About Iris

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Iris is a South Korean TV drama series that falls under the TV Mysteries genre. It was first released in 2009 and gained immense popularity for its thrilling storyline and strong performances by the cast. The show revolves around the parallel lives of two best friends, Kim Hyun-jun and Jin Sa-woo, who work as operatives for the National Security Service (NSS). Their friendship becomes strained when they fall in love with the same woman, Choi Seung-hee, a fellow operative who has a secret past.

The plot takes a twist when Kim Hyun-jun is betrayed by his own organization and presumed dead. However, he survives and undergoes a transformation as he seeks revenge on his former employers. The series delves into the world of espionage, secret agents, and intrigue as Kim Hyun-jun, now using the codename "Iris," uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the safety of his country and his loved ones.

Making / Production

Iris was produced by Taewon Entertainment and co-produced by Moon Bo-mi and Choi Ji-young. It was directed by Kim Kyu-tae and Yang Yun-ho. The show was filmed in various locations both in South Korea and overseas, giving it an international appeal.

The production team paid great attention to detail, ensuring realistic action sequences and visually stunning scenes. The combination of high-level production values, gripping storytelling, and intense performances by the actors contributed to the success of the show.

Actors

• Lee Byung-hun as Kim Hyun-jun - Portraying the lead role, Lee Byung-hun brought depth and charisma to the character of Kim Hyun-jun. He effectively showcased the transformation from a loyal operative to a man seeking revenge.
• Kim Tae-hee as Choi Seung-hee - Kim Tae-hee portrayed Choi Seung-hee, a strong and intelligent operative torn between her loyalty to her agency and her love for Hyun-jun. Her heartfelt performance added emotional depth to the series.
• Jung Joon-ho as Jin Sa-woo - Jung Joon-ho skillfully portrayed the complex character of Jin Sa-woo, best friend-turned-rival of Kim Hyun-jun. He brought out the internal conflict and turmoil faced by the character with great finesse.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Iris was praised for its high production budget and impressive action sequences, rivaling those seen in Hollywood movies.
• The series gained a massive international following and was exported to multiple countries, contributing to the Hallyu wave (Korean Wave) in the global entertainment industry.
• Iris received high ratings during its initial airing and was well-received by critics for its gripping plot and strong character development.

Awards

Iris received several awards and nominations, including:

• Best Drama at the 2009 SBS Drama Awards
• Best Actor (Lee Byung-hun) at the 2009 SBS Drama Awards
• Best Director (Kim Kyu-tae) at the 2009 SBS Drama Awards

Quotes

• "A person's true nature is only revealed in tough times." - Kim Hyun-jun
• "The closer you get to finding out the truth, the more dangerous it becomes." - Jin Sa-woo
• "Love becomes stronger in the face of danger." - Choi Seung-hee

Music / Soundtrack

• "Don't Forget" by Baek Ji-young
• "Maybe It's Love" by Yoon Doo-joon and Lee Gi-kwang
• "Black Paradise" by Brown Eyed Girls
• "Run Iris Run" by Gloria