Despite being a remake, Money Heist: Korea — Joint Economic Area invites us into a much different world than its Spanish counterpart, La Casa de Papel. In the near future world depicted in the 12-part series, North and South Korea are finally on the verge of reunification, turning the Demilitarized Zone into a Joint Economic Area where the two countries will print a shared currency at the newly built United Korea Mint. But, apart from the stakes of the high-intensity thriller being altered, fans of the original will notice a few similarities: namely, the masterfully planned heist, the robbers’ iconic red jumpsuits and striking masks — this time, the Hahoe mask from South Korea’s Andong province, used to critique and mock those in power — as well as their names.

But the show also offers familiarities to those who haven’t seen the Spanish version. Many viewers will recognize a handful of Money Heist: Korea’s stars — a group of seasoned actors with a long list of credits. And if you just can’t quite remember where you’ve seen these familiar faces before, we’re here to help you solve the case.

L-R: Tartan Films/Everett Collection, Jung Jaegu/Netflix

Seen Oldboy? You’ll recognize Professor

Beginning his career as a fashion model, Yoo Ji-tae progressed into acting with the 1998 film Bye June. A series of hit films subsequently established Yoo’s star status, and he went on to act in more silver screen roles such as Park Chan-wook’s critically acclaimed noir thriller and South Korean box office hit Oldboy, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004. His recent works include the crime action films The Swindlers and Money. Yoo has also acted in several TV series, spanning a wide array of genres; his notable works include the action romance Healer, the investigation thriller Mad Dog and the romance melodrama When My Love Blooms. His role in the Korean version of the legal series The Good Wife earned him the best actor award at the 2017 Korea Cable TV Awards.

Yoo’s work as an actor led him to discover his passion for directing; not only does he hold a master’s degree in multimedia and film, but he has also directed several award-winning short films. His first feature film, Mai Ratima, won the Jury Prize at the 2013 Deauville Asian Film Festival. 

L-R: Mario Perez/ABC/Everett Collection, Jung Jaegu/Netflix

Seen Lost? You’ll recognize Inspector Seon Woojin

Born in South Korea and raised in the United States, Kim Yunjin’s acting experience ranges from theater to television. She’s best known for her role as Sun in the American sci-fi series Lost, which kickstarted her rise to international fame, as well as the ABC series Mistresses, in which she played Dr. Karen Kim.

Kim has also starred in numerous domestic films; her role in South Korea’s first blockbuster, Shiri, marked her breakthrough debut. Since then, Kim has gone on to appear in many more films, including 7 Days, The Neighbor and Ode to My Father. With multiple acting awards under her belt, Kim is a force to be reckoned with both domestically and worldwide.

L-R: Noh Juhan/Netflix, Jung Jaegu/Netflix

Seen Squid Game? You’ll recognize Berlin

Originally starting out as a musical theater actor, Park Hae-soo is perhaps best known for his role as the ruthless Cho Sang-woo in the survival thriller Squid Game. That wasn’t his first foray into the small screen, however; Park’s first leading role in the slice-of-life series Prison Playbook earned him the Best New Actor award at the 2018 Seoul Awards. Some other works include Six Flying Dragons, The Legend of the Blue Sea and Chimera.

In addition, Park has also starred in several films, ranging from the dystopian action flick Time to Hunt to the spy thriller Yaksha: Ruthless Operations. His lead role in the crime film By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture brought him two Best New Actor accolades at the 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards and the 25th Chunsa Film Art Awards. Park is set to appear in the series The Accidental Narco, a crime thriller based on the true story of a Korean drug lord, which is slated to release this year.

 L-R: Well Go USA/Everett Collection, Jung Jaegu/Netflix

Seen Burning? You’ll recognize Tokyo

Despite having a filmography of only three films, Jun Jong-seo has carved a name for herself as a breakout talent. Her very first film, the 2018 psychological thriller Burning, earned her critical acclaim and the Best New Actress award at the Asian Film Critics Association Awards. The film was also the first South Korean movie to be on the shortlist for an Academy Award nomination. Jun then went on to star in the thriller film Call, which further fueled her rise to stardom. The role netted her three domestic Best Actress awards, as well as international recognition.

Subsequently, Jun starred in her first English-language film Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, as well as the romantic film Nothing Serious. Jun has also been cast in two upcoming works, namely the revenge film Ballerina and the thriller series Ransom.

Right: Jung Jaegu/Netflix

Seen Parasite? You’ll recognize Cho Youngmin

Originally starting out as a stage actor, Park Myung-hoon made his big screen debut in the 2015 feature film Alive. He’s best known internationally for playing the housekeeper’s husband in Bong Joon-ho’s thriller Parasite, which won the Oscar for best picture in 2020. Park has since starred in several more films, including the action thriller Deliver Us from Evil and the crime flick On the Line.

In addition, Park made his way into TV with supporting roles in the romantic comedy Crash Landing on You, as well as the currently airing revenge melodrama Eve. Park is slated to appear in the historical film Owl and the family noir Portrait of a Family.

L-R: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage, Jung Jaegu/Netflix

Fan of fashion? You’ll recognize Nairobi

With experience as a radio DJ, actress and singer-songwriter, top model Jang Yoon-ju is more than just a triple threat. Kicking off her modeling career in 1997 at just 17 years of age, Jang has been honing her craft for decades. She served as a host and judge for several seasons of Korea’s Next Top Model, and she has even authored several books on fashion and modeling.

Jang made her acting debut as a feisty agent in the 2015 action-comedy Veteran. She then scored a lead role in the 2021 film Three Sisters, which earned her the Jury’s Special Award at the Golden Cinematography Awards. If you enjoy Korean music, you may have noticed her in some music videos, too; Jang has appeared in Toy's Good Person, Lee Hyori's Bad Girls and Aespa's Black Mamba.

‘Money Heist: Korea — Joint Economic Area’ Trailer Pulling off the ultimate heist is more complicated than anyone expected