Fans of Korean entertainment may be in for a treat. All signs point toward a long-anticipated reunion between Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Byung Hun in The Koreans, a high-budget spy drama directed by Ahn Gil Ho, known for the global hit The Glory.
If confirmed, the project will bring together two of Korea’s most internationally recognized stars for the first time in over 16 years, since their appearance as siblings in the 1999 SBS drama Happy Together. This time, they are being considered for the roles of a married spy couple, an upgrade in both scale and stakes.
The Koreans is described as a Korean remake of the acclaimed FX series The Americans, which originally depicted Cold War-era spies posing as an American family in Washington, D.C. The Korean adaptation will shift the backdrop to the 1980s, during South Korea’s period of military dictatorship, a turbulent time marked by political tension and authoritarian rule.
Produced by Studio AA, The Koreans comes with a massive production budget. Discussions with global OTT platforms are ongoing, with the aim of securing a worldwide release. Filming for the remake is set for the second half of 2025.
Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Byung Hun are considered among the top tier of Korean entertainment, both domestically and internationally. A reunion between the two stars would be highly symbolic after decades apart.
Jun Ji Hyun (also known as Gianna Jun) remains one of Korea’s most bankable actresses. She became a global icon with My Sassy Girl, and in K-dramas she has led hits like My Love From the Star and Legend of the Blue Sea.
She recently headlined Disney+’s political thriller Tempest (premiering September 10, 2025), where she plays UN diplomat Seo Mun Ju opposite Gang Dong Won. This will mark her television comeback after Jirisan in 2021.
Lee Byung Hun has balanced a successful career at home and overseas, with roles in Hollywood titles G.I. Joe: Retaliation and The Magnificent Seven.
Having said that, he also remains a powerhouse in Korean cinema. He recently took on a leading role in Park Chan Wook’s No Other Choice, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival.
The film has also been chosen as South Korea’s official submission for the upcoming Academy Awards. His role in Netflix’s Squid Game 3 also boosted his global fame.
Director Ahn Gil Ho has established himself as one of Korea’s most in-demand storytellers, with hits like Stranger, Happiness, and The Glory under his belt.
As for Jun Ji Hyun, her agency PEACHY confirmed that she has been approached to star in The Koreans. The agency explained that she is carefully considering the offer while reviewing her current commitments. They added that she will likely finalize her decision after coordinating her busy schedule. Alongside The Koreans, she is also considering Human X Gumiho, a fantasy drama by Beauty Inside writer Im Mea Ri.
Lee Byung Hun’s side has not confirmed final details, though industry insiders say he is in advanced talks.
If The Koreans secures Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Byung Hun, it will mark one of the most ambitious star pairings in recent K-drama history. A high-stakes spy thriller set against a politically charged era, with two of Korea’s biggest stars at the forefront, has all the ingredients for global buzz.
