Netflix is bringing a dark, emotional story to life with its upcoming noir series, “Kin and Sin” (working title). It is a gripping family saga set against the breathtaking yet turbulent backdrop of Jeju Island.
The drama stars some of Korea’s most respected actors, Han Suk Kyu, Yoon Kye Sang, Choo Ja Hyun, Yoo Jae Myung, Kim Jong Soo, and Go Doo Shim. As the name suggests, the series promises to explore the fine line between kinship and sin and loyalty and betrayal.
Plot Overview
At its core, Kin and Sin (Korean title: Gwondang) is a noir drama that tells the story of three powerful Jeju families — the Bu, the Yang, and the Go clans. They are locked in a brutal struggle to protect their bloodlines and control their island. Each family has its own empire and secrets, and as their interests collide, what begins as a matter of pride soon spirals into a violent quest for dominance.
The title itself, “Gwondang,” comes from a Jeju dialect word meaning “relatives who perform ancestral rites together.” In the series, it becomes a metaphor for the deep, sometimes suffocating ties that bind — and destroy — families.
Kin and Sin Cast Lineup
- Veteran actor Han Suk Kyu takes on the role of Bu Yong Nam, the powerful head of the Bu family, leaders in Jeju’s pig farming and horse racing industries. Amid rising tensions among the Bu, Yang, and Go families, Yong Nam must protect not only his clan’s land but its reputation and future. Han Suk Kyu is known for his performances in Doubt, Secret Door, Dr. Romantic, and more.
- Yoon Kye Sang plays Bu Geon, Yong Nam’s half-brother and the Bu family’s second son. Constantly feeling like an outsider, Bu geon struggles to hold his ground amid internal power plays. Yoon is known for his performances in The Outlaws, The Frog, and The Kidnapping Day.
- Choo Ja Hyun stars as Bu Yong Seon, another key member of the Bu family. With her sharp instincts, Yong Seon is not one to be underestimated. Choo has delivered memorable performances in Little Women, Head Over Heels, Beautiful World, and more.
- Yoo Jae Myung as Yang Gwang Ik, the ambitious head of the Yang clan, which is rising fast through real estate development. With his calculating mind and quiet ruthlessness, Yang Gwang Ik stands as Bu Yong Nam’s greatest rival. His acting credits include Tempest, Uncle Samsik, Song of the Bandits, and more.
- Kim Jong Soo plays Go Dae Su, the leader of the once-powerful Go family of Seogwipo. Once flourishing thanks to their casino business, the family has fallen from grace, and Dae Su must now decide how far he will go to reclaim his clan’s former glory. Kim’s ability to portray flawed, deeply human characters (Moving, Gangnam B-Side) makes him a perfect fit for this complex role.
- Go Doo Shim, one of Korea’s most beloved actresses — and a true Jeju native — joins the cast as Daepan Halmang, a matriarch with deep roots in Jeju’s traditions. Following her unforgettable performance in Our Blues, Go returns to her homeland once again with a new series.
Production Team
The series is directed by Choi Jeong Yeol, best known for Vigilante, Start-Up, and One Way Trip. Choi has a gift for balancing sharp action with rich emotional storytelling, and with Gwondang, he’s set to explore the darker side of family, loyalty, and greed.
The production team includes members that have worked on hits like Squid Game, Bloodhounds, Nacro-Saints, and The Spy Gone North.
While Jeju is often romanticized for its beauty and calm, Gwondang will show a different side — a world of family feuds, buried secrets, and power struggles.
The series is currently in production and will be released exclusively on Netflix.
