Spy

The fictional story begins after the execution of real-life North Korean general Jang Sung-taek. One day an order comes down from North Korea, reactivating erstwhile spy Park Hye-rim who has spent decades in South Korea as an ordinary housewife. She is given the mission to turn and bring in her own son, Kim Seonu. Cool-headed, quick-witted genius Seonu is an information analyst on North Korea working for the NIS. His girlfriend Yoon-jin is a tour guide for Chinese tourists who cannot speak Chinese, and they fell in love when Seonu helped her translate. Hye-rim is suddenly forced to choose between her son and country, and risks her life to see the choice through.

Directed by —, Spy leans on a strong ensemble — Kim Jae-joong, Bae Jong-ok, Yu Oh-seong — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2015.