Ha Jung-woo Leads Star-Studded Cast in New tvN Thriller 'The Landlord'

Director Im Pil-sung has assembled what he calls his "once-in-a-decade dream cast" for the upcoming tvN Saturday-Sunday drama "How to Become a Landlord in Korea." At the press conference held on March 9 at The Link Hotel in Guro-gu, Seoul, the director revealed the depth of his ambitions for the new series, set to premiere on March 14.

A Cast That Commands Attention

The drama brings together some of Korea's most acclaimed actors under one roof. Ha Jung-woo, one of the country's most bankable leading men, headlines the cast alongside Im Soo-jung, Kim Jun-han, Krystal Jung, and Shim Eun-kyung. The sheer star power of this lineup alone has generated significant pre-broadcast buzz among drama enthusiasts.

Director Im expressed immense satisfaction with the ensemble, describing the casting as the result of a powerful script. He told reporters that he considers this lineup a stroke of fortune that comes perhaps once in a decade, and teased that there are additional surprise guest appearances waiting in the wings that would further astound viewers.

A 'Housing Survival Drama' With Teeth

The premise of "How to Become a Landlord in Korea" tackles one of the most pressing social issues in contemporary Korean society: real estate. The series follows a debt-ridden building owner who resorts to staging a fake kidnapping scheme in a desperate bid to protect both his family and his property. Billed as a "housing survival drama," the show promises to blend dark comedy with thriller elements while directly confronting the fantasy and harsh reality behind home ownership in Korea.

The drama takes an unflinching look at the real estate dreams that dominate Korean society, exploring the lengths to which ordinary people might go when their most fundamental security is threatened. This socially relevant premise, combined with the proven talents of the creative team, suggests a series that aims to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Why This Drama Matters

Director Im Pil-sung is known for his ability to create tension-filled narratives with unexpected twists, and the marriage of his directorial style with Ha Jung-woo's commanding screen presence creates high expectations. Im Soo-jung brings dramatic gravitas, while Krystal Jung and Shim Eun-kyung add range and depth to what promises to be a multi-layered ensemble piece.

With its March 14 premiere rapidly approaching, "How to Become a Landlord in Korea" is positioned as one of the must-watch Korean dramas of the spring season. The combination of a topical premise, an exceptional cast, and a director brimming with confidence makes this one of the most anticipated new series on the 2026 drama landscape.