Netflix is gearing up for another fantasy romance as cameras roll on Beauty in the Beast, a contemporary Korean adaptation that reimagines the classic fairy tale with a supernatural twist. The series marks a significant return to the platform for Lomon, whose breakout performance in All of Us Are Dead captured global audiences.
Fresh Take on Classic Romance
The upcoming K-drama transforms the beloved fairy tale into a modern werewolf narrative set in contemporary South Korea. Rather than the traditional curse-breaking storyline, this adaptation explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of living between two worlds. The series promises to blend supernatural elements with genuine emotional storytelling, a combination that has proven successful for Korean dramas in recent years.
Director Jin Hyeok, known for his work on period drama The Tale of Lady Ok, takes the helm alongside writer Jin Han Sae, whose credits include the critically acclaimed Extracurricular. This creative pairing suggests a project that balances visual storytelling with complex character development.
Cast Brings Star Power
The series features three rising stars whose recent work has garnered attention across streaming platforms. Kim Min Ju transitions from her K-pop background with IZ*ONE to lead the series as Ha Min Su, a university freshman navigating dual identities. Her character represents what the series describes as “the most successfully socialized werewolf in history,” someone who maintains her humanity while managing supernatural instincts.
This casting represents a bold move for Kim, who has primarily worked in supporting roles since her group disbanded four years ago. Her performances in Connection and Undercover High School demonstrated range, but Beauty in the Beast offers her first opportunity to anchor a major Netflix production.
Lomon’s involvement will undoubtedly draw viewers who discovered him through the zombie thriller that became one of Netflix’s most-watched Korean series. His character, Lee Do Ha, operates as a vigilante figure who channels werewolf abilities toward hunting drug dealers. This morally complex role differs significantly from his previous Netflix character, suggesting an opportunity for the actor to showcase different facets of his craft.
Moon Sang Min rounds out the central trio as Kwon Hae Jun, described as possessing both exceptional social skills and hidden secrets. The actor has demonstrated versatility across genres, from historical drama in Under the Queen’s Umbrella to contemporary romance in Wedding Impossible. His character appears positioned as the traditional romantic lead, creating potential tension within the supernatural love triangle.
Production Timeline and Release Expectations
Production commenced in South Korea this month, though Netflix has not announced a completion date for filming. Based on typical K-drama production schedules, which generally span three to six months for shooting followed by several months of post-production, industry observers anticipate a release window in 2027.
The series joins Netflix’s expanding slate of fantasy romance K-dramas, a genre that continues performing well internationally. Recent successes in supernatural storytelling demonstrate global appetite for Korean productions that blend romance with fantastical elements.
What Sets This Apart
While werewolf narratives frequently emphasize danger and violence, Beauty in the Beast appears focused on integration and coexistence. The protagonist’s goal of living without causing harm presents an interesting counterpoint to typical monster narratives. This approach aligns with broader trends in Korean drama toward humanizing supernatural characters and exploring their emotional struggles.
The series also tackles contemporary issues through its fantasy lens. Lee Do Ha’s targeting of drug dealers adds a vigilante justice angle that could resonate with audiences interested in stories that blend genre elements with social commentary.
Looking Ahead
Netflix continues investing heavily in Korean content, recognizing both domestic and international demand. Beauty in the Beast represents the platform’s ongoing commitment to diverse storytelling within the K-drama space, moving beyond traditional romantic comedies into genre-bending territory.
For Lomon specifically, the project offers a chance to demonstrate leading man potential between seasons of the series that launched his career. His All of Us Are Dead co-stars have pursued varied paths since that show’s success, and this role positions him prominently in Netflix’s Korean content ecosystem.
As filming progresses throughout 2026, fans can expect additional casting announcements for supporting roles and potentially first-look images as production advances. The series promises to deliver both the emotional depth Korean dramas are known for and the supernatural action that draws international audiences to genre content.
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