Money Heist Korea Review: Makers don’t disappoint with the Korean twist to the Spanish series

Money Heist Korea is an official adaptation of the Spanish series, Money Heist. The show adds a unique cultural flavour to the thrilling heist witnessed onscreen.

The Spanish series La Casa De Papel aka Money Heist is easily one of the most thrilling shows seen globally. The unparalleled storyline behind the biggest heist carried off in Spain was enough to keep us on the edge of our seats throughout the five seasons. So, when a Korean remake of the show was announced, its natural for fans to feel apprehensive. The makers of Money Heist Korea have huge shoes to fill in, with expectations at an all-time high, thanks to the Hallyu wave worldwide. Does it manage to impress or disappoint? Let’s find out.

Without wasting time, let's address the elephant in the room first. How similar or different is the Korean version from the original series? While the Spanish series dabbles with the social-economic crisis and growing worries of youth in Spain, the Korean version explores a much more complicated and politically conflicted situation. In this version, Korea is at the cusp of unification when the biggest heist is planned to derail the efforts. How? By stealing 4 trillion won from the Royal Mint situated in a fictional city, the ‘Joint Economic Area’, between North and South Korea.

With the approximate looting amount (2.4 billion) being like the original series, it can be safely said that Money Heist Korea has been heavily inspired by it. Sometimes, even blatantly picking up scenes, with no new element added. However, the realistic political setting gives the Korean version a novelty factor.

Another element of apparent difference is the ‘Salvador Dalí’. The Dali mask became a global phenomenon thanks to La Casa De Papel. Rooting in deep with rebellion, the mask represented the expression of rejecting capitalist society. However, instead of going with the Dali masks, the Korean version localises it by using the Hahoetal mask, which is a traditional mask used in Korea during dance performances.

By adding such Korean cultural references and subtle nuances, the makers manage to keep it interesting and engaging. But, Money Heist Korea is by no means surprising. The twists and turns are predictable, with absolutely no ‘hurray’ moment. Major plot twists that made Money Heist a global hit are lifted scene by scene. For instance, from Professor almost escaping the police to the inner conflicts between the gang of robbers, the build-up remains unchanged too. But, despite the similarities, watching a thriller in a different cultural setting is a refreshing experience.

Another thing that works for this version is the earnest performance by the star cast. Apart from their names, there is no similarity between the characters with the Spanish version of Money Heist. The backstory of each character has been worked upon to fit the “Korean’ setting. The actors have not aped or let the characters look caricaturish. This is the show’s biggest strength.

Yoo Ji-tae leads the show as Professor. Known for his stellar work in shows like Healer and When My Love Blooms, Ji-tae adds his own flavour to Professor, who has an interesting, mysterious yet cold vibe to him. We also have Park Hae-soo who plays the role of Berlin. After Squid Game, Prison Playbook, Legends of the Blue Sea, Hae-soo adds yet another feather to his cap with Money Heist Korea. His version of Berlin is more likeable than the original one and that is a good thing. Tokyo takes charge as the narrator. What's special about each character's arch is that they each exude raw energy, and are capable of many things.