Ju Ji-Hoon is officially set to star in the upcoming Netflix original series Buy King, a high-stakes corporate thriller about South Korea’s wealthiest families. The Kingdom actor made the decision after stepping away from the television adaptation of the film Inside Men, choosing this new chaebol war drama as his next major project.
The news broke on March 16, 2026, when multiple Korean media outlets reported that Ju Ji-Hoon had declined the offer to appear in the Inside Men drama remake. His agency, Blitzway Entertainment, later confirmed that the actor is “positively reviewing” the offer to star in Buy King, which in Korean entertainment terminology signals that final negotiations are underway and the actor is personally invested in the project.
What Is ‘Buy King’ About
Buy King takes viewers inside the brutal world of Korean chaebols, the massive family-run business conglomerates that dominate South Korea’s economy. The 10-episode series centers on the hidden family wars that erupt when control of a multi-billion-dollar empire is at stake.
The official synopsis describes a story that digs deep into the engrossing details of the intricate family dynamics and succession wars of Korea’s wealthiest families and each members’ battle to sit at the throne of the multi-billion family business. The drama explores how generational differences in culture and values affect not just who takes power, but the future of the family, the company, and even society itself.
According to production details, Buy King is set in 2026 and follows a brutal succession war within Baekkyung Group, the nation’s largest conglomerate. The story introduces Han Ji-yeol, a third-generation heir who witnessed his father’s murder during a kidnapping as a child. He returns from the United States as a corporate risk analyst to find himself facing Han Tae-jun, a polished but ruthless second-generation heir who will stop at nothing to seize control from their aging father, founder Han Do-seok.
As Ji-yeol uncovers Tae-jun’s hidden crimes, offshore funds, and political connections, he teams up with prosecutor Han Ji-soo and global fund manager Chu Mi-ho to bring him down. But the power battle leads to an unexpected twist that threatens not only the family’s empire but the nation’s entire economy.
Ju Ji-Hoon’s Character Han Tae-Joon
Ju Ji-Hoon will play Han Tae-Joon, described as a man who shows no mercy or tears in his pursuit of success and power. The character represents the cold, calculating side of corporate ambitionโsomeone willing to use manipulation, financial schemes, and darker methods to claim control of the family business.
This role marks another compelling addition to Ju Ji-Hoon’s growing collection of complex characters. He previously earned global recognition playing Crown Prince Lee Chang in Netflix’s zombie thriller Kingdom, then showed his range as trauma surgeon Baek Kang-hyeok in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call and the morally ambiguous lawyer Yun Hui-jae in Hyena. Han Tae-Joon appears tailor-made for his commanding screen presence, offering the chance to explore a more Machiavellian side of his acting range.
Why Ju Ji-Hoon Chose Buy King Over Inside Men
The actor had been seriously considering the television adaptation of Inside Men, the 2015 film classic about political corruption. However, industry reports confirm he ultimately declined the offer to prioritize Buy King.
The Inside Men drama project has faced significant casting challenges. Originally, veteran actor Song Kang-ho was attached, followed by Koo Kyo-hwan, but both eventually left the project. Director Mo Wan-il also stepped away. With Ju Ji-Hoon’s departure, the production faces major restructuring and will be temporarily paused before restarting.
In contrast, Buy King is moving forward with strong momentum. More than eight episodes of the script are already completed.
The Creative Team Behind the Series
Buy King brings together an impressive creative team. Director Jo Sung-hee, who made history with Space SweepersโNetflix’s first Korean sci-fi blockbusterโis at the helm. He previously directed the beloved film A Werewolf Boy, showing his ability to handle both heartfelt stories and large-scale productions.
Screenwriter Lee Shin-ho joins the project, bringing experience from the thriller The Chaser and the action-comedy My Mighty Princess. This combination promises both sharp plotting and emotional depth.
The production company behind Buy King is Mr. Romance, known for developing popular webtoon adaptations including Moving for Disney+. Their experience with high-quality IP-based content suggests Buy King will receive substantial production values.
Ju Ji-Hoon’s Busy 2026 Schedule
The actor’s decision to add Buy King to his roster comes during an incredibly busy period. He is currently starring in the ENA drama Climax, which premiered on March 16, 2026. In Climax, he appears alongside Ha Ji-won in a political noir about an ambitious couple rising through Korea’s power-driven cartel. Disney+ streams the show for global audiences.
Ju Ji-Hoon is also set to lead the Disney+ original series The Remarried Empress, based on the popular web novel, which will premiere soon. Additionally, a new season of The Trauma Center is in production at Netflix.
With Buy King added to this lineup, the actor continues to prove why he remains one of the most in-demand leading men in the industry.
What Makes Buy King Different From Other Chaebol Dramas
Korean dramas have explored wealthy family conflicts many times, with hits like Reborn Rich and the American series Succession drawing global audiences to corporate power struggles. However, Buy King aims to distinguish itself through director Jo Sung-hee’s cinematic approach.
The series promises to blend corporate thriller elements with family melodrama, showing not just the boardroom battles but the personal costs of inherited wealth. The official description mentions exploring how generational differences of culture and values impact family, company, and society.
The production is planned as 10 episodes, each approximately 60 minutes long, allowing room to develop the complex relationships and multiple plot threads involving offshore funds, political collusion, and the eventual twist that threatens the national economy.
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Release Information
As of now, Netflix has not announced an official release date for Buy King. The series is in active development with scripts largely completed, suggesting production could begin soon. Given the 10-episode order and the experience of the creative team, a late 2026 or early 2027 premiere seems likely.
The show will be available exclusively on Netflix for global audiences, continuing the streaming platform’s massive investment in Korean content. Netflix previously pledged long-term and unwavering investment in Korean programming, with 2026 already seeing high-profile releases like Boyfriend on Demand starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Notes from the Last Row featuring Choi Min-sik.
For viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India, Buy King will drop all episodes simultaneously on Netflix, following the platform’s typical release strategy for original Korean series. International fans can expect subtitles in multiple languages upon release.
The combination of Ju Ji-Hoon’s star power, director Jo Sung-hee’s visual style, and the gripping subject matter of family betrayal and corporate warfare positions Buy King as one of the most anticipated Korean dramas in development. For fans of intense character studies and stories about the dark side of wealth and power, this is definitely one to watch.
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