La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) ended just six months ago. With El Professor and his gang so fresh in everyone’s minds, the prospect of another Money Heist (Money Heist: Korea- Joint Economic Area) may have had audiences feel as though Netflix was rushing things. This thought may have gained traction after a glimpse of the trailer featuring the bank, the robbers, the masks, and the red jumpsuits. 

The character code names also remained, as city names could stay common across geographical borders. However, fans can heave a sigh of relief after a Money Heist: Korea- Joint Economic Area writer promised that the Netflix offering would have its own identity despite being a remake.

Money Heist: Korea- Joint Economic Area will appeal to Korean and foreign viewers 

In the official Money Heist: Korea- Joint Economic Area press conference, writer Ryu Yong-jae used an example of two renowned rice dishes. 

He said, “Similar to how paella and fried rice are both famous rice dishes, the series may look similar with their charming characters and the heist plan. But we have added some Korean flavors, making the series refreshing for Korean and foreign viewers — including an imaginary area named the ‘Joint Economic Area’ created by North and South Korea, who are close to unifying.”

The promise of a fresh blend and knowledge of Korean content exceeding expectations is something that could provoke many to stream this series on June 24.

Does anyone remember that the only international film to claim the Oscar for Best Picture (Parasite) is a Korean offering? Additionally, fans need only look at Netflix shows like Squid Game, All of Us Are Dead, Business Proposal, and Alchemy of Souls to understand the quality of content emerging from the peninsula. 

Read More: Money Heist: Korea Does What No Other K-Drama Has Done So Far, Making It Different Right Out of the Gate

The spins and twists will emerge in a few hours, but one change has been quite noticeable in this Netflix Original.

Money Heist: Korea will see the robbers in Hahoetal masks

The idea of the robbers wearing masks remains the same in Money Heist: Korea. However, unlike their Spanish counterparts who had Dali masks, the Korean gang will wear traditional Hahoetal masks. These masks originated from the Hahoe Village in Adang, Korea. 

Money Heist: Korea- Joint Economic Area‘s Berlin (Park Hae-soo) elaborated on the difference between the Hahoetal and Dali masks. He said, “Unlike the Dali mask, which symbolizes freedom, the hahoe mask was originally used to mock upper-class social elites. I believe this goes well with our storyline. The hahoe mask alone creates a unique atmosphere that will mesmerize viewers.” (h/t The Korea Herald)

Based on the teaser trailer of this incoming Netflix series, the masks fit in well with the storyline of the rich getting richer. They also look a tad scary in some way and represent the promised Korean flavor.

Will there be some more surprises that emerge? How excited are you? Money Heist: Korea- Joint Economic Area will stream from June 24.