ASTORY, which has solidified its position as a global content studio, unveiled its lineup of productions scheduled for 2025-2026. This year, it plans to captivate domestic and international viewers with high-quality content across various genres.
First among the anticipated dramas for 2025 is 'Idol Eye,' which kicks off ASTORY's new lineup. 'Idol Eye' is a multi-genre drama blending courtroom suspense, mystery, and romantic comedy, featuring Dora Ik, an idol star who has had a 15-year career, and a top attorney named Maeng Se-na, who is the idol's die-hard fan and has a strong disdain for extreme fans. The story follows Maeng Se-na representing Dora Ik, who has been implicated as a murder suspect, as they chase down the truth of the case. The thrilling detective romance adventure, where these two individuals who have a complex relationship search for the life, dreams, and love they desired, is already piquing the curiosity of potential viewers. Director Lee Kwang-young, known for his 'specialized romance direction' in many works such as 'Daughters-in-Law' and 'Say It as Love,' is at the helm, with production aiming to start in the first half of the year and broadcasting intended for the second half.
Directed by Kim Moon-kyo, who helmed 'Connection' and 'Trolley,' the 12-part miniseries 'Iron Bars' revolves around bounty hunter Park Chang, a former police officer, who, alongside his brothers Park Cheol and Park Sal, takes down criminals in a light-hearted investigative action drama. Park Chang is now living off bounty hunting after having been an elite police officer, while his brother Park Cheol, who always wanted to be a teacher, is a youth and police officer, and Park Sal, a criminal intelligence police officer, sometimes turns a blind eye to injustice for the sake of promotion. The three brothers, with the belief that 'we cannot just let criminals go free,' band together to eliminate offenders. Casting is currently underway, aiming to start filming in the second half of this year.
ASTORY is also expected to intensify its efforts in producing the drama 'Embers' (tentative title) to celebrate its 21st anniversary. 'Embers' is garnering attention as the next work of writer Park Jae-bum, who has created top hits such as 'Good Doctor,' 'Hot Blood Priest,' and 'Vincenzo.' It is projected to captivate audiences in a unique genre of dynamic youth historical drama. Set during the Fifth Republic era, 'Embers' depicts the journey of a National Security Planning Agency agent who, having served his life in absolute loyalty to the country, becomes a protector of youth in the face of hypocritical state power. 'Embers,' with its fresh storyline and rhythmic pacing typical of writer Park Jae-bum, is sure to deliver thrilling entertainment to viewers.
Meanwhile, the tentpole drama 'Ricky' (tentative title), written by authors Jang Young-cheol and Jeong Kyung-soon, aims to begin production this year ahead of its scheduled 2026 release. Starring two legends from the pro wrestling world, 'Karate Chop' Yeok Do-san and 'Headbutt King' Kim Il, 'Ricky' intricately unravels the hidden stories of Zainichi Koreans, a topic that has not been explored until now. One of the key points of anticipation for 'Ricky' is its rich visuals and grand scale. The production team plans to pay close attention to every detail to realistically portray various historical backgrounds, such as the immigrant communities that flocked to Hawaii and Japan after World War II and the Korean milieu during the U.S. military government right after the Korean War. Furthermore, as a global tentpole project spanning Korea, the United States, and Japan, the crew is preparing for filming with top local talent and significant overseas location shoots.
The drama 'Crash,' which recorded the second-highest viewership rating in ENA's history, will return upgraded for a new season. Starting from Season 2, the Transportation Crime Investigation Team's affiliation changes to the National Investigation Agency to tackle traffic crimes, promising a larger scale and a more diverse array of stories along with spectacular vehicle action, delivering exhilarating thrills. The refreshing theme of investigating transportation crime is powerfully explored by writer Oh Soo-jin, while director Park Jun-woo, who has consistently delivered satisfying catharsis in each episode, once again joins forces, raising expectations.
There is also a fantasy romantic comedy historical drama titled 'Secret Love of the Palace.' Inspired by the classic novel known as 'Yun-Yeon' or 'The Dream Diary of the Palace,' it chronicles the love and secrets penned by the skilled court maid and a dedicated reader, Prince Hyang. Directed by Park Soo-jin, who has taken charge of dramas 'Why Oh Soo-jae?' and 'The Praise of Death,' the script will be penned by writer Lee Eun-mi, who was discovered through the 2020 Content Agency's New Writer Project, with announcements on the confirmed casting and platform expected soon.
Additionally, productions based on webtoons such as '340 Days of Grace,' the authentic melodrama 'PARADISE,' and the hardcore action-adventure 'At the River Where Evil Crawls' are also set to begin based on casting decisions.
ASTORY, which is building a diverse lineup of content, is stepping forward as an innovative and global comprehensive content studio. It is currently expanding various IP businesses alongside a wide range of globally produced content, solidifying its position as an innovative leader in the global industry.
[Photo] ASTORY
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