Iris (2009)
A high-stakes South Korean spy thriller following two elite operatives drawn into the deadly world of a secret black ops organization.
Iris - Series Information
- Original Title: 아이리스
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: October 14, 2009 (United States - TV-14), October 14, 2009 (Brazil - 14), October 14, 2009 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: KBS2
- Production Companies: Taewon Entertainment, AStory
- Production Countries: Japan, South Korea, Hungary, China
- Alternative Titles: IRIS นักฆ่า / ล่า / หัวใจเธอ (TH), 特务情人 (CN), IRIS (HK), 特務情人 (TW), Irys (PL), IRIS- Organização Secreta Coreana (BR), IRIS (US), 아이리스 시즌1 (KR)
Iris - Plot
Two friends, members of the South Korean military, are recruited by a secret black ops agency.
Iris - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the action-packed espionage at the heart of the series:
Where to Watch Iris
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Iris - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Lee Byung-hun as Kim Hyeon-Jun
- Kim Tae-hee as Choi Seung Hee
- Kim So-yeon as Kim Seon-Hwa
- Jung Jun-ho as Jin Sa-Woo
- Kim Seung-woo as Park Cheol-yeong
- T.O.P as Vick
- Kim Yeong-cheol as Baek San
- David Lee McInnis as Ray
- Lee Jeong-kil as Jo Myeong-ho
- Yoon Joo-Sang as Oh Hyeon-kyu
Writers
- Kim Hyeon-jun
- Choi Wan-gyu
Iris - FAQs
Where can you stream Iris online?
Iris is available to stream on Netflix, including through Netflix Standard with Ads for those who prefer a lower-cost option. Both plans give you access to the full series, making it easy to dive into this high-octane Korean spy thriller from wherever you are.
What is Iris the Korean drama about?
Iris follows two close friends and elite South Korean military operatives who are recruited into a covert black ops agency. Their loyalty, love, and survival are tested as they become entangled in government conspiracies, inter-Korean tensions, and the deadly machinations of a shadowy organization known as IRIS.
Who are the main actors in Iris?
The series stars Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee in the lead roles, alongside Kim So-yeon, Jung Jun-ho, Kim Seung-woo, T.O.P, Kim Yeong-cheol, David Lee McInnis, Lee Jeong-kil, and Yoon Joo-Sang. The ensemble cast brings together some of South Korea's most recognized film and television talent.
How many seasons and episodes does Iris have?
Iris ran for two seasons with 20 episodes each, totalling 40 episodes. There is also a specials collection (Season 0) with 2 additional episodes. The series aired on KBS2 and concluded in 2013, spanning a four-year run from its 2009 premiere.
Is Iris based on a true story?
Iris is not based on a true story. It is a fictional spy thriller, though it draws on real geopolitical tensions between North and South Korea to ground its narrative. The show's premise of secret agencies and inter-Korean conflict gives it a sense of authenticity without being rooted in actual events.
When did Iris first air on television?
Iris premiered on October 14, 2009, on KBS2 in South Korea. It was one of the most expensive Korean dramas produced at the time, with filming taking place across multiple countries including South Korea, Japan, Hungary, and China, giving it a distinctly cinematic, international scope.
What makes Iris stand out among Korean spy dramas?
Iris was a landmark production for Korean television, boasting a blockbuster budget, international filming locations, and a cast of major stars. Its blend of high-octane action sequences, romantic tension, and Cold War-era espionage gave it a cinematic quality rarely seen in Korean dramas at the time of its release.
What are shows similar to Iris worth watching?
If Iris hooked you, try Citadel, Kleo, or Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area for more spy-driven thrills. For something with a similar Korean action flavour, The Iron Heart and Tempest are strong picks. Lupin and La Femme Nikita also share that sleek, stylish espionage energy.
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