Lead actors of ‘“The Wonderfools” Park Eun-bin and Director Yoo In-seok addressed the controversy surrounding ‘Cha Eun-woo risk’ prior to the work’s release.

On the morning of the 12th, the production presentation for Netflix’s new series ‘“The Wonderfools” took place at the Grand Ballroom of JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul. In attendance were Director Yoo In-seok, lead actors Park Eun-bin, Choi Dae-hoon, Im Seong-jae, Kim Hae-sook, Son Hyun-joo, Jung Yi-seo, Choi Yoon-ji, Bae Nara, and others. The male lead Cha Eun-woo was absent due to his current military service.

Netflix’s new series ‘“The Wonderfools” depicts a group of underachievers in a neighborhood who accidentally gain superpowers and struggle to protect the world from villains threatening peace in 1999, the end of the century. It is a comedic adventure about clumsy individuals who come together, gain superpowers by chance, and save the world.

Park Eun-bin, Cha Eun-woo, Choi Dae-hoon, and Im Seong-jae portray four distinct characters: Eun-chae-ni, the official troublemaker of Haeseong City; Lee Woon-jung, a mysterious Haeseong City Hall official; Son Kyung-hoon, a local troublemaker; and Kang Ro-bin, the king of troublemakers. They showcase the chemistry of ‘TEAM “The Wonderfools”’ through their four-color character dynamics. Additionally, the unique ensemble cast featuring Kim Hae-sook, Son Hyun-joo, Jung Yi-seo, Choi Yoon-ji, and Bae Nara, along with the meticulously recreated sensibilities of the end-of-the-century era when apocalyptic theories prevailed in 1999, are key points of interest.

Director Yoo In-seok explained, “I have always loved the superhero genre, and as a child, I couldn’t get up after watching films like ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘The Goonies.’ When I first read the original script for ‘“The Wonderfools,”’ my heart raced. I thought, ‘I can convey the excitement I felt as a child to the audience,’ so I started this project.” He added, “This genre should fundamentally be enjoyable. When you ride a roller coaster, you feel excited from the moment you fasten your seatbelt. There’s a kind of joy you don’t want to end. At the same time, I hope viewers can enjoy lots of laughter and feel a warm emotion in their hearts afterward,” elaborating on the project’s intent.

Regarding the title, a combination of ‘wonderful’ and ‘fool,’ Yoo stated, “I love unexpected things that happen when disparate elements collide. The genre is mainstream, but the characters are very niche. I wondered, ‘What can best express this clash?’ Our work is about ‘fools’ who are not ready to be ‘wonderful.’ The title seems to capture this. Whoever came up with it did a great job.” Park Eun-bin noted, “The director came up with the title,” to which Yoo responded with embarrassed laughter, saying, “I didn’t expect that to come up.”

Cha Eun-woo plays Lee Woon-jung, a mysterious Haeseong City Hall official. Director Yoo described the character: “He’s a city hall employee, but no one knows how he ended up there. He always eats alone and lacks social skills.” He added, “In fact, this character has telekinesis. For some reason, he hides this ability and lives quietly until he’s exposed and gets involved with the group. He undergoes forced socialization and holds many secrets.”

Park Eun-bin described her role: “I play a reckless, undisciplined, and immature character who gains teleportation abilities. This is my second collaboration with Director Yoo after ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo.’ I started this project because I wanted to have fun. Above all, when I first read the script, I thought it was brilliant. I chose it because I felt I could enjoy it thoroughly.” She added, “Eun-chae-ni’s personality was simpler in thinking than any character I’ve portrayed. I had a lot of fun discovering her world. I hope viewers will share this enjoyable experience when they follow her journey.”

Park Eun-bin and Director Yoo reunited after four years following their mega-hit ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo,’ generating anticipation.

Yoo shared, “From the time we worked on ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo,’ I was constantly amazed by Park Eun-bin. I thought, ‘Is there anything this actor can’t do? Let’s see.’ In reality, I had faith that she could pull off anything. She has great comedic timing, is bold, and courageous. I proposed the role, and she gladly joined, which I’m grateful for. Viewers seem optimistic about ratings, so I hope it becomes number one globally.”

Park Eun-bin added, “I didn’t expect to collaborate again so soon. During filming, I first heard about the project in front of a kimbab shop from ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ and said, ‘That sounds fun.’ The work felt full of potential, so I was interested. Working with Director Yoo again after ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ was lighthearted and enjoyable. I hope viewers will smile or laugh out loud while watching. Ultimately, it was the right choice.”

However, ‘“The Wonderfools” faced external controversy before its release due to tax evasion allegations involving lead actor Cha Eun-woo.

Cha Eun-woo underwent a high-intensity investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office’s 4th Investigation Bureau in July of last year, before enlistment, and was reportedly ordered to pay over 2 billion Korean won in back taxes, causing public backlash. The controversy escalated when A Corporation, operated by Cha’s mother, was identified. As a result, Fantagio was ordered to pay 8.2 billion Korean won, while A Corporation and Cha Eun-woo were ordered to pay 20 billion Korean won. This is the largest tax penalty ever imposed on a celebrity. Cha’s side filed a ‘pre-assessment review’ and hired a top law firm to contest the National Tax Service’s decision.

In April of this year, Cha Eun-woo paid 13 billion Korean won to the National Tax Service and apologized. He wrote on his personal SNS, “I respect the National Tax Service’s procedures and results, and I have paid all related taxes to prevent further confusion. I will faithfully fulfill the remaining procedures,” reiterating his apology.

Director Yoo addressed the controversy: “At the time, editing and post-production were already complete, and I learned about it through news articles.” Regarding Cha’s screen time editing, he stated, “This project was a long-cherished dream, and everyone involved worked hard to capture every second. While other dramas are tough, this one was especially challenging. We prioritized the overall quality of the drama during editing and post-production. Therefore, I cannot provide specific comments on personal issues at this presentation. I ask for your understanding.”

Regarding his first collaboration with Cha Eun-woo, Yoo added, “Whether it was emotional acting or physical performance, this role—and all roles—were new challenges for the actors. Dedication was required for the ensemble to gel. Cha Eun-woo, like all actors, was passionate. I’m satisfied with the result.”

Park Eun-bin, who also worked with Cha Eun-woo for the first time, said, “From the start, the director emphasized teamwork. That was the most heartfelt part. The result of everyone’s best efforts will be available on the 15th. I hope you’ll check it then,” summarizing her experience.

Meanwhile, ‘“The Wonderfools” will be released globally in over 190 countries via Netflix on the 15th.