Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo’s ‘Tantara’ to premiere on Netflix Dec. 11

A turbulent entertainment industry and a story of young people, brought to life by an all-star cast

Global streaming service Netflix officially announced Wednesday that Tantara, an original series starring two of South Korea’s leading actors, Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo, will premiere worldwide on Dec. 11.

The new series is set in South Korea’s entertainment industry from the 1960s through the 1980s, an era rife with brutality and violence. It will shine a close light on the fierce coming-of-age journeys of young people who, with little to their names, risk everything in pursuit of dazzling success.

Expectations are especially high among audiences and critics because the ambitious series marks the first new project in four years and six months from writer Noh Hee-kyung. With works including “Lies” (1998), “Worlds Within” (2008), “That Winter, the Wind Blows” (2013), “It’s Okay, That’s Love” (2014) and “Our Blues” (2022), she has offered warm insights into the human condition in each of her projects. Now, attention is focused on how she will portray this turbulent era.

Song Hye-kyo takes on a new acting challenge as Min-ja, a determined woman who overcomes the scars of her impoverished childhood and boldly enters the record business. Gong Yoo plays Dong-gu, her childhood friend, who quietly stays by her side and races alongside her in pursuit of her dream, bringing a commanding presence to the role.

They are joined by a stellar cast spanning generations, including Kim Seol-hyun, Cha Seung-won, Lee Ha-nee and Na Moon-hee, further elevating the series. The ensemble of these accomplished actors is expected to be one of Tantara’s main draws.