A world of real crime designed with counterfeit money is opening up.
On the 11th, the team behind the TVING original series ‘Villains’, which will be released on the 18th, revealed character posters and a trailer for the first two episodes, raising anticipation for the intense battle involved in the “super note” war.
‘Villains’, premiering simultaneously across countries like Korea, the Asia-Pacific region, and Japan through global streaming services, depicts a fierce clash centering on the hyper-realistic counterfeit currency known as “super notes.” The story follows those who attempt to exchange counterfeit bills for real currency and the unpredictable mind games of the “strong” players trying to reclaim the exchanged money.
Co-directed by Jin Hyuk, known for hits like ‘Sisyphus’, ‘The Legend of the Blue Sea’, and ‘Master’s Sun’, along with Park Jin-young, who brings a unique flair, and written by Kim Hyung-jun of ‘No Mercy’ fame, this series promises a new level of crime action entertainment. The collaboration of trusted actors like Yu Ji-tae and Lee Min-jung only heightens fans’ expectations.
The distinctive aura of Jay (played by Yu Ji-tae), Cha Ki-tae (played by Lee Beom-soo), and Han Soo-hyeon (played by Lee Min-jung) in the newly released character posters captures attention. The added phrase, “I’ll help you make real money,” reflects the genius mind of Jay, a crime designer known for his 100% success rate. Known as “Codename J” and shrouded in mystery, he designs a game of desire starting with the “Casino Dealer Counterfeit Bill Incident.”
Cha Ki-tae, the former head of the National Intelligence Service’s financial crime team, lost everything due to the “Casino Counterfeit Bill Incident.” His presence is captivating, even in the shadows. His determination to pursue the elusive designer Jay, who is tied to “money’s scent,” is evident.
Lee Min-jung, transformed into Han Soo-hyeon, a top banknote artist, shines. Her line, “I’ll make real money,” signals her significant role in the “super note” game, alongside designer Jay. Her intense gaze, filled with sharp anger, ignites curiosity about her hidden story of vengeance.
The newly released trailer for episodes 1-2 gives a clearer picture of these characters. The genius designer Jay is a target of a cross-border investigation. His relaxed demeanor, as he introduces himself with a smile, captures interest. The spotlight also falls on several significant figures: Jang Joong-hyuk, the head of Seoul Metropolitan Police’s Violent Crimes Unit; National Intelligence Service agent Cha Ki-tae; and Han Soo-hyeon, the sole recipient of Korea’s top banknote technology. Their unpredictable actions towards their goals create intrigue.
The drama accelerates with Jay’s command to Han Soo-hyeon, “Print 300,000 counterfeit bills,” sparking an intense “super note” game. The meticulous coordination to exchange counterfeit for real bills and the unforeseen clashes suggest an unpredictable development. Jay signals the start of the game with “Shall we begin?” marking the beginning of a brutal war of villains.
Meanwhile, ‘Villains’, the TVING original, will premiere its first two episodes on Thursday, the 18th, at 6 PM on TVING. It will also be available through HBO Max in 17 Asia-Pacific countries and regions and on Disney+ Japan.
Image source: TVING
