Netflix original cross-border crime series The Blue Road is set to receive a high-profile showcase prior to its streaming debut, with the first three episodes selected for the “On Screen” section at the 31st Busan International Film Festival in October 2026.
The eight-episode series stars Son Suk-ku as Korean detective Kim Seok and Eita Nagayama as Japanese detective Inose. The plot centers on a joint investigation into a serial killer whose crimes span both Tokyo and Seoul, leaving behind cryptic messages written in blood-ink. Early promotional materials and first-look teasers highlight the clashing investigative styles between the two leads as they attempt to track the killer across international borders.
Director Han Jun-hee, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed Netflix series D.P., leads the project. The Blue Road serves as a modern adaptation of the 2002 manhwa of the same name, originally authored by Keishi Edogawa and illustrated by Kwon Kaya. While the source material provides the foundation, the series updates the setting to a contemporary landscape of international cooperation and tension.
Cast and Character Dynamics
Beyond the central partnership of Son and Nagayama, the series features a supporting cast that bridges the gap between the two nations’ perspectives. Kim Shin-rok portrays Lee Yun-ok, a Zainichi Korean businesswoman whose role is central to the unfolding mystery. Choi Sung-eun also stars in the series, taking on the role of a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent involved in the cross-border operation.
The production focuses on the technical and psychological aspects of a manhunt. By utilizing both Seoul and Tokyo as primary filming locations, the series aims to capture the distinct atmospheres of the two metropolises while maintaining the procedural tension of the original manhwa.
