AceShowbiz - Disney+ is set to reboot the acclaimed FX spy thriller series The Americans nearly eight years after its finale. The original show starred Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys as Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two KGB operatives living undercover as a married American couple while raising their children in the U.S. The series wrapped in 2018 after six successful seasons, earning critical praise for its complex portrayal of espionage and family dynamics.

Now, the story is evolving into a Korean-language series titled The Koreans, which reimagines the premise with a new geopolitical context. The remake stars Lee Byung-hun and Han Ji-min as North Korean spies posing as a married couple in South Korea during the 1990s. Their mission is to undermine South Korea from within, all while maintaining the facade of an ordinary family life, including their children, neighbors, and friends. This duality brings intense personal conflicts as secrets and loyalties clash, especially as a relentless counterintelligence agent draws near to exposing their true identities.

Adding to the cast, Lee Hee-joon has been announced in a key role that remains undisclosed. Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and former FX Entertainment head, shared his initial hesitation about the project. Being closely involved with the original The Americans as its developer, Schrier was cautious about reimagining a story so close to his heart. However, he ultimately recognized the potential for a fresh cultural perspective, noting that the parallels between Cold War-era U.S.-Russia tensions and the ongoing division of Korea create a powerful and relevant narrative.

"The similarities of the two premises—North Koreans embedded in the South, instead of Russians spying in 1980s America—started to make sense to me," Schrier explained. He credited the passion of the Korean creative team for inspiring his confidence, highlighting that the story’s cultural resonance with local audiences is a top priority for Disney’s original content strategy.

The Korean remake is being written by Park Eun-kyo, known for work on Bong Joon-ho’s Mother and Disney+’s Made in Korea. Directing duties are handled by Ahn Gil-ho, acclaimed for Netflix’s The Glory. Unlike typical U.S. productions, which often employ multiple writers and directors, Park and Ahn will oversee all episodes, reflecting a common approach in Korean television series.

Lee Byung-hun comes to The Koreans fresh off several notable projects. His role as the Front Man in Netflix’s Squid Game concluded with the third season in 2025. He also lent his voice to the Netflix hit movie KPop Demon Hunters and starred in Park Chan-wook’s critically acclaimed No Other Choice, which boasts a 97% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Disney’s executive vice president of content strategy and marketing for the Asia-Pacific region, Carol Choi, emphasized Lee’s star power and enthusiasm for this role, calling it a perfect fit to showcase his talents.

"There are a lot of geopolitical spy thriller-type stories in the market now, but what got us really excited are the couple and family dynamics, and the drama and humor involved in two spies living as husband and wife while trying to bridge the ideological divide of the two Koreas," Choi said. She affirmed that these themes will strongly resonate with Korean audiences, enhancing the show’s cultural relevance.

The Koreans is part of Disney+’s broader commitment to expanding local-language originals in Asia-Pacific markets, including South Korea, Japan, and Australia. This strategy was reinforced by Bob Iger during his final tenure as Disney CEO, focusing on adult-oriented general entertainment designed specifically for regional viewers. Schrier clarified that Disney aims to complement these local productions with its globally recognized franchises like Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, FX, Hulu, and ABC, creating a diverse content slate.

Regarding concerns from fans of the original The Americans, Schrier revealed that Disney consulted with Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, and original creators Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields. All have expressed support for the Korean adaptation. While Weisberg and Fields have approved the project, they opted not to review scripts or participate actively, though they plan to visit the set during filming to show their support.

With an ambitious budget, reportedly among the largest ever allocated for a Disney+ Asian original series, The Koreans aims to deliver a compelling mix of espionage, family drama, and cultural insight. The show’s fresh take on espionage through the lens of Korea’s unique political situation offers a fascinating new chapter for fans of spy thrillers and international storytelling alike.

As production advances, anticipation grows for how this reimagining will honor the legacy of The Americans while carving out its own identity. The series promises to blend suspense, emotional depth, and socio-political commentary in a way that appeals to both local and global audiences, continuing Disney+’s push into innovative, culturally grounded content.