The Wonderfools

The Wonderfools (Korean: 원더풀스) is a 2026 South Korean superhero comedy action adventure television series created by Kang Eun-kyung, written by Heo Da-joong, directed by Yoo In-sik, and starring Park Eun-bin, Cha Eun-woo, Kim Hae-sook, Choi Dae-hoon, Im Seong-jae, and Son Hyun-joo. The series focuses on the experiences of "flawed superhumans", who are unable to control their abilities and end up using them unintentionally. It was released on Netflix on May 15, 2026.

Set in 1999, a period when apocalyptic beliefs were prevalent, it follows a group of neighborhood misfits who gain unexpected superpowers and fight villains who threaten Haeseong City's peace.

• Park Eun-bin as Eun Chae-ni, a resident of Haeseong City in 1999 who becomes entangled in unexpected events that grant her superpowers

• Cha Eun-woo as Lee Un-jeong, a civic servant from Seoul who adheres strictly to principles and rules then he joins Chae-ni in investigating a series of missing persons cases in Haeseong City

• Choi Dae-hoon as Son Kyung-hoon, an employee at Haeseong City Hall who acquires superpowers after an incident involving Chae-ni

• Im Seong-jae as Kang Ro-bin, a Haeseong City resident who acquires superpowers after an incident involving Chae-ni

• Kim Hae-sook as Kim Jeon-bok, Chae-ni's grandmother and owner of a restaurant in Haeseong City

• Son Hyun-joo as Ha Won-do, a doctor and the leader of an organization called the "Wunderkinder Project"

• Bae Na-ra as Kim Pal-ho, a member of the Wunderkinder Project who works closely with Won-do

• Jung Yi-seo as Seok Ju-ran, a member of the Wunderkinder Project who views Won-do as a father figure

• Choi Yoon-ji as Seok Ho-ran, a member of the Wunderkinder Project

In November 2018, the superhero drama series was initially based on Stan Lee's IP work titled The B-Team and is about a fight between B-rated superheroes and a mad scientist who created them. Lee's production company POW! Entertainment participated in the early stages of planning and development for the series, which was then being produced by Studio Invictus and JYP Pictures. Later in 2024, as the full-scale production began, the series would be developed as an original by the production company without the original work. Regarding this, the series' new production company Nangmancrew stated, "This is something that was agreed upon with the original author. The title would also be changed."

In December 2020, SBS held the "2021 SBS Showcase" introducing their drama, entertainment, and educational lineup for 2021 through its official YouTube channel and announced that it would launch the drama The B-Team, which was supposed to air on SBS TV in 2021. PD Yoo In-sik, who directed Giant (2010), Dr. Romantic series (2016–2023), and Vagabond (2019), helmed the megaphone, screenwriter Kang Eun-kyung, who is best known for writing Bread, Love and Dreams (2010), Dr. Romantic series (2016–2023), and Gyeongseong Creature series (2023–2024), participated as the creator, and Heo Da-joong, who is one of the writers of Extreme Job (2019), penned the script. Nangmancrew, Kakao Entertainment, and Fantagio would managed the production.

Park Eun-bin and Cha Eun-woo were reportedly cast as the lead actors of the series in April and July 2024, respectively. Park and Cha's appearances were confirmed to appear along with Kim Hae-sook, Choi Dae-hoon, Im Seong-jae, and Son Hyun-joo in November 2024. Bae Na-ra joined the cast in June 2025.

Principal photography began in October 2024 and wrapped up in June 2025.

Netflix announced their confirmed 2025 Korean content lineup and The Wonderfools was not included. Netflix later confirmed that the series was scheduled for a second quarter of 2026 release. In February 2026, a premiere date of May 15 was reported by My Daily, but Netflix initially responded that the date was not finalized. By April w2026, Netflix officially confirmed that the series is set to be released on May 15, 2026, and released the official trailer and poster.

The series received positive reviews for its production value, tone and performances. Min Seo-young of MHN Sports praised the "unique mix" of unpredictable comedy, action, and humanism, specifically noting the immersive art direction, sound design, and VFX that enhanced the superhero genre experience through "1990s millennial visuals". Critic Baek Seung-hoon awarded the series three out of four stars, highlighting how the show "warmly embraces" the deficiencies of its characters and generates "warmth" through the solidarity of its misfit team. Similarly, Park Jin-young of JoyNews24 commended the series for its "lovable and lively charm", focusing on the appeal of flawed characters saving the world. Furthermore, Director Yoo In-sik's direction was singled out for striking a perfect balance between exaggerated comedy and serious drama.

The performances and ensemble chemistry of Park Eun-bin, Cha Eun-woo, Choi Dae-hoon, and Im Seong-jae were widely highlighted as a solid "one team" that strongly supports the narrative. Park Eun-bin was praised for her "explosive comedic performance" and her ability to infuse the character Chae-ni with vitality through expressive acting in poignant family moments. Her "synergetic reunion" with director Yoo In-sik was also highlighted, with critics noting her transformation into a flawed yet endearing hero who serves as the narrative's emotional anchor. Cha Eun-woo was noted for his range across action, comedy, and emotional depth, providing a "grounding presence" and visual appeal while delivering key emotional support in pivotal scenes. He was also praised for his restrained emotional acting, using precise eye work, breath control, and subtle changes in facial expression to convey Lee Un-jeong's internal conflict. Meanwhile, veteran actors Kim Hae-sook and Son Hyun-joo were recognized for bringing "weight and balance" to the series' lighter comedic tone.

• The Wonderfools on Netflix
• The Wonderfools at IMDb
• The Wonderfools at HanCinema