Jung Chae-yeon cast as lead in 'M: Reboot,' reviving legendary drama after 33 years

Jung Chae-yeon says she will show 'a new and grown side' of herself

A script reading session for "M: Reboot" [Tving]

"M" (1994), the MBC drama series starring Shim Eun-ha that shook South Korea with its bold genre and subject matter, is set to return after 33 years. The revival comes in the form of "M: Reboot," a Tving original series slated for release in 2027.

"M: Reboot" is a horror thriller following a mysterious personality called "M" that awakens inside the body of a promising ballerina named Mari, and a detective named Jiseok who chases a lingering green afterimage as the two become entangled in a series of strange incidents.

Jung Chae-yeon has been cast as the new face of "M." She takes on her first triple role, playing Mari — a promising high school ballerina — as well as Jennie, a brilliant surgeon, and the enigmatic personality "M."

Mari is a rising ballet talent at an arts high school whose life is turned upside down when the mysterious personality "M" awakens inside her just as she prepares for an audition at a top global ballet school. Jennie, the other character Jung portrays, is a brilliant surgeon from the United States shrouded in mystery.

"It is truly an honor to be part of such a wonderful project," Jung said. "This is a new challenge for me, and I believe it is a work through which I can study, gain experience and grow. I was curious myself about what new sides of me might emerge, and I am excited and happy that I will be able to show that through this project."

Actor Jung Geon-ju will play Jiseok, the detective pursuing the truth behind the mysterious incidents surrounding Jennie. A trusted ace on his team, Jiseok cuts to the heart of cases with sharp instincts and relentless investigative skill. As unexplained events pile up following Jennie's arrival — each accompanied by an unidentified green light — Jiseok finds himself confronting memories of a night 10 years ago.

"Since this is my first time taking on a detective role, I am preparing hard," Jung Geon-ju said. "I am doing my best to show up in good form, so please look forward to it."

The production has also drawn attention for bringing together a creative team with deep roots in the horror thriller genre. Director Lim Dae-woong, known for "Cheongdam International High School 2," "It Became Night," "Bloody Reunion" and "Horror Stories," will helm the series, joined by screenwriters Hong Eun-mi, whose credits include the films "Hidden Face" and "Missing: The Other Woman," and emerging writer Lee Jeong-eun.

balme@heraldcorp.com