'Pleasant Outcast,' a 10-part Korean series set to debut at Canneseries next month, serves as a companion piece to the acclaimed film 'Concrete Utopia,' which was South Korea's Oscar contender last year. Both the series and the film are based on the popular webtoon 'Cheerful Outcast' by Kim Soong Nyung. 'Concrete Utopia,' a dystopian drama-thriller set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul, drew comparisons to 'Lord of the Flies' for its intense narrative.
The series, produced by Lotte Cultureworks and directed by Baek Jong-yeol, follows the story of Dong-hyun, a high school student facing severe bullying. After a powerful earthquake strikes his school, Dong-hyun finds himself in a chaotic and isolated environment where survival becomes the ultimate challenge. As the students grapple with the harsh reality of their situation, the true nature of humanity is put to the test.
Featuring a talented cast including Won Ji-an, Sung Yu-bin, and Cho Hyun-chul, 'Pleasant Outcast' promises to deliver a gripping and thought-provoking viewing experience. Climax Studio, known for producing hit shows like 'D.P.' and 'Jung-E' for Netflix, is behind the production of the series.
In addition to 'Pleasant Outcast,' Climax Studio also released a film sequel to 'Concrete Utopia' titled 'Badland Hunters,' starring Don Lee. The success of 'Concrete Utopia' as a box office hit in Korea and an Oscar contender has generated significant anticipation for 'Pleasant Outcast' among audiences and industry insiders alike.
Lotte Cultureworks CEO Choi Byung-hwan expressed excitement about showcasing 'Pleasant Outcast' at Canneseries and highlighted the opportunity to promote Korean content on a global platform. Hugh Cha, head of global partnerships at Lotte Cultureworks, emphasized the importance of events like Canneseries in expanding the reach of Korean entertainment worldwide.
