Netflix is expanding its K-Drama slate with The Rat (WT), originally a Kakao Entertainment Webtoon named Field Mouse. Adding to the platform’s webtoon adaptations, The Rat (WT) is a thriller set to dissect the consequences and impact of identity theft. The streamer has confirmed the new series’ leads with Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu.
The original webtoon draws from an ancient Korean folktale about a rat transforming into a human after consuming clipped fingernails. The Rat (WT) is marketed as a suspenseful thriller centering on a reclusive novelist, Moon-jae (Ryu Jun-yeol), forced into an unlikely alliance with a loan shark, his former pursuer No-ja (Sulkyung-gu), as they hunt down the enigmatic “Rat” who has systematically stolen every aspect of his life.
Key Cast and Characters
Ryu Jun-yeol, known for Revelations, The 8 Show, takes on the role of Moon-jae, a novelist living a reclusive life due to his sociophobia. His world unravels when he can no longer unlock his phone with his fingerprint, and his sole friend vanishes. Stripped of his name, identity, and finances, Moon-jae discovers that a mysterious “Rat” has taken everything from him, prompting him on a desperate quest for truth and reclamation.
Veteran actor Sul Kyung-gu, The Whirlwind, Kill Boksoon, portrays No-ja, a pragmatic loan shark who also operates a private detective agency. For No-ja, money is the ultimate driver. He’s surprised when Moon-jae, who disappeared three years prior with an unpaid loan, resurfaces seeking help to track down “The Rat.” Though initially motivated by recovering his debt, No-ja soon finds himself deeply entangled in the high-stakes hunt. This project marks the first on-screen pairing of Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu, promising compelling performances.
About ‘The Rat (WT)’ Creative Team
Directing The Rat (WT) is Kim Hong-sun, a filmmaker recognized for his expertise in genre shows, including Dear Hongrang, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, and Voice. The series is written by Lee Jae-gon, whose writing credits include the crime drama Special Affairs Team TEN and character-driven stories like A Model Family. Additionally, Kakao Entertainment, lauded for its successful adaptations, including those with Netflix, like Karma and Business Proposal, is co-producing the series alongside CJes Studios and H.House.
The Rat (WT) will release globally exclusively on Netflix.