Disney has announced an upcoming 16-episode period drama series coming later this year to Disney+ (Hulu in the United States) titled Uncle Samsik, which will star Song Kong-ho (Parasite, Snowpiercer) and Byun Yo-han (Mr. Sunshine, Six Flying Dragons).
The series is set in 1960s Korea during a period of upheaval and unrest, with one man operating in the shadows and manipulating the system and its key players for the advancement of the country.
Byun Yo-han plays Kim San, an ambitious idealist and Albright Scholarship recipient looking to bring an American-level of affluence to the people of Korea by transforming his country into an industrial nation.
With his determination to succeed, San attracts the attention of Pak Doochill/Uncle Samsik (played by Song Kang-ho), a shady fixer and social chameleon who adapts to any situation and takes whatever steps necessary to help advance his boss’s cause.
The two of them will form an uneasy alliance, navigating the complexities of the established system, united by their shared goal of a prosperous future.
After watching Gyeongseong Creature which was set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1945, I’m curious to see more stories set in the past of South Korea before it became a global powerhouse. Especially with such ambitious characters like Kim San, I’m drawn to this story of an idealist looking to elevate his country and better the lives of his people, as he’s going to be analogous to the real life characters who aspired more for their country.
Uncle Samsik is written and directed by Shin Yeonshick (Cobweb, Cassiopeia). Exact release date is to be announced.
