Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Despite controversy, 'The Wonderfools' aims to ‘Woo’ world with retro heroics
Actors Park Eun-bin, center, Choi Dae-hoon, right, and Im Seong-jae poseduring a press conference for the Netflix series "The Wonderfools" at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Park Jin-hai
Netflix's "The Wonderfools" marks Cha Eun-woo's return to the global spotlight, coming just as the actor puts a high-profile tax controversy behind him. The series is already generating massive hype as it reunites director Yoo In-sik with star Park Eun-bin — the powerhouse duo who previously dominated global charts with "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."
Set in 1999, "The Wonderfools" is a "superpower comic adventure" centered on a group of eccentric, bumbling townspeople who unexpectedly gain supernatural abilities. As the millennium approaches, this unlikely band of heroes must clumsily defend their home against villains intent on wreaking havoc.
"I’ve always had a soft spot for superheroes; it’s been a dream of mine to create one. When I first saw the concept, it really got my heart racing. It felt fresh and unique, and I wanted to translate that excitement to the audience," Yoo said during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday, speaking about his lifelong passion for the genre.
He likened the viewing experience to a theme park ride. "I want the audience to feel that 'seatbelt-clicking' thrill from start to finish, leaving them with plenty of laughs and a warm heart," he added.
Cha Eun-woo is seen in this scene from Netflix series "The Wonderfools." Courtesy of Netflix
Park stars as Chae-ni, the town’s resident troublemaker who gains the power of teleportation, while Cha plays Woon-jung, a socially awkward civic servant hiding psychokinetic powers.
Choi Dae-hoon takes on the role of a local nuisance with "sticky" abilities and Im Seong-jae rounds out the crew as a lovable pushover with super strength.
"I was drawn to the project because I saw so much potential in it. I really wanted to do something lighthearted and fun again, something that would just make people laugh, so I didn't hesitate to take the role," Park said. She described her character as a reckless, "live-for-today" type. "Because she’s lived with a chronic illness since childhood, she never knows when her time might be up — so she feels she has to say whatever is on her mind right then and there," she explained.
Yoo also shared his thoughts on reuniting with Park after their success on "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."
"Working with her on Woo, I found myself constantly in awe," he said. "I truly believe there is nothing this actress can’t do. I had total faith she could pull this off. She has much better comedic timing than people realize, and she's incredibly bold and courageous. I’m just grateful she was so willing to join the cast."
A poster for Netflix series "The Wonderfools" / Courtesy of Netflix
Navigating controversy
The series has drawn significant attention due to Cha’s recent tax issues. The actor, who was absent from the press conference, as he is currently serving in the military, faced allegations of tax evasion involving a shell company established by his mother. Following a rigorous National Tax Service investigation, Cha admitted to the lapse, issued an apology and paid the back taxes in full last month. While the taxes have been paid, public opinion remains mixed.
Yoo described Cha's civil servant character, saying, "He is a psychic with telekinetic powers, but he lives his life hiding them. Then, he gets tangled up with this group of people and is forced through a process of 'socialization' against his will. He’s a character shrouded in mystery."
When asked about the controversy, Yoo said, "I only saw the headlines after postproduction and editing were already finished. This series was a massive undertaking for everyone involved, and I focused entirely on the final quality of the drama."
He praised Cha’s commitment to the role, noting: "This was a physically demanding challenge for the entire cast. Everyone had to be fully committed to making the chemistry work. Eun-woo worked just as passionately as anyone else, and I’m very happy with the final product."
"The Wonderfools" arrives on Netflix on Friday.