Ace Story has announced an exciting lineup of eight dramas set for production this year and next. Starting with 'Crash 2: Road of Fury' on ENA later this year and 'Secret Records of Suseong Palace' on tvN next year, the company aims to captivate both domestic and international audiences with a wide range of genres, including historical romance, occult noir, sci-fi action thriller, and period dramas.
The globally unique drama 'Crash,' which focuses on traffic crime investigations, returns with its second season, 'Crash 2: Road of Fury,' two years after its debut. This new season will follow the Traffic Crime Investigation team (TCI) of the National Investigation Headquarters as they tackle nationwide traffic crimes. With advanced technology and more cunning criminals, the drama promises an expanded universe and scale, delivering another thrilling catharsis to viewers.
Idol-turned-actor Park Ji-sung (NCT's Jisung) will play Ji Dae-se, a rookie cop who idolizes the TCI team, alongside Lee Min-ki, Kwak Sun-young, Heo Sung-tae, Lee Ho-chul, and Moon Hee. Writer Oh Soo-jin and director Park Joon-woo, who successfully brought the unique theme of traffic crime investigation to life in the previous season, reunite for this project.
Scheduled to air on tvN, 'Secret Records of Suseong Palace' is a fusion historical romance set before the promulgation of Hangul. It follows the story of court lady Un-yeong, who secretly learns the Korean script, and Crown Prince Hyang, who is captivated by her writing. This drama is significant as it is the first to spotlight King Sejong's eldest son, Crown Prince Munjong, who was skilled in both literature and martial arts, as well as science and military strategy. Director Park Soo-jin, known for 'Why Her?' and 'Hymn of Death,' will helm the project, with writer Lee Seo-an, discovered through the Korea Creative Content Agency's New Writer Project, penning the script. Kang Hoon and Chae Won-bin are being considered for the roles of the crown prince and court lady.
'Destruction Emperor,' set to begin production later this year, tells the story of a former ace killer in organized crime who is assigned to a police protection team for victims. Through his unique 'customized victim safety measures,' he aims to change the paradigm of victim protection. Director Shin Kyung-soo, known for 'Six Flying Dragons,' 'Nokdu Flower,' and 'The Police Station Next to the Fire Station,' will bring thrilling action to the screen.
In addition to tentpole dramas 'Ricky' and 'UFP,' five other dramas, including 'Iron Bars,' 'Evil by the River,' and 'Embers (working title),' are in discussions for casting and scheduling.
The tentpole drama 'Ricky' centers on two legendary figures in professional wrestling, 'Karate Chop' Rikidozan and 'Headbutt King' Kim Il. It delves into the untold stories of Zainichi Koreans, offering a rich visual experience with diverse historical backgrounds and grand scale.
Another tentpole drama, 'UFP,' is set to be a groundbreaking seasonal project that differentiates itself from Hollywood-style sci-fi fantasy with a uniquely Korean story. Set in a near-future South Korea, it will explore cyberpunk narratives with themes of K-pop, urban air mobility (UAM), and robotics.
'Iron Bars' is a comedic action drama about 'Park Chang,' a former detective turned bounty hunter, who teams up with his brothers, 'Park Cheol,' a police officer in the women's and youth division, and 'Park Sal,' an IT expert in cybercrime investigation, to capture criminals. Written by Kim Je-young, known for 'The Day of Kidnapping,' the drama follows the trio's mission to bring justice to criminals.
Lastly, 'Evil by the River' is a K-occult drama directed by Park Yoo-young, who showcased youthful sensibility and sophisticated visuals in 'Good Woman Busemi.' It tells a love story between a shaman and a man, conveying a message of hope and companionship in a world filled with malice and greed.
Additionally, projects like 'Embers,' the novel adaptation 'Girl Goes to Prison,' 'Tiger Lady,' and the traditional melodrama 'Paradise' are set to begin production once casting is finalized. Ace Story is also expanding its IP business with a variety of globally-oriented content.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr