of spy dramas like Alias and Bourne will likely enjoy the mix of action and emotional stakes.
Where to Watch
Butterfly is available exclusively on Prime Video. Unlike some shows, it isn’t airing on traditional TV, so streaming is the only option.
Credits: Wikipedia, TV Insider
