The WONDERfools

The Four Fantasists

Although the script is 100% Korean, its genesis traces back to the “The B-Team” concept developed by Stan Lee’s studio in 2018. Directed by Yoo In-sik (Dr. Romantic, Vagabond, Extraordinary Attorney Woo), this K-drama takes us to 1999, at the dawn of the Y2K bug, in the small town of Haeseong—marked by a dark incident dating back over twenty years. The WONDERfools naturally evokes Marvel or DC-style heroes, but it leans more toward a mix of works like Cashero, Hi-Five, and even The Boys, in the sense that these characters are not born as heroes but are the result of laboratory experiments or accidental contamination. In terms of atmosphere, they also carry a touch of Guardians of the Galaxy. So between satire and superhero deconstruction, do these late-20th-century “wonder kids” (in truth, broken misfits) succeed in delivering both spectacle and escapism?

At the end of 1999, Eun Chae-ni (Park Eun-bin), in fragile health, is expected not to survive into the new century due to a weak heart. She is a 27-year-old woman with a childish streak—likable but stagnant. Her only family is her grandmother, who runs a large restaurant. Her high school friend Kang Ro-bin (Im Sung-jae), somewhat intellectually limited, and her neighbor Son Gyeong-hun (Choi Dae-hoon), a lazy, compulsive liar of sorts, are her only companions. A new civil servant arrives at the town hall and surprises them with his rigidity: Lee Un-jeong (Cha Eun-woo) is a mysterious figure who takes a particular interest in Chae-ni. One night, after a tragedy, the trio accidentally acquire superpowers through an unfortunate chain of events. In reality, this awakens Chae-ni’s latent abilities while also granting her new ones. Elsewhere in the city, a diabolical figure returns: Professor Ha Won-do (Son Hyun-joo), released on parole after 20 years in prison. He is the source of the misfortunes awaiting the group and is directly tied to parts of their past.

From the very first minutes, the tone is set. The series opens with Radiohead’s iconic Creep, immediately immersing us in the melancholy and existential gloom of the late century. This temporal and musical contrast perfectly establishes an atmosphere that constantly oscillates between nostalgia and modernity. The retro aesthetic brings a carefully crafted vintage feel. It offers a fresh take on the superhero genre—far from standard blockbusters—focusing instead on humor and the clumsy, deeply human side of these “Wonderfools.” At its core, they stem from the “Wunderkinder Project” (yes, the German reference is deliberate), echoing the idea of scientific experiments reminiscent of World War II-era experimentation narratives. In keeping with the Y2K setting, the series leans heavily into nostalgia, portraying flawed heroes with limited lifespans whose already broken lives are further shaped by physical or psychological damage. The core idea is to show how ordinary, slightly dysfunctional people deal with overwhelming responsibility. They gradually discover strengths they never knew they had, especially courage and self-sacrifice.

In this kind of drama, the appeal is not in an unpredictable plot. The main strength of The WONDERfools comes down to one name: Park Eun-bin. Once again, she delivers an outstanding and compelling performance—an absolute showcase without ever overdoing it. She practically owns the screen. Credit is also due to Choi Dae-hoon and Im Sung-jae, both highly respected actors in Korean cinema and television. As for Cha Eun-woo, while I’m not particularly a fan, he delivers a surprisingly solid performance alongside his Clark Kent-like physique. The chemistry between the team members works well: they support each other, motivate one another, and grow together. Another smart choice is that their powers are unstable—they must learn to trigger and control them, often leading to comedic or chaotic action scenes. Their energy is contagious; it’s pure dopamine entertainment. You’re not here to think—you’re here to have fun. The direction is polished, the CGI solid, and the production design effective. The soundtrack also elevates key moments; the ending of episode 6, for instance, evokes a Guardians of the Galaxy-style sequence with a long tracking shot centered on Park Eun-bin.

The downside is that while the heroes are well-developed and the series entertaining, it somewhat misses the depth of its central conflict. Even though the danger is present, it never feels truly threatening. The antagonists are often too soft, lacking real menace despite having interesting abilities on paper. They are not cruel enough, and somewhat improbably, some even display empathy. The use of a cult as a cover for their actions feels like an overly familiar narrative shortcut. Moreover, Son Hyun-joo, a major figure in the industry, is underused and drifts through the story like a ghost. It’s a shame, as there was real potential to intensify the threat and raise the stakes in certain action sequences. That said, I understand Yoo In-sik’s intention to keep the focus on the “Fantastic Four” of misfits and their emotional journey. The entire moral arc revolves around what they choose to do with their flawed abilities—their decision to turn defect into altruistic sacrifice.

