IRIS (South Korean TV Series)
IRIS is a South Korean action-spy television series that aired on KBS2 from October 14 to December 17, 2009. Directed by Yang Yun-ho and Kim Kyu-tae, the 20-episode drama follows the lives of elite agents within the National Security System (NSS) and their involvement with a mysterious secret society known as IRIS.
Plot
The story centers on two best friends and elite NSS agents, Kim Hyeon-jun (Lee Byung-hun) and Jin Sa-woo (Jeong Jun-ho), who both fall in love with their colleague, Choi Seung-hee (Kim Tae-hee). Their relationship is tested when Hyeon-jun is sent on a solo mission to Hungary. After completing his objective, he is betrayed by Sa-woo and left for dead. Following a series of events that separate him from Seung-hee, Hyeon-jun discovers the existence of the clandestine organization IRIS and returns to South Korea to seek vengeance while the nation moves toward reunification.
Production
At the time of its development in 2008, IRIS was reported to have a budget exceeding 20 billion won, making it one of the most expensive Korean dramas produced to that date. The series was noted for its international scope, with filming locations spanning Hungary—including Budapest, Balaton, and Tihany—as well as Russia, Japan, the United States, and China. Production officially began in March 2009 in Akita Prefecture, Japan.
The series marked the return of lead actors Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee to television drama, with Lee appearing in his first series since 2003 and Kim since 2004. The show's high production value and star power led to significant international interest, with Japanese distribution rights sold to TBS for a record 400 million yen (approximately 5.3 billion won).
Cast
The series features a large ensemble cast, including:
- Lee Byung-hun as Kim Hyeon-jun
- Kim Tae-hee as Choi Seung-hee
- Jeong Jun-ho as Jin Sa-woo
- Kim Seung-woo as Park Cheol-yeong
- Kim So-yeon as Kim Sun-hwa
- T.O.P as Vick
- Kim Young-chul as Baek San
Franchise and Related Works
The success of IRIS led to the development of a broader franchise, including a feature film adaptation and spin-off series:
- IRIS: The Movie (2010)
- Athena: Goddess of War (2010)
- IRIS 2 (2013)