Lee Jun-ho returns as 'pay-to-power' hero in ‘Cashero’

Actor Lee Jun-ho in a scene from Netflix series “Cashero” / Courtesy of Netflix

Netflix’s latest Korean series “Cashero” flips the script on the conventional superhero formula, delivering an everyday hero story about a man whose cash-dependent powers force him to choose between real-world pressures and helping those in need — burdens that weigh heavier than epic villains or cosmic threats.

"‘Cashero’ is an everyday supernatural series where an ordinary person uses superpowers to protect their daily life," its director Lee Chang-min said during a press conference in Seoul, Monday.

“I wanted to differentiate this from existing hero stories. Rather than a battle between superheroes, I wanted to create a hero where an ordinary person fights using their abilities."

Cashero tells the story of Sang-ung (Lee Jun-ho), an ordinary public servant struggling to cover wedding costs and housing expenses, who suddenly acquires a power that grows stronger with the amount of cash he holds in his hands.

He grapples with the choice between his living expenses and his superpowers, blending realistic human struggles with the surreal events unfolding in this unrealistic world.

In addition to Sang-ung, who earns the "pay-to-power" supernatural power, the series features his girlfriend Min-sook (Kim Hye-jun), superhero association member Byeon Ho-in (Kim Byung-chul), Bang Eun-mi (Kim Hyang-gi), and villainous siblings Jonathan (Lee Chae-min) and Joanna (Kang Han-na).

From left, actors Kim Hye-jun, Lee Jun-ho, Kim Hyang-gi and Kim Byung-chul pose during a press conference for Netflix series “Cashero” at The Westin Seoul Parnas in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Lead actor Lee joked that he actually preferred the power of Eun-mi, who gains strength by eating, over his own character’s ability to exercise supernatural power by spending cash.

"To be honest, I’m not a fan of my own supernatural power. I’m serious. The one I like most is Bang Eun-mi’s power," he said. "If eating were my supernatural power, I would spend my entire fortune on it. I love eating that much."

In response, actor Kim Hyang-gi introduced her character’s nickname "Bbangmi" because her power is based on how much she eats.

"[In this series], I always carry bread with me to be ready to use psychokinesis. I tried hard to make sure my lines didn't sound awkward while I was busy eating bread," she said.

Actor Kim Byung-chul plays Byeon, a lawyer with supernatural power. His powers are activated when he drinks alcohol.

"I thought viewers might worry, wondering, ‘Can this guy actually carry out a mission? Is he just going to end up passed out on the street?’" Kim said. "I acted with the hope that people would enjoy the unexpected twists."

The eight-episode series will be released on the platform on Friday.