One final note: I’ll leave the discovery of the protagonists’ superpowers to the viewer, some of which, despite being seemingly “useless,” turn out to be crucial at key moments. It’s also worth noting the director’s clever handling of historical context, avoiding lazy flashbacks. While not particularly groundbreaking, the series delivers an enjoyable, feel-good yet occasionally darker story—a blend of burlesque comedy, human drama, and thriller elements. With solid production values, it is clearly a Netflix export-oriented project. The overall package is strong, even if sometimes chaotic, though viewers should be careful of occasional emotional overindulgence. The redemption arc of a certain character also feels somewhat too easy by the end. Ultimately, what remains is a high-energy series with a clean tone and highly likable, relatable heroes. Yes, it lacks consistency and rigor at times, but it never feels frustrating because the entertainment is clear and effective. As with many shows of this kind, the ending remains open. I initially planned to give it a 7, but Park Eun-bin alone earns it an extra point—she absolutely dominates the game.

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Stayed for those WonderFools!

Going into this show, I had a different idea of what it was going to be. The trailer was fantastic showing chaotic superhero adventure where a group of ppl with powers would be uncovering mysteries around their town. While the show did have those elements, the actual story took a very different direction than what i anticipated. Instead of focusing primarily on superhero antics, the plot was much more centered on the origins of the powers, the scientific lab experiments behind them, and the mystery surrounding the "Child of eternity” .
Nevertheless I still had a great time with it.

The biggest highlight for me was undoubtedly the Wonderfools themselves. As a group, they were endlessly entertaining. Their chemistry felt natural, and so many of their interactions had me laughing. Even during the more serious moments, their dynamic kept the show fun and engaging. They truly carried the heart of the series.

I still have a few thoughts and questions about certain aspects of the story, which I'll get into below.👇🏻

One thing I found strangest was how the story handled its antagonists. While there were definitely people doing terrible things, I never really viewed the Wonder Kinder kids as villains. To me, they felt more like victims, ultimately used as pawns by people with their own agendas. Their actions caused harm, but they were also being deceived and exploited. Because of that, I couldn't help feeling sympathetic toward them.

And HoRan, my girl, deserved the world!!! She was hands down one of my favorites. A complete badass yet also the biggest lover girl at heart. I was rooting for her the entire time, and honestly, I felt so sorry for her.

This is also why I wish they had received a more hopeful ending. Since the series is ultimately a feel-good fantasy comedy, I think it would have been more satisfying if everyone had found a way to work together in the end rather than being forced into conflict.
Plus why was the FL’s grandmother part of those scientific experiments? What was her agenda doing that in the past ?

Overall, even though the show wasn't what the trailers led me to expect, it still managed to win me over with its lovable cast, humor, and surprisingly emotional story. It was an enjoyable ride nonetheless.

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The Wonderfools absolutely rocks.

This is easily the most fun I've had with anything superhero related in a very long time.

Park Eun-bin is the main reason I ended up watching this and she did not disappoint at all. Absolutely stole every scene she was in. She's just the best. The entire cast around her was also just so good from top to bottom. The other Wonderfools, Choi Dae-hoon, Im Sung-jai, and Cha Eun-Woo all absolutely crushed it too.

This show also did something with its villains that I found to be incredibly interesting. They were all very intimidating, but (pretty much) all of them were sympathetic characters who you could fully understand where they were coming from. Both the heroes and the villains had super creative ways of using their powers over the course of the show as well, which continued to surprise me as the show went on.

I just had an absolute blast with this. I seemed to like each episode even more than the one before it, and I was entertained from start to finish. Easy recommendation from me.

Favorite Episodes:
Episode 6 - All Roads Lead to Chae-ni
Episode 7 - The Guardians of Haeseong City Part 1
Episode 8 - The Guardians of Haeseong City Part 2

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If you are looking for a K-drama that breaks the mold of traditional superhero stories and guarantees a good laugh, The Wonderfools is undoubtedly your next must-watch. The series brilliantly fuses '90s nostalgia, comedy, and action into a formula that feels incredibly fresh.

Set in an era where heroes don't wear capes or have flawlessly tragic backstories, the plot introduces us to a group of completely ordinary (and somewhat clumsy) citizens in the town of Haeseong. Overnight, they discover they possess superpowers, but there’s a catch: their abilities only trigger in completely random and unpredictable ways.

Park Eun-bin, Cha Eun-woo, Choi Dae-hoon, and Im Seong-jae lead the cast with undeniable charisma. Seeing them step outside of their usual picture-perfect roles to play flawed, funny, and deeply human characters is an absolute delight.

