Disney+ Plans Korean Adaptation of The Americans

Disney+ is developing a Korean-language adaptation of The Americans.

The Americans aired from 2013 to 2018 on FX. It followed two Soviet KGB agents posing as a married couple in the United States during the 1980s. The show explored espionage alongside family dynamics and identity conflicts.

The reported Korean adaptation would shift the narrative to the Korean peninsula. Instead of Soviet spies in the U.S., the story is expected to focus on North Korean operatives living undercover in South Korea during the 1990s. Within the context of South Korea’s modernization and turn toward democracy, the couple tries to undermine the country from within.

Eric Schrier, Disney’s head of international local originals, described the importance of the story for the moment. “It was really the passion of our Korean team that got me excited — and I could see that, because Korea is still divided, this could be a very culturally relevant story for the local audience, which is always the primary priority for our local original content.”

Production Status

Development of the series is underway, with key creative roles now identified. The project is being written by Park Eun-kyo, whose previous work includes Mother. Direction will be handled by Ahn Gil-ho, known for his work on The Glory.

‘Squid Game’ Star Lee Byung-hun, Han Jimin Begin Production on Disney+ K-Drama ‘The Koreans,’ Reimagining of FX’s ‘The Americans’ https://t.co/a1150sNS1y

— Variety (@Variety) March 25, 2026

Casting for the central couple has been reported by multiple entertainment outlets, identifying Lee Byung-hun and Han Ji-min as the leads. Both actors have established careers in Korean film and television, and Lee has also appeared in international productions, most notably Squid Game.

Disney in Korean Entertainment

Disney has increased investment in Korean content in recent years. The company distributes Korean originals globally through Disney+ and, in some regions, through Hulu. This strategy follows the international success of several Korean-language series across streaming platforms.

A screenshot from the trailer for The Americans – YouTube, FX

Recent examples include Moving, a high-budget action drama released on Disney+ that drew strong viewership and international attention. Another is Big Bet, a crime series starring Choi Min-sik, which marked one of Disney’s early Korean originals. The platform has also released The Worst of Evil, a crime drama set in the 1990s that gained visibility among global audiences. These projects illustrate Disney’s ongoing effort to build a steady pipeline of Korean-language programming for international distribution.

Broader Industry Context

The reported adaptation fits into a wider trend in the entertainment industry. Streaming services continue to adapt known properties for new markets. These projects often retain core themes while adjusting cultural and historical contexts.

The logo for Disney+ – YouTube, Disney+

Korean dramas, in particular, have gained wider global distribution over the past decade. Streaming platforms have responded by commissioning more local productions aimed at both regional and international audiences.

Original Series Legacy

The Americans received critical recognition during its run. It earned multiple awards and nominations, including honors at major television ceremonies. The show’s writing and performances drew consistent praise from critics.

A screenshot from the trailer for The Americans – YouTube, FX

Its focus on moral ambiguity and personal relationships within espionage helped distinguish it from other spy dramas. Any adaptation would likely face comparisons to the original, especially in how it balances political tension with character-driven storytelling.

Current Outlook

The Korean adaptation of The Americans reflects Disney+’s continued focus on expanding its international content lineup. The project brings a well-known premise into a new cultural and historical setting, aligning with broader industry trends in localized storytelling.

A screenshot from the trailer for The Americans – YouTube, FX

While several key elements of the production are now in place, further details are expected as the series moves through development. More information, including release timing and additional casting, will likely emerge in the coming months.

What do you think of the premise of The Koreans? What did you think of The Americans? Let us know your thoughts about the project in the comments below.