The WONDERfools is an upcoming superhero comic action series set in 1999, a time filled with apocalyptic fears and millennial anxieties. The story centers on a group of ordinary neighborhood misfits in Haeseong City who unexpectedly gain superpowers. These flawed heroes must band together to combat sinister forces threatening their community's peace, blending humor, chaos, and high-stakes adventure in a nostalgic Y2K backdrop.
Newly released promotional images capture the heartfelt bond between Kim Jeon-bok, portrayed by Kim Hae-sook, and her granddaughter Eun Chae-ni, played by Park Eun-bin. In one touching scene, the grandmother wraps her arms around her only grandchild with evident warmth and protectiveness. Kim Jeon-bok seems like a devoted elder focused solely on her granddaughter’s well-being and safety amid emerging dangers. Yet beneath this caring facade lies a formidable history as the infamous “King Jeon-bok,” a powerful loan shark who once ruled the underground money-lending scene in Myeongdong.
A striking still from an underground laboratory featuring Ha Won-do, played by Son Hyun-joo, raises intriguing questions about his return to Haeseong City and any covert operations he might be orchestrating. As the previous leader of the clandestine “Wunderkinder Project” dedicated to superpower research, he projects an intimidating aura. His icy stare, suggestive of hidden threats and buried mysteries, foreshadows the peril he could unleash upon the unsuspecting residents.
Additional images highlight the formidable trio known as the “Wunderkinder,” individuals who acquired extraordinary abilities through experiments conducted by Ha Won-do, whom they refer to as their father. The group consists of Seok Joo-ran, played by Jung Yi-seo, Seok Ho-ran, portrayed by Choi Yoon-ji, and Kim Pal-ho, brought to life by Bae Na-ra. These characters represent a dark legacy of the project, poised to challenge the city’s newfound protectors with their unique and dangerous talents.
Kim Pal-ho emerges as the practical leader among the Wunderkinder, wielding the power to manipulate gravity. This capability is anticipated to introduce significant turmoil and surprise elements throughout the narrative. He is shown diligently advancing the more malevolent objectives set forth by Ha Won-do, heightening the overall tension and unpredictability in the unfolding drama.
Seok Ho-ran possesses the intriguing skill of generating hallucinations, which is visually emphasized in promotional materials by one of her eyes emitting a luminous white glow. This distinctive feature deepens the enigma around her powers and the potential repercussions they might trigger in confrontations. Her abilities promise to create disorienting and psychologically intense moments for both allies and adversaries alike.
Seok Joo-ran’s enigmatic facial expression in the stills underscores her capacity for brainwashing, enabling her to exert control over others’ minds with ease. This power raises speculation about potential targets within Haeseong City and the broader implications for the story’s heroes. Viewers are left anticipating how her manipulative talents will intersect with the protagonists’ efforts to maintain order.
The WONDERfools is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 15, 2026. The series promises a fresh take on the superhero genre with its blend of comedy, action, and character-driven storytelling rooted in late-20th-century nostalgia. Audiences can look forward to witnessing how these imperfect heroes navigate their newfound responsibilities against formidable opposition.
Sources: Netflix Korea and Naver