Unlike Hollywood mega-productions, superpowers here are nothing but a headache. The comedy stems from the sheer ridiculousness of the situations, like trying to save the day only for your power to shut off right in the middle of a fight.

The late '90s (1999) setting is meticulously crafted. From the color palette to the soundtrack, the series wraps you in a nostalgic atmosphere that instantly transports you back to that era.

The Wonderfools doesn't try to be your typical "save the world" story; its true superpower is its heart. With a brisk pace, well-executed visual effects that never lose their comedic touch, and a script that knows exactly when to make you laugh and when to tug at your heartstrings, this drama cements itself as one of the most pure and enjoyable watches of the year.

Highly recommended!

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Honestly, such a hidden gem! ?❤️

I just finished The Wonderfools and I’m not even exaggerating—I watched the whole thing in one single sitting. I literally couldn’t pull myself away from the screen!

The way this drama mixes comedy, thrill, and romance is just brilliant. Usually, when shows try to mash up that many genres, it gets messy, but it worked so perfectly here. One minute I was laughing out loud, and the next I was genuinely on the edge of my seat.

And can we talk about the cast? Everyone did an amazing job, but Park Eun-bin and Cha Eun-woo together? Absolute magic. Their chemistry is insane! Their back-and-forth comedic timing was hilarious, and the romantic vibe between them felt so natural and sweet.

My only real heartbreak is that it was only 8 episodes long. It felt way too short! I was so invested in the story and the characters that I just wanted more time with them.

If you're looking for something fast-paced, super fun, and genuinely feel-good, please go watch this. Just make sure you have a free afternoon because you will binge it!

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Underwhelming (but not as disappointing as KPOP Demon Hunters)

Wonderfools aspires to a kind of narrative grandeur it never quite earns, settling instead for being intermittently entertaining when it isn’t busy circling its own indecision. The reliably lauded veteran cast deliver precisely what one expects of them (competence bordering on autopilot), though one suspects they’ve been given far more credit than the material warrants. For a series so eager to flirt with superpowered ambition, its central conflict feels almost embarrassingly underdeveloped, reducing potentially harrowing themes (fractured childhoods, moral divergence) into little more than decorative angst. Most disappointing of all is its villain, whose supposed grand vision lacks both scale and cunning, rendering the entire enterprise curiously small despite its inflated self-image.

That said, one could do far worse. In an entertainment landscape that occasionally mistakes incoherence for ambition (KPOP Demon Hunters being a particularly egregious not so recent example), Wonderfools, at least, understands the basic virtue of watchability. It may never transcend its own limitations, but it remains consistently engaging and, at times, genuinely funny in ways that feel earned rather than accidental. Faint praise, perhaps, but praise nonetheless.

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The WONDERfulls? (Yes or no?)

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Me?
I'd pick the power to rewrite dramas that had so much potential but didn't really live up to them.
Not good?
Then I'll settle for my body turning into superglue every time I lie :(

I've actually been looking forward to The WONDERfools since it was announced, because read the synopsis and tell me it's not fun. I can't even say that after having watched it (we know it happens sometimes) it was super fun! And funny too, I'll admit it took a minute but once they were on a roll, they couldn't be stopped.
Watching three characters who inadvertently received superpowers try to manage it by following around another superhero they inadvertently found while an evil organisation plots the end of the world, set to the background of Y2K? That is fun.
The weird camaraderie between the four leads was a delight to watch, they may not be extremely expressive or outwardly affectionate, but those four cared for each and it was more than obvious.
And.. and..well, I still kind of wish some things were done differently.

To be clear, I am a huge fan of the "superhero saves the day" trope, I enjoy it no matter how outlandish it may be, and I wanted that here. Superhero with a side of relatability.
Even with the concept of superheroes whose powers are not really "super", Kdrama writers really do know only one way to execute, which is neither here nor there. If you're going to go for it, do it. Or don't do it at all! It's clear who the lead was even when there were four leads and I suppose it happens all the time but that's my point. It happens all the time, and why do the writers fear trying something new?
I guess that was my biggest problem - the Hero's Journey (which they clearly followed here) could only really be applied to Chae Ni's character. Un Jeong was the mentor, Son ahjussi and Robin her companions and that's nice, but I really wish the other characters had more depth. I will say they were headed there, and right then, the credits rolled.

Initially I was quite impressed with the balance between the mystery and the comedy, but the more I watched it was incredibly clear that this was a very tactfully marketed superhero series. Think about the story formula for any movie in the genre and it was it.
It is somehow both a Kdrama and a quintessential superhero story and I guess that's exactly.. that's exactly what it's supposed to be, but wait! Imagine the things that you would associate to any and every Kdrama or Marvel movie and they're ALL here lol.

