{
  "id": 2082988,
  "title": "Suspense thriller 'Mousetrap' reinvents Korean folktale: director",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/suspense-thriller-mousetrap-reinvents-korean-folktale-director",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T05:59:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260820005500315"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Netflix's original thriller series, Mousetrap, draws inspiration from a Korean folktale that involves a rat transforming into a person after consuming a person's clipped nails. The 10-episode drama, based on the webtoon Field Mouse, follows Moon-jae (Ryu Jun-yeol), a reclusive writer whose identity is stolen, and he becomes entangled in a race to uncover the identity of the rat-like individual who seems to know him intimately. The series also stars Sul Kyung-gu as Noja, a loan shark who collaborates with Moon-jae in their pursuit, and Lee Kyoo-hyung as a police detective involved in the enigmatic case. Director Kim Hong-sun revealed during a press conference that the story is inspired by the traditional folktale of a field mouse eating clipped nails, and it is a thriller centered on a person who loses their identity and seeks to regain it. Kim emphasized that the series stands apart from other works that explore identity theft and truth by making the process of tracking down the rat the central plot point. While the story doesn't feature superheroes, the lead actors were drawn to the theme of losing and regaining identity and questioning what is real. Both Ryu and Sul disclosed that the characters are ordinary people, and the plot revolves around the unease, fear, and doubt experienced by the characters as they grapple with what it means to be authentic and real. Ryu, who had read the webtoon before watching the full script, highlighted that the original webtoon is profoundly philosophical, prompting viewers to contemplate how one's identity can be defined and proven. The actor, who played Moon-jae in two roles, aimed to differentiate the characters through subtle nuances in their personalities and gazes, with the most striking distinction being their voices. Mousetrap is scheduled to premiere on Netflix next week.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The upcoming Netflix original series \"Mousetrap\" draw...",
  "key_points": [
    "\"Mousetrap\" draws inspiration from Korean folktale about rat transforming into person",
    "Moon-jae, played by Ryu Jun-yeol, is a reclusive writer whose identity is stolen",
    "Director Kim Hong-sun emphasizes central plot of tracking down rat-like individual"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}