South Korea · Drama · 2019
Leverage
Synopsis
Lee Tae-joon, a former insurance investigator, puts together a team of thieves and con artists after his son's death, aiming the group at wealthy targets who think their money puts them out of reach. The team includes scammer and actress Hwang Soo-kyung, former fencing athlete turned thief Go Na-byul, security specialist and martial artist Roy Ryu, and hacker Jeong Eui-sung, each bringing a different skill to the elaborate schemes Tae-joon designs.
What starts as a straightforward run of cons against corrupt, well-protected marks becomes personal once the team's jobs start circling back toward the people responsible for Tae-joon's own loss.
Leverage starred Lee Dong-gun as Tae-joon, with Jeon Hye-bin, Kim Sae-ron, Kim Kwon, and Yeo Hoe-hyun rounding out his crew. The 16-episode series aired on TV Chosun in 2019.
Leverage cast
Best scenes
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Formation of the Team: Lee Tae Joon, portrayed by Lee Dong Gun, assembles a diverse group of con artists, showcasing each member's unique skills in a dynamic introduction.
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Museum Heist: The team executes a meticulously planned art theft, blending suspense and strategy to outsmart security systems.
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Undercover Auction: Hwang Soo Kyung, played by Jeon Hye Bin, infiltrates a black-market auction, using her acting prowess to deceive high-profile criminals.
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Rescue Operation: Go Na Byul, portrayed by Kim Sae Ron, utilizes her hacking skills in a high-stakes mission to save a kidnapped victim, highlighting the team's cohesion under pressure.
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Final Showdown: The climactic confrontation where the team faces off against the main antagonist, delivering justice through an elaborate con.
Filming locations
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Seoul's Financial District: Many corporate scenes were filmed in Yeouido, reflecting the high-stakes financial backdrop of the series.
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Incheon Port: Action sequences involving smuggling and covert meetings were shot at this bustling port, adding authenticity to the storyline.
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Bukchon Hanok Village: The traditional Korean houses served as hideouts and meeting points for the team, contrasting modern heist elements with cultural heritage.
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Gangnam District: High-end heists and undercover operations took place in this upscale area, emphasizing the luxurious lifestyles of their targets.
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Abandoned Warehouses in Mapo: Used for clandestine meetings and action-packed confrontations, these locations added a gritty atmosphere to the series.
Visual design and costumes
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Tailored Suits: Lee Tae Joon's sharp, tailored attire reflects his meticulous and strategic nature, aligning with his leadership role.
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Disguises and Costumes: Hwang Soo Kyung's array of disguises showcases her versatility and the team's resourcefulness in executing cons.
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Modern Tech Aesthetic: Go Na Byul's workspace features sleek gadgets and neon lighting, emphasizing her role as the tech-savvy hacker.
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Dynamic Color Palettes: Each heist employs specific color schemes to set the mood, enhancing visual storytelling and audience engagement.
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Action-Ready Outfits: Roy Ryu, played by Kim Kwon, dons practical clothing suitable for combat, highlighting his role as the team's muscle.
Themes and messages
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Justice vs. Legality: Explores the moral ambiguity of achieving justice outside legal boundaries, prompting viewers to question conventional ethics.
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Redemption: Characters seek personal redemption through their actions, emphasizing that change is possible regardless of past mistakes.
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Team Dynamics: Highlights the importance of trust, collaboration, and leveraging individual strengths to overcome challenges.
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Corruption Exposure: Sheds light on societal corruption, illustrating how the powerful exploit the vulnerable and the need for accountability.
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Identity and Deception: Examines how characters adopt various personas, questioning the nature of identity in the world of con artistry.
Interesting facts
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American Remake: "Leverage" is a South Korean adaptation of the popular American TV series of the same name, tailored to fit Korean culture and societal issues.
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Directorial Vision: Directed by Nam Ki Hoon, known for his work on "Voice" and "The Beauty Inside," bringing a unique blend of suspense and character depth to the series.
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Diverse Cast: Features a blend of veteran actors like Lee Dong Gun and rising stars such as Kim Sae Ron, creating a dynamic on-screen chemistry.
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Realistic Cons: The series consulted with professional magicians and con artists to design believable and intricate heist scenarios.
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Cultural References: Incorporates elements of Korean culture, such as traditional settings and societal norms, distinguishing it from its American counterpart.
Real-life loves on set
There are no public reports or confirmed instances of real-life romantic relationships developing among the cast members of the Korean drama "Leverage." The actors, including Lee Dong-gun, Jeon Hye-bin, Kim Sae-ron, Kim Kwon, and Yeo Hoe-hyun, have maintained professional relationships throughout the production. While their on-screen chemistry has been praised, it has not translated into off-screen romances. The cast has expressed mutual respect and camaraderie, focusing on delivering engaging performances for the audience.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 2019-10-13 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2019-10-13 | Aired | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 2019-10-20 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2019-10-20 | Aired | |
| 5 | Episode 5 | 2019-10-27 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2019-10-27 | Aired | |
| 7 | Episode 7 | 2019-11-03 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2019-11-03 | Aired | |
| 9 | Episode 9 | 2019-11-17 | Aired | |
| 10 | Episode 10 | 2019-11-17 | Aired | |
| 11 | Episode 11 | 2019-11-24 | Aired | |
| 12 | Episode 12 | 2019-11-24 | Aired | |
| 13 | Episode 13 | 2019-12-01 | Aired | |
| 14 | Episode 14 | 2019-12-01 | Aired | |
| 15 | Episode 15 | 2019-12-08 | Aired | |
| 16 | Episode 16 | 2019-12-08 | Aired |
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