The Dealer: Netflix greenlights new drama from 'Squid Game' creator Hwang Dong-hyuk

Netflix has greenlit production on The Dealer, a new Korean-language casino crime drama produced by Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, and confirmed its principal cast.

The series marks another high-profile collaboration between the streaming platform and one of South Korea’s most recognised creative figures.

The Dealer centres on Geonhwa, a skilled casino dealer whose plans for marriage unravel after she becomes the victim of a housing fraud scheme. Forced back into a world she had previously chosen to leave behind, Geonhwa descends into the gambling underworld, where she must rely on long-suppressed abilities to regain control of her life. The screenplay was written by Ohnooy and Lee Tae-young.

Jung So-min, known for Love Reset and Alchemy of Souls, stars as Geonhwa. Her character is portrayed as a dealer who has spent years concealing talents that give her a rare advantage at the gaming table. Ryoo Seung-bum, whose credits include Good News and Tazza: One Eyed Jack, plays Hwang Chisu, a financially struggling gambler surviving through risky wagers who becomes entangled in Geonhwa’s dangerous plan.

Lee Soo-hyuk, seen in S Line and Queen Woo, appears as Jo Jun, a rival casino figure whose sharp instincts and unreadable presence make him a volatile opponent. Ryu Kyung-soo, from The Bequeathed and Jung_E, takes on the role of Choi Wooseung, Geonhwa’s fiancé, a detective whose calm domestic manner contrasts with his determined professional instincts.

The series marks the directorial debut of cinematographer Choi Young-hwan, whose previous work includes Smugglers, Veteran, Tazza: The High Rollers and The Thieves. Hwang Dong-hyuk serves as producer, reuniting with Firstman Studio, the company behind Squid Game.

Netflix has not yet announced a release date for The Dealer, but production is now underway.