Mad Concrete Dreams
Mad Concrete Dreams is an upcoming South Korean thriller black comedy television series written by Oh Han-ki, directed by Yim Pil-sung, and starring Ha Jung-woo, Im Soo-jung, Kim Jun-han, Jung Soo-jung, and Shim Eun-kyung. The series follow a building owner who becomes involved in a kidnapping plot to resolve his mounting debts. It is scheduled to premiere on tvN in March 2026.
Synopsis
Ki Su-jong acquires a building in Seoul by utilizing maximum available loans, a practice known as "Yeongkkeul". Despite achieving the status of a property owner, he faces severe financial distress due to the resulting debt. To prevent the foreclosure of the building and support his family, Su-jong becomes involved in a criminal scheme. However, the plan deviates from the original intent, leading to unforeseen legal and personal complications.
Cast and characters
Main
Supporting
Special appearances
Production
Development
The series was developed under the working title Building Owner before being finalized as Mad Concrete Dreams. It is planned by Studio Dragon, a co-production between Mindmark and Studio 329, directed by Yim Pil-sung, and written by novelist Oh Han-ki. The plot is a crime thriller and black comedy centered on the financial pressures of property ownership and a "fake kidnapping" that escalates into a genuine criminal incident.
Casting
The casting process was finalized in late June 2025. Ha Jung-woo was cast in the lead role, marking his return to a domestic television network 19 years after the 2007 series H.I.T. Im Soo-jung joined the cast, this project is her first television role since 2021 and her second collaboration with Ha following the 2011 film Come Rain, Come Shine. Kim Jun-han, Jung Soo-jung, and Shim Eun-kyung were also cast. The role marks Shim's return to South Korean television after six years of working primarily in Japan. While to play a supporting role and a special appearances for Kim Nam-gil and Ju Ji-hoon.
Filming
Principal photography began in July 2025.
Release
Mad Concrete Dreams was slated to air on tvN in the first half of 2026. In early 2026, it was reported that the series is scheduled to premiere in March 2026, following Undercover Miss Hong.