Netflix is preparing a bold new take on a timeless story — and this time, it’s coming from Korea’s thriving drama industry.
Beauty in the Beast is an upcoming South Korean Netflix Original fantasy romantic comedy that reinterprets Beauty and the Beast through a modern lens. The series blends the emotional heart of the original fairy tale with supernatural mystery and university romance — featuring werewolves, hidden identities, and the tension between love and survival in a human world.
Directed by Jin Hyeok (The Tale of Lady Ok) and written by Jin Han Sae, the acclaimed screenwriter behind Extracurricular, the series aims to capture both the fantasy spectacle and emotional resonance that have made Korean dramas global hits.
Plot Overview: Love, Secrets, and Survival
At its heart, Beauty in the Beast tells the story of Ha Min Su, a freshman werewolf trying to live an ordinary life among humans. Having learned to conceal her true identity, Min Su struggles between keeping her secret and following her heart — especially when she falls for Kwon Hae Jun, an older student who represents everything she desires but can never have.
Meanwhile, another werewolf, Lee Do Ha, prowls the city’s underworld. But unlike Min Su, he embraces his darker nature, using his powers to hunt down drug traffickers and criminals. As the two werewolves’ paths cross and the line between humanity and instinct blurs, Beauty in the Beast promises an enthralling mix of romance, fantasy, and moral conflict.
Series Premise Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Beauty in the Beast |
| Genre | Fantasy, Romance, Comedy |
| Director | Jin Hyeok (The Tale of Lady Ok) |
| Writer | Jin Han Sae (Extracurricular) |
| Main Cast | Kim Min Ju, Lomon, Moon Sang Min |
| Filming Start | Expected early 2026 |
| Estimated Release | 2027 |
| Platform | Netflix (Global) |
| Production Status | In development |
Meet the Cast: Rising Stars of K-Drama
Netflix has confirmed three of the most promising young talents in Korean entertainment for the lead roles. Each actor brings a strong following and proven range — a major draw for international audiences.
Kim Min Ju as Ha Min Su
Former IZ*ONE member Kim Min Ju leads the series as Ha Min Su, marking a milestone in her acting career. Since her idol group’s disbandment in 2021, Min Ju has built a steady résumé with appearances in The Forbidden Marriage, Connection, and Undercover High School.
Her upcoming project Shining will mark her first lead role before Beauty in the Beast begins production.
As Ha Min Su, Min Ju plays a freshman navigating a world where humans and supernatural beings coexist — though her existence as a werewolf must remain secret. Her character is described as intelligent, compassionate, and deeply conflicted between love and loyalty to her kind.
“Ha Min Su’s heart is human, but her instincts are not,” an early production note reportedly teases. “She embodies the struggle between concealment and freedom.”
Lomon as Lee Do Ha
Lomon, best known to global Netflix audiences for his breakout role in All of Us Are Dead, joins the cast as the mysterious and dangerous Lee Do Ha.
Unlike Min Su, Do Ha doesn’t hide his nature — he uses it. Working as a vigilante who preys on drug dealers and criminals, Do Ha’s ruthless methods conceal a wounded conscience and tragic past.
Lomon’s casting brings credibility to the series’ darker undertones, with his performance in Revenge of Others and Family Matters proving his ability to play complex anti-heroes. The actor is also confirmed to return for All of Us Are Dead Season 2, meaning production for Beauty in the Beast will follow shortly after he completes filming.
Moon Sang Min as Kwon Hae Jun
Rising star Moon Sang Min plays Kwon Hae Jun, the charming university senior who captures Min Su’s heart — and unknowingly holds the power to expose her secret.
Moon has become one of the most in-demand young actors in South Korea following his performances in Under the Queen’s Umbrella and Wedding Impossible. His Netflix presence has grown with My Name and multiple drama leads, making him a familiar face to K-drama fans worldwide.
As Hae Jun, Moon embodies the “beauty” of the story — outwardly perfect, gentle, and understanding, but carrying his own pain. His growing affection for Min Su will drive much of the emotional tension in the story’s central triangle.
Behind the Scenes: The Team Bringing the Magic
Director Jin Hyeok is no stranger to fantasy and romance. Known for his visual storytelling and character-driven drama, he previously helmed The Tale of Lady Ok and City Hunter.
Pairing with Jin Han Sae, whose sharp writing on Extracurricular brought gritty realism to youth storytelling, this collaboration promises a rare balance of supernatural mystery and relatable coming-of-age emotion.
The drama will reportedly be produced by a partnership between Studio Dragon and Netflix Korea, ensuring high production value and global distribution. Early concept art suggests a moody, neo-Gothic aesthetic — merging traditional Korean folklore visuals with modern urban backdrops.
Production Timeline: From Development to 2027 Premiere
While excitement for Beauty in the Beast is growing, the project remains in early development. Both Kim Min Ju and Lomon are currently tied to other productions, which has delayed the start of filming.
Industry trackers expect cameras to roll in early 2026, with post-production and special effects work extending well into 2027.
Given the expected scale of fantasy effects, supernatural action, and international marketing, a late 2027 release window seems most realistic.
| Stage | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Script Finalization | Late 2025 |
| Principal Filming | Q1–Q2 2026 |
| Post-Production | Late 2026–Mid 2027 |
| Global Netflix Release | Late 2027 |
Why ‘Beauty in the Beast’ Matters?
Netflix’s investment in original K-dramas has paid off massively — from Squid Game to Sweet Home — and Beauty in the Beast continues that trend, expanding into fantasy romance with fresh, young leads.
This project reflects Netflix Korea’s next wave of content: high-concept, globally resonant storytelling that blends cultural mythos with emotional universality. By combining familiar fairy-tale structure with distinctly Korean settings and modern issues, Beauty in the Beast could become Netflix’s next cross-border hit.
Entertainment analysts note that Netflix has doubled down on fantasy-romance hybrids after the global success of Alchemy of Souls and My Demon, signaling growing Western appetite for Korean supernatural dramas.
Fan Expectations and Early Reactions
Since the casting news surfaced, Korean and international fans have expressed excitement across social media.
Fans of Kim Min Ju are particularly thrilled to see her transition from idol to lead actress in a Netflix Original. Meanwhile, the pairing of Lomon and Moon Sang Min — both known for strong, emotional performances — has sparked speculation about the series’ love triangle and darker undertones.
“It’s like Twilight meets Beauty and the Beast, but with Korean fantasy flair,” wrote one fan on Twitter (X). “Min Ju as the werewolf heroine is perfect casting.”
Why Fans Should Watch?
For lovers of True Beauty, My Demon, or The King: Eternal Monarch, this series promises a similar blend of romance, myth, and heart.
With its star-powered cast, proven creative team, and Netflix’s global backing, Beauty in the Beast looks set to be one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of 2027.
FAQs
1. What is Beauty in the Beast about?
It’s a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, reimagined through Korean fantasy — following Ha Min Su, a young werewolf torn between her human identity and her love for a senior student.
2. Who are the lead actors?
The series stars Kim Min Ju, Lomon, and Moon Sang Min in central roles.
3. When will filming begin?
Filming is expected to start in the first half of 2026, depending on cast availability.
4. When is the release date?
Netflix has not confirmed an exact date, but Beauty in the Beast is expected to release sometime in 2027.
5. Who is directing and writing the series?
Directed by Jin Hyeok and written by Jin Han Sae, both respected names in K-drama production.
6. Where will filming take place?
Though not officially announced, early reports suggest filming will occur across Seoul and rural Korean locations, to highlight both urban modernity and mystical folklore.