I don't know. I'm just super confused about everything about The WONDERfools, even whether I like it or not and that counts for something, right? It's like for every positive I think, there's a negative I can think of, but right then there's another positive. I'd say the best option is to watch for yourself, pace yourself while you watch and yes, maybe you'll be just as confused as I am.. we can be confused together :)

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Pure chaos and comedy in a superhero flick

I came in with no expectations and was absolutely blown out of the water! One of the most chaotic, unserious, and comedic Kdramas I've watched. The found family trope is done so well, each character has rich backstories and their mischief when together is hilarious.

This is definitely Eun Woo's best work. He really brings to life the traumatized, introverted office worker who reluctantly has to help this insane group he found himself entangled in and gradually come out of his shell. I love seeing him out of the typecast of playing only the "cold, handsome" male leads. His little smiles when he's amused by their shenanigans make me swoon.

Chae Ni is such a bubbly, vivacious character. She is unapologetically herself. She is the glue that holds their little found family together. I also love the dynamic of the introverted, calm ML x loud, chaotic FL. One of the greatest examples of correctly incorporating romance when it is not the main focus.

Such a refreshing drama in a year where I personally have found Kdramas to be lackluster. This is the superhero origin story that teaches family is not blood, but heart and the occasional coffee jelly.

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a WONDERful hidden gem of 2026!

I did not expect this drama to be "this" goooood!

This is not your average superhero drama. It's wacky, packed with slapstick comedy, and filled with larger-than-life action sequences. But don't be fooled by the silliness - at its heart is a compelling story supported by strong performances and heartfelt themes of family, friendship, and community. The direction and cinematography are also exceptional, often feeling more like a big-budget action film than a TV drama. Easily one of the most underrated gems of 2026, and if you're skipping it, you're seriously missing out.

Everything about this drama was top-notch, but here are my favorite aspects:

(1) The Humor:
If you're a fan of slapstick comedy, exaggerated action, and absurd situations done tastefully, this drama is for you. Beneath all the laughs is a layered story that even touches on social themes, including the question of how far human greed can go. The comic timing of the three WonderFools - played by Park Eun Bin, Choi De Hoon, and Im Sung Jae - is impeccable. Choi De Hoon, in particular, is an absolute standout as Mr. Son. Branded as the neighborhood fools, these accidental superheroes deliver nonstop chaos and hilarity that had me laughing throughout.

(2) Cha Eun Woo:
I won't lie - Cha Eun Woo has always been one of my biases because of his face card. At the same time, I never considered him a particularly strong actor. Handsome? Absolutely. But often a little stiff. I've watched most of his dramas because they're popular - and because, well, it's Cha Eun Woo. However, this drama genuinely impressed me. His acting has improved significantly, and this role proves it.

His character initially requires him to portray two very different personas, and he pulls it off remarkably well. The telekinetic hero role suits him perfectly. He is charismatic as an action hero on a secret mission, convincing in the emotional moments, and downright adorable when playing the bumbling Clark Kent-esque persona hiding his Superman alter ego.

What impressed me most is that he more than held his own alongside Park Eun Bin and Choi De Hoon. Park Eun Bin is one of the finest actresses working today, and Choi De Hoon consistently elevates every project he's in. The fact that Eun Woo kept pace with actors of that caliber is a testament to how far he has come. Is he one of the industry's greatest actors yet? Not quite. But this performance left me genuinely impressed. In my opinion, this is one of the best roles of his career so far. (And yes, I am still waiting for him to play a villain - the kind who seems innocent and trustworthy until the final reveal.)

(3) Right Focus on the Genre/Tags:
The drama includes a touch of romance, but it is woven naturally into the main story and never feels forced. Too often, dramas shoehorn romance into stories simply because the leads are attractive. I was worried that would happen here, but thankfully it didn't. The focus remains on the action, comedy, mystery, and the relationships between friends, family, and a close-knit small-town community. Setting the story in 1999 also adds a wonderful dose of late-'90s and early-2000s nostalgia. The props, costumes, and soundtrack all help bring that era to life.

(4) The VFX & Production Quality:
To be honest, when I first heard about this drama, I didn't have particularly high expectations. The premise sounded a little cliché and gimmicky. I only kept it on my watchlist because of Eun Woo and Eun Bin. When I finally started watching, I was blown away. The production quality is genuinely impressive. The visual effects, action sequences, cinematography, and overall scale feel closer to a blockbuster film than a television drama. While I'm not saying it's on the level of Marvel or DC's biggest productions, it comes surprisingly close at times and delivers a fantastic visual experience. Combined with the strong acting, engaging story, and well-paced narrative, it makes for an incredibly entertaining watch from start to finish.

OVERