Jung Chae-yeon to Play Triple Role in Tving Horror Series M: Reboot

The legendary 1994 MBC horror drama M is returning in a new adaptation titled M: Reboot, scheduled for release on TVING in 2027. TVING announced the main casting lineup, confirming that actors Jung Chae-yeon and Jung Gun-ju will take on the lead roles in the upcoming horror thriller series.

Jung Chae-yeon and Jung Gun-ju to Star in TVING Horror Series M: Reboot

The original 1994 drama, which starred Shim Eun-ha and featured an iconic green-eyed protagonist, caused a sensation with its groundbreaking genre, eerie atmosphere, and bold themes that included sounding a heavy social alarm on abortion. The upcoming reboot aims to inherit the chilling atmosphere of the original while incorporating a fresh sensibility for a new generation of viewers.

Challenging a Triple Role and Detective Investigation

In M: Reboot, Jung Chae-yeon takes on her first triple role since her acting debut. She portrays Marie, a promising high school ballerina attending a preparatory or arts high school who grows up under a strict politician father and an overly attached mother; Jenny, a veiled genius surgeon from the United States with mysterious intentions and a past; and M, the enigmatic personality that awakens within Marie.

Marie’s life is upended when recurring nightmares disrupt her preparations for an audition at a top-tier global ballet school, paving the way for the mysterious personality to take hold. Alongside these developments, actor Jung Gun-ju steps into his first detective role as Ji-seok, an ace investigator trusted by his colleagues for his quick judgment and tenacious skills. Ji-seok becomes entangled in a bizarre case as he pursues the truth behind mysterious incidents surrounding Jenny, confronting memories from a decade ago whenever an unidentified green afterimage or light appears.

Creative Team and Production Background

The series brings together a production and writing team with deep expertise in the horror thriller genre. M: Reboot is directed by Lim Dae-woong, whose previous credits include the dramas Cheongdam International High School 2 and It Became Night (also cited as It Has Become Night), as well as films such as Teacher’s Grace (alternatively referenced as Bloody Reunion) and Scary Stories.

Jung Chae-yeon to Play Triple Role in Tving Horror Series M: Reboot — Photo: Chosun

The screenplay is written by Hong Eun-mi, known for meticulously depicting character psychology and desires in films like Hidden Face and Missing: The Woman Who Vanished (also referred to as Missing: The Disappeared Woman and Missing: The Other Woman), alongside emerging writer Lee Jung-eun. The project is provided by TVING, with production duties handled by KATIE STUDIO GENIE, Big Ocean ENM, and Slingshot Studio.

Cast Reflections on the Upcoming Project

Both lead actors shared their thoughts on tackling their respective characters for the series. Jung Chae-yeon expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, I feel honored to be part of such a great project. This is a new challenge for me, and I believe it will help me grow. I was curious about what new side of myself I would show, and I’m excited and happy to present it through this work. I will return with a more mature and grown-up performance after learning a lot.

Jung Gun-ju similarly shared his preparation for his first detective character, noting, I’m excited and happy to greet you as Detective Ji-seok in ‘M: Reboot.’ This is my first time challenging a detective role, so I’m preparing diligently. I will do my best to meet you with a good performance, so please look forward to it with anticipation. Beyond the central mystery and the investigation into the green afterimage, the series is also expected to feature a mysterious romance between the two lead characters.