A drama that once shook the Korean entertainment industry — and even received official recognition from the Financial Supervisory Service — is making a comeback. The 2007 SBS hit War of Money will be available in restored high-definition on Netflix beginning August 25.
Originally based on a webtoon, War of Money captivated audiences with its bold portrayal of Korea’s loan shark underworld. The 20-episode drama, including a special “bonus round,” reached a peak viewership rating of 36.3% and left a lasting mark on both popular culture and public policy.
The story follows Geum Na-ra (Park Shin-yang), a top Seoul National University–educated fund manager whose life collapses when his father’s dealings with loan sharks lead to ruin. After losing everything and mourning his parents, Na-ra is mentored by legendary moneylender Dok Go-chul (Shin Goo) and later works under the ruthless Ma Dong-po (Lee Won-jong). As he rises in the ranks, Na-ra’s transformation into a cold-blooded moneylender drives a tale of revenge, power, and survival.
When the drama first aired, loan sharking was rarely addressed in mainstream Korean media. Its gritty realism and critique of unchecked capitalism sparked investigative journalism, raised public awareness about illegal lending, and even influenced lawmakers to amend Korea’s private loan laws — earning the drama a commendation from the Financial Supervisory Service.
Lead actor Park Shin-yang’s performance won him the Grand Prize at the 2007 SBS Drama Awards, but behind the scenes, tensions ran high. Amid its popularity, SBS pushed for an extension, which many cast members opposed due to harsh working conditions. The network went ahead with a modified “bonus round” after some refused to return.
A payment dispute between Park and the production company over the extension’s fee escalated into a lawsuit, which he won. Nevertheless, the Korea Drama Production Company Association accused him of excessive pay demands and imposed an unofficial industry boycott, effectively banning him from TV for years.
Today, War of Money is regarded as a landmark in Korean television for its fearless storytelling and standout performances. While it’s already available on some domestic OTT platforms, the upcoming Netflix HD release on August 25 marks its first large-scale revival in nearly two decades.
Sources: Nate
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