Netflix has officially confirmed the production of its upcoming Korean series Materesa (working title), with Nana, Kim Dan, and Jung Gun Joo locked in as the lead cast. The announcement came on September 1, 2026, putting an end to weeks of speculation about the project. The series comes from Jang Young Woo, the director behind the hit drama Queen of Tears, and writers Kwon So Ra and Seo Jae Won, known for their work on The East Palace.
Materesa is a crime thriller that follows a cold-blooded criminal psychologist and professor named Ma Teresa. She takes on unsolved murder cases while carrying deep personal trauma from her past. Her teaching assistant Park Seol, who hides secrets behind an innocent smile, helps her investigate. Her longtime friend and prosecutor Yoo A Ram also joins the hunt, creating a tense dynamic as the three characters confront hidden truths and unexpected emotions.
Nana Takes on the Lead Role as Ma Teresa
Nana, who gained international recognition for her performances in Mask Girl and Glitch, will play the central character Ma Teresa. Her character is a criminal psychologist and professor who personally confronts and interrogates criminals while following clues in each case. The role requires her to balance a hardened exterior with complex inner emotions, as Teresa digs into cold-case murders while carrying old trauma.
“Nana will play Ma Teresa, who delves into unsolved murder cases while carrying the trauma of her past. She will portray both the intense side of the character and her complex inner emotions.”
This marks another major Netflix project for Nana, following her success in Mask Girl and Glitch. The actress has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles that require emotional depth, and Materesa appears to continue that pattern.
Kim Dan and Jung Gun Joo Complete the Main Cast
Kim Dan, a rising star who recently appeared in The Winning Try, will play Park Seol, Ma Teresa’s teaching assistant. His character appears innocent and friendly but hides a secret behind his smile. Park Seol helps investigate cases in hopes of gaining Teresa’s attention, adding an unpredictable element to the story.
Jung Gun Joo, known for his roles in Mercy for None and Way Back Love, takes on the role of Yoo A Ram, a prosecutor and Ma Teresa’s longtime friend. His character keeps a wary eye on Park Seol, who stays close to Teresa, creating tension between the three main characters.
“Jung Gun Joo will play Yoo A Ram, Ma Teresa’s longtime friend and a prosecutor who helps her, naturally portraying his delicate emotional dynamics.”
The Creative Team Behind Materesa
The series brings together a strong creative team. Jang Young Woo, who directed Queen of Tears and Bulgasal: Immortal Souls, will direct Materesa. His previous work on Queen of Tears earned widespread praise for its emotional storytelling and character development.
The script comes from writers Kwon So Ra and Seo Jae Won, who are also a married couple. They have written scripts for several well-known dramas, including The East Palace, The Guest, and Unsalvageable. Their work is known for creating highly immersive stories with strong character relationships.
The series is produced by SHOWRUNNERS and presented by Netflix. The working title of the show is Materesa, though the final title may change before its release.
What to Expect From the Story
Materesa combines thriller elements with emotional character drama. The story follows Ma Teresa as she is asked to consult on high-profile cold-case murder investigations. As she interrogates criminals and follows clues, she gets closer to the truth she has pursued for a long time.
The relationship between the three main characters adds another layer to the story. Park Seol, the teaching assistant, craves Teresa’s attention and helps with investigations. Yoo A Ram, the prosecutor and longtime friend, remains wary of Park Seol’s presence around Teresa. These dynamics create tension as the characters work together to solve cases.
The series will present a novel story that delves into high-profile cold-case murders as the characters move toward the truth and toward each other. The production team has described it as a thriller that weaves together cold murder cases with subtle and intensifying emotions between the characters.
Production Details and Release Information
Netflix confirmed the production and cast on September 1, 2026. The series is currently in production under the working title Materesa. No official release date has been announced yet, but the series will be available exclusively on Netflix.
The show marks another addition to Netflix’s growing lineup of Korean original series. The streaming platform continues to invest in Korean content following the global success of shows like Squid Game and Queen of Tears.
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Cast Members’ Recent Projects
Nana recently starred in Mask Girl and Glitch on Netflix. She also appeared in the drama Climax. Her role in Materesa represents a shift toward darker, more intense characters.
Kim Dan gained attention for his performance in The Winning Try on Netflix. His casting in Materesa marks a significant step forward in his career.
Jung Gun Joo appeared in Mercy for None on Netflix and Way Back Love. He has built a solid portfolio of supporting roles in various dramas.
The three actors bring different strengths to their roles, creating a balanced cast for the thriller series.
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