The Penthouse (2020)
A high-octane South Korean drama where ambition, revenge, and ruthless rivalry collide at the top of a luxury tower.
The Penthouse - Series Information
- Original Title: 펜트하우스
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Kim Soon-ok
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (70 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 48
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: October 26, 2020 (France - 16), October 26, 2020 (Australia - MA15+), October 26, 2020 (Brazil - 16), October 26, 2020 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: SBS
- Alternative Titles: The Penthouse (CN), 上流战争 (TW), Пентгауз: Війна в житті (UA), The Penthouse (US), เกมแค้นระฟ้า (TH)
- Production Companies: Seoul Broadcasting System, Chorokbaem Media
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Penthouse - Plot
A woman puts everything on the line to achieve her goal of being able to move into a luxury penthouse in the Gangnam District. In the process, she gradually finds herself turning into a monster.
The Penthouse - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Hera Palace unfold:
100th Floor Bloody Penthouse.
Where to Watch The Penthouse
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The Penthouse - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kim Soon-ok
Main Cast
- Lee Ji-ah
- Kim So-yeon
- Eugene
- Uhm Ki-joon
- Shin Eun-kyung
- Bong Tae-gyu
- Yoon Jong-hoon
- Park Eun-seok
- Yoon Joo-hee
- Ha Do-kwon
Writers
- Kim Soon-ok
The Penthouse - FAQs
Where can you stream The Penthouse online?
The Penthouse is available to stream on Netflix and Rakuten Viki via subscription. It can also be accessed on OnDemandKorea, Kocowa, and the Kocowa Amazon Channel. Amazon Video offers rental and purchase options for viewers who prefer to buy individual episodes or seasons.
Is The Penthouse based on a true story?
The Penthouse is not based on a true story. It is an entirely fictional drama created by writer Kim Soon-ok, whose signature style blends melodrama with dark social satire. The series draws on real anxieties around class inequality, elite education culture, and social climbing in South Korea.
Who are the main actors in The Penthouse?
The Penthouse stars Lee Ji-ah as Shim Soo-ryun, Kim So-yeon as Cheon Seo-jin, and Eugene as Oh Yoon-hee. The ensemble cast also includes Uhm Ki-joon, Shin Eun-kyung, Bong Tae-gyu, Yoon Jong-hoon, Park Eun-seok, Yoon Joo-hee, and Ha Do-kwon in key roles.
How many seasons does The Penthouse have?
The Penthouse ran for three seasons, plus a collection of special episodes. Season 1 contains 21 episodes, Season 2 has 13 episodes, and Season 3 wraps the story across 14 episodes, bringing the total to 48 episodes across the main run.
Why did The Penthouse become so popular in South Korea?
The Penthouse became a ratings phenomenon on SBS, regularly breaking viewership records. Its addictive mix of outrageous plot twists, class warfare, revenge, and operatic melodrama resonated deeply with Korean audiences. The show’s willingness to constantly escalate its drama kept viewers hooked across all three seasons.
What is The Penthouse about?
The Penthouse follows a woman who sacrifices everything to secure a home in a prestigious Gangnam high-rise, only to descend into obsession and moral corruption. The series explores jealousy, betrayal, and revenge among the ultra-wealthy residents of Hera Palace, where ambition and cruelty collide at every turn.
Did The Penthouse win any awards?
The Penthouse earned multiple accolades at major South Korean broadcasting awards. Kim So-yeon won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards for her role as Cheon Seo-jin. The series also received numerous acting and popularity awards across its three-season run.
Is The Penthouse suitable for younger viewers?
The Penthouse carries a 19+ rating in South Korea and similar mature content ratings internationally, including MA15+ in Australia and 16+ in France and Brazil. The series contains intense themes including murder, bullying, manipulation, and graphic confrontations, making it unsuitable for children and younger teenagers.
More About The Penthouse
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