Netflix has officially announced its upcoming Korean action-noir series The Shooter, with Lee Jung-eun (Parasite) and Kim Moo-yul (Teach You a Lesson) set to lead the cast. The streaming platform confirmed the project on August 26, 2026, sharing details about the star-studded lineup and the gripping revenge-driven plot.
The series marks a major milestone for Lee Jung-eun, as it will be her first-ever action role in a career spanning over two decades. Known for her powerful performances in critically acclaimed films and dramas, the veteran actress now steps into a completely new kind of character – a grandmother in her 70s who picks up a gun for the first time since her youth.
The Shooter brings together an impressive ensemble cast and reunites Lee Jung-eun with Kim Moo-yul, four years after they starred together in the hit Netflix legal drama Juvenile Justice. With director Lee Kwon (A Shop for Killers) at the helm and production by Studio Dragon, the series is already generating significant buzz among K-drama fans worldwide.
A Grandmother’s Revenge: The Story of ‘The Shooter’
The Shooter follows Jeong Suk-ja, a woman in her seventies who leads an ordinary life running a restaurant and raising her grandson alone. Her quiet world shatters when her grandson is mysteriously attacked and left fighting for his life. With nowhere else to turn, Suk-ja takes matters into her own hands.
She picks up a gun – something she has not held since her younger days – and begins hunting down those responsible for the attack. Her search for the truth pulls her into the dangerous secrets of the Chunghwa Group, a powerful criminal organization. As Suk-ja gets deeper into the underworld, she forms an unlikely partnership that complicates everything she thought she knew.
The series blends action and noir elements, delivering a story of revenge, justice, and the lengths a grandmother will go to protect her family. The show is based on a Korean webtoon and promises intense action sequences alongside emotional depth.
Lee Jung-eun Takes on Her First Action Role
For Lee Jung-eun, The Shooter represents a major departure from her usual roles. The actress is widely known for her work in Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning Parasite, as well as acclaimed films like The Wailing and The Attorney. She also starred in My Daughter Is a Zombie, which became the highest-grossing Korean film of 2025 with $38 million in ticket sales.
Playing a grandmother who turns into a gun-wielding avenger is a new challenge for the actress. Her character, Jeong Suk-ja, is a restaurant worker who has lived a quiet life until tragedy forces her to become a fighter. This marks her first time performing action sequences on screen, adding a fresh layer to her already impressive filmography.
Lee Jung-eun’s casting has excited fans who have watched her deliver memorable performances in dramas like Our Blues, Light Shop, and Soundtrack #1. Her ability to portray complex, emotionally rich characters makes her a perfect fit for Suk-ja’s journey from ordinary grandmother to determined avenger.
Kim Moo-yul Returns as the Strategic Ally
Kim Moo-yul takes on the role of Seo Yeon-woo, a strategist who becomes Suk-ja’s ally in her quest for revenge. Yeon-woo approaches Suk-ja and tells her that her grandson’s accident is connected to the Chunghwa Group. He uses his exceptional information-gathering skills and sharp judgment to help her navigate the dangerous path ahead.
However, Yeon-woo’s true motives remain unclear. He seems to have his own reasons for approaching Suk-ja, adding an element of mystery to his character. Kim Moo-yul’s performance is expected to bring depth to this morally complex figure who operates in the shadows.
Kim Moo-yul is coming off a major success with Netflix’s Teach You a Lesson, which ranked among the streamer’s 10 most-watched shows worldwide in the first half of 2026, drawing 48 million views. He has also appeared in popular series like Sweet Home, Queen Woo, and Trolley. His reunion with Lee Jung-eun in The Shooter has drawn attention, as the two previously worked together on Juvenile Justice.
Full Cast and Supporting Characters
The Shooter boasts a strong supporting cast alongside its two leads. The ensemble includes:
- Huh Joon-ho as Jang Kwang-cheol, the chairman of the Chunghwa Group. He once led the Heukseong Gang and has risen to lead a powerful criminal empire. His character stands at the center of the conspiracy Suk-ja is trying to unravel.
- Choi Sung-eun (My Name Is Loh Kiwan, The Sound of Magic) plays Shin Ji-hyun, who runs the company’s China office and oversees Operations Unit 3.
- Bae Na-ra (Weak Hero Class 2) plays Cheon Tae-seok, who assists the chairman and runs Operations Unit 2.
- Seo Hyun-woo (A Shop for Killers) plays Yoo Il-koo, an outcast within the Chunghwa Group who oversees Operations Unit 4.
- Moon Jong-won rounds out the cast as Um Sang-pil, who runs a bed-and-breakfast and carries a mysterious past.
This talented group of actors brings together a mix of veteran performers and rising stars, ensuring strong performances across the board.
Director Lee Kwon and Production Team
The series is directed by Lee Kwon, who previously helmed the action thriller A Shop for Killers. Lee Kwon is known for his ability to craft intense action sequences and gripping narratives, making him the right choice for this action-noir project. He also directed Save Me (2019), further demonstrating his range as a filmmaker.
The script comes from writer Kim Hee-su, with production handled by Studio Dragon, one of South Korea’s leading production companies. Studio Dragon has produced numerous hit K-dramas, including Crash Landing on You, Vincenzo, and Queen of Tears.
Netflix shared a photo of the cast from a recent table read in Seoul, signaling that production is moving forward. Filming is scheduled to begin in July 2026.
What Makes ‘The Shooter’ Stand Out
The Shooter brings a fresh concept to the K-drama landscape. The idea of a grandmother in her 70s becoming an action hero is both unexpected and compelling. The series combines the emotional weight of a family revenge story with the gritty aesthetics of a noir thriller.
Lee Jung-eun’s transition into action is a major talking point. The actress has built her career on nuanced, character-driven performances, and seeing her take on physical action sequences is a new experience for audiences. Her character’s journey – from a restaurant worker to a gun-wielding avenger – offers plenty of dramatic potential.
The show also explores themes of justice, corruption, and the power of ordinary people standing up against powerful forces. Suk-ja’s battle against the Chunghwa Group represents a classic underdog story, but with a unique twist: the hero is a grandmother who has not touched a gun in decades.
Reunion of ‘Juvenile Justice’ Co-Stars
Fans of Juvenile Justice will be excited to see Lee Jung-eun and Kim Moo-yul share the screen again. In that 2022 Netflix series, they played characters on opposite sides of the legal system. Now, they join forces as allies in a revenge mission.
Their chemistry and mutual respect as actors are expected to shine through in The Shooter. Both have spoken positively about working together in the past, and their reunion adds an extra layer of interest for viewers who enjoyed their previous collaboration.
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Netflix’s Expanding Korean Content Slate
The Shooter joins a growing list of Korean content on Netflix. The streaming platform has invested heavily in K-dramas and Korean films, recognizing their global appeal. Recent and upcoming releases include:
- Mousetrap – a mystery thriller starring Ryu Jun-yeol, Sul Kyung-gu, and Lee Kyoo-hyung, premiering August 28, 2026.
- The Scandal – a Joseon-era drama starring Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and Nana, set to premiere September 18, 2026.
- Possible Love – a high-profile drama from director Lee Chang-dong, starring Jeon Do-yeon and Sul Kyung-gu, with a global Netflix launch on November 6, 2026.
Netflix’s commitment to Korean storytelling continues to grow, and The Shooter is poised to be another standout addition to its library.
What Viewers Can Expect
The Shooter promises a mix of intense action, emotional storytelling, and noir-style suspense. With Lee Jung-eun leading the cast in her first action role, the series offers something fresh for K-drama fans. The show’s revenge-driven plot, combined with strong supporting performances and a talented creative team, sets it up for success.
The series is currently in production, with filming set to begin soon. While an official release date has not yet been announced, Netflix typically releases Korean series shortly after production wraps. Given the buzz surrounding the project, The Shooter is likely to draw significant viewership upon its debut.
Also Read: 2025 MBC Drama Awards: Lee Sun Bin and Kim Sung Joo Confirmed for Host
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on the latest K-drama casting news, release schedules, and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage.
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