A dysfunctional family takes on villains in Coupang Play’s newest series!
“Today feels more like a family than yesterday.” This phrase perfectly encapsulates the essence of Family Matters, a highly anticipated Coupang Play series that explores the concept of family through an unconventional lens.
The show stars Bae Doona, Ryu Seung Beom, Baek Yoon Sik, Lomon, and Lee Soo Hyun, who form a unique, suspicious family bound by a shared mission of vengeance, despite having no blood relations. Together, they use their extraordinary abilities to punish villains and bring justice in a way that challenges traditional moral and legal boundaries.
The production conference for Family Matters took place on the 26th at the Mondrian Hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where key cast members and creator Kim Jung-min gathered to discuss the project. The drama introduces a mother with the extraordinary ability to edit and manipulate memories, who joins forces with her “family” to punish wrongdoers and take justice into their own hands. The story promises to be intense, as the characters use their diverse and powerful abilities to deliver their own brand of retribution to the villains they pursue.
Creator Kim Jung-min revealed that the inspiration behind the series came from his contemplation of the true meaning of family, especially in the context of widespread child abuse and violence. He shared that the concept arose while he was reflecting on the indiscriminate suffering of children, both their own and others. Kim questioned the notion of whether blood ties are essential to forming a real family, suggesting that a family is defined not by genetics, but by a deep, genuine care for one another. He emphasized that Family Plan challenges the idea of traditional family units, as the characters, despite not being related by blood, share an unbreakable bond and come together to take on dangerous and immoral forces. As the characters work to eliminate villains, the narrative also explores the concept of punishment beyond human law, with the idea that the most fitting justice may be to make the perpetrators experience the same pain they have inflicted on others.
In the series, Bae Doo-na plays Yeong-su, a character with the ability to manipulate memories at will. Yeong-su’s power allows her to invade someone’s mind, erase their memories, implant false ones, or alter their perception of reality entirely. Bae Doo-na described her role as that of a “brain hacker,” which she recognized as a cruel yet potent skill. Her character plays a key role in the family dynamic, as she uses her abilities to help punish wrongdoers in creative and devastating ways.
Ryu Seung-beom portrays Baek Cheol-hee, a devoted father who hides his own abilities while giving unconditional love and care to his family. Ryu admitted that his decision to join the project was influenced by his admiration for his co-stars, especially Bae Doo-na and Baek Yoon-sik. He also explained that the themes of family and responsibility resonated deeply with him on a personal level, as he himself is a family man. For Ryu, this role was particularly meaningful, as it marked his first time playing a father, and he felt it was a transformative experience that allowed him to expand his acting range.
Lee Soo-hyun, who makes her acting debut in Family Matters, plays Baek Ji-woo, a sensitive and emotional character. Lee described the project as “a new pair of shoes,” symbolizing how special and precious this experience has been for her.
Lomon plays Baek Ji-hoon, a brilliant but troubled hacker with a hidden, psychopathic side. Lomon revealed that he lost 7kg for the role, dedicating himself to portraying Ji-hoon’s cold and calculating nature, while also emphasizing his character’s vulnerability and darker tendencies. Lomon also worked hard to capture Ji-hoon’s sharp eyes and intense, calculating actions, which are key elements of his personality.
Baek Yoon-sik takes on the role of Baek Kang-seong, the eccentric grandfather of the family. Known for his roles that blend heaviness with wit, Baek shared that when he first met with creator Kim Jung-min, he was encouraged to approach the role in a relaxed and natural way. Baek Kang-seong may be a tough and prickly character on the outside, but he cares deeply for his grandchildren, treating them as equals and placing them at the heart of the family. Baek Yoon-sik reflected on the deeper meaning of the series, stating that there is a line in the script that says, “Isn’t today more like a family than yesterday?” He noted that, through their transformation into a true family, the characters will not only fight villains but will also confront criminal organizations and take justice into their own hands. Their journey is one of personal rebirth and growth, as they go from being a group of people with unique skills to becoming a unified family unit.
The ensemble cast brings their talents and experiences to their roles, helping to create a dynamic and complex narrative that will challenge traditional notions of justice, family, and morality. As they work together to punish those who have escaped the justice of the law, the characters’ relationships evolve, and they begin to discover what it truly means to be a family—one that is bound by shared values and an unbreakable bond, even in the face of extreme adversity.
Family Matters is set to premiere on Friday, the 29th, at 8 p.m. and promises to be a thrilling, action-packed series that explores themes of family, justice, and revenge. Fans can expect a powerful story that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the personal cost of seeking justice outside the confines of the law. With a talented cast, a gripping storyline, and thought-provoking themes, Family Plan is poised to be a standout series that captivates audiences.
