“Cashero” Unveils a New Breed of Heroes and Villains in Netflix Debut
The highly anticipated Netflix original series, “Cashero,” made its grand debut with a production presentation held at the Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event brought together the creative forces behind the show, including director Lee Chang-min and a star-studded cast comprising Lee Jun-ho, Kim Hye-jun, Kim Byung-chul, Kim Hyang-gi, Lee Chae-min, and Kang Han-na. This fresh take on the superhero genre promises a compelling narrative that blends extraordinary abilities with the everyday struggles of ordinary life.
At the heart of the story is Lee Jun-ho, portraying Sang-woong, a “smelly hero” endowed with a unique superpower: the more cash he possesses, the stronger he becomes. However, this power comes with a peculiar drawback – the money vanishes after its use. Standing in his way are the formidable siblings, Joanna and Jonathan, played by Kang Han-na and Lee Chae-min respectively. As members of the enigmatic “Criminal Association,” their primary objective is to seize the powers of heroes like Sang-woong.
Lee Jun-ho lauded the series’ ability to captivate audiences, describing it as “a story compelling enough to binge-watch all eight episodes in one sitting.” He emphasized the relatability of the hero’s journey, stating, “It’s a hero story deeply rooted in everyday life, making it easy to relate to.” He further teased the central conflict, noting, “Watch how the ‘Criminal Association,’ led by rising villain star Lee Chae-min, clashes with Sang-woong’s team.”
A New Villain Emerges: Lee Chae-min’s Villainous Debut
Lee Chae-min, who takes on the challenging role of Jonathan, expressed his immense gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside seasoned actor Lee Jun-ho. “It was an honor, and I learned so much,” he shared. Reflecting on his co-star, Lee Chae-min admitted, “I kept thinking, ‘How can someone act and look so cool at the same time?’ He dances and moves his body exceptionally well. Watching him handle so many action scenes while syncing with me made me wonder, ‘Could I ever do that?’” He credited Lee Jun-ho for providing crucial support, stating, “He gave me courage and guidance. The filming felt like a dream.”
The MC for the event, Park Kyung-lim, playfully questioned Lee Chae-min’s sophisticated portrayal of a character associated with a “smelly” hero. Lee Jun-ho, in turn, graciously acknowledged Lee Chae-min’s burgeoning talent, remarking, “Thank you for the kind words, rising star Lee Chae-min,” which elicited laughter from the audience. He recalled their initial scenes together, praising Lee Chae-min’s dedication: “I remember our first scene together. His focus, preparation, and effort to showcase his work were impressive.” Lee Jun-ho continued, “We synced well during scenes, and by the end, we’d grown close—it was sad to wrap up. Acting with Lee Chae-min was enjoyable.” This reciprocal admiration highlights a strong on-screen and off-screen chemistry that is sure to translate into compelling performances.
Kang Han-na’s Ruthless Ambition and Memorable Lines
Kang Han-na returns to the screen as a formidable antagonist, Joanna, a character driven by an unwavering pursuit of her goals. Having previously shared the screen with Lee Chae-min in tvN’s “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty,” she embraces a much darker persona in “Cashero.” Her most impactful line, directed at Lee Jun-ho’s character, was a scathing declaration: “You’re broke now, right? You filthy XX.” Kang Han-na explained her intention behind delivering such a bold statement, saying, “I’d never uttered or even rehearsed such a line before, but I hoped viewers would find it satisfying.” She recalled the challenging conditions during the shoot, noting, “It was scorching hot that day, but both Lee Jun-ho and the director loved it, which made me happy.” Lee Jun-ho, impressed by the delivery, even predicted, “It might become a catchphrase.”
The Supporting Cast: Powers Fueled by Everyday Quirks
Beyond the central conflict, “Cashero” introduces a compelling ensemble of characters who form Sang-woong’s support system, each possessing unique and often humorous superpowers. Kim Byung-chul portrays Byun-ho-in, a character whose ability to pass through any barrier is activated by alcohol. Joking about the impracticality of his character’s power, Kim Byung-chul mused, “If I actually had a superpower, it’d be exhausting. I’m not a heavy drinker, so managing this power would be impossible. I’d probably offload it onto someone else.”
Complementing this is Kim Hyang-gi as Bang Eun-mi, a telekinetic whose powers are fueled by calorie consumption. Reflecting on the moral implications of wielding such abilities, Kim Hyang-gi expressed, “I want to live normally, but if I had powers, guilt might force me to use them. I’d probably get angry but still try to do good.” These individual character arcs and their relatable quandaries add depth and humor to the superhero narrative.
“Cashero” centers on Sang-woong, an ordinary salaryman grappling with the escalating costs of a wedding and the prohibitive housing market. His life takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers his ability to harness superhuman strength through his wealth. The series is billed as a relatable “my money, my power” comedy hero story, adeptly balancing the mundane realities of financial pressures with the exhilarating world of extraordinary abilities. The entire eight-episode series is set to premiere on Netflix on the 26th, promising a binge-worthy experience for audiences worldwide.
