After a two-year delay, TVING’s crime thriller “Villains” is finally ready to unleash chaos on December 18, 2025. This high-stakes drama brings together three powerhouse actors—Yoo Ji Tae, Lee Min Jung, and Lee Beom Soo—in a deadly game where everyone’s a villain, and trust is the ultimate luxury.
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Villains Drama Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Villains (악당들) |
| Platform | TVING |
| Premiere Date | December 18, 2025 |
| Genre | Crime, Action, Thriller |
| Director | Jin Hyuk (Legend of the Blue Sea, Master’s Sun) |
| Writer | Kim Hyung Joon (No Mercy) |
| Episodes | TBA |
| Main Cast | Yoo Ji Tae, Lee Min Jung, Lee Beom Soo, Kwak Do Won |
The Plot: Where Greed Meets Genius
The series revolves around an ultra-precise counterfeit bill known as the “Supernote”—a fake so flawless it could topple financial systems. When criminals start swapping counterfeit cash for real money, only to have both stolen in an endless cycle of betrayal, the drama transforms into an unpredictable psychological chess match.
Meet the Villains
Yoo Ji Tae as “J”
A mastermind criminal with a perfect 100 percent success rate, J is the genius behind the notorious Casino Dealer Counterfeit Bill Case. He views his crimes as art, orchestrating elaborate schemes with surgical precision.
Lee Min Jung as Han Soo Hyun
In her first drama in two years, Lee transforms into the best counterfeit bill artist in the game. After J’s scheme destroyed her life five years ago, she’s been honing her craft and waiting for the perfect moment to strike back.
Lee Beom Soo as Cha Ki Tae
A former National Intelligence Service Financial Crimes Team leader, Cha’s life became a wreck because of J’s past operation. Now he’s back on the hunt, obsessively tracking the criminal who ruined everything.
For more K-drama casting news and actor spotlights, explore our Korean entertainment coverage.
Why the Delay?
Originally scheduled for 2023, the drama faced postponement after co-star Kwak Do Won was charged with drunk driving in September 2022, shortly after filming wrapped. The production remained in limbo until TVING confirmed the December release, though details about potential edits remain under wraps.
What Makes “Villains” Stand Out
Director Jin Hyuk, known for his work on hit series like “Legend of the Blue Sea,” brings his signature style to this gritty crime world. Paired with writer Kim Hyung Joon’s thriller expertise from the film “No Mercy,” the series promises intense confrontations and unexpected plot twists.
The drama’s tagline—”The ‘super’ crime of the worst begins”—hints at a dangerous world built on shifting alliances, brutal betrayals, and blood-stained deals. With each character hiding different desires behind cold stares, viewers can expect a masterclass in criminal psychology.
Check out our crime thriller recommendations for similar edge-of-your-seat viewing experiences.
Availability
“Villains” will stream exclusively on TVING for audiences in South Korea, the Asia-Pacific region, and Japan starting December 18, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is “Villains” based on a true story or webtoon?
No, “Villains” is an original screenplay written specifically for television by Kim Hyung Joon. The story explores fictional criminal operations centered around sophisticated counterfeit currency.
Q: Will Kwak Do Won appear in the final version despite the controversy?
TVING representatives have remained cautious about revealing details regarding Kwak Do Won’s role, citing potential spoilers. The extent of his appearance in the finished series remains unclear pending the official release.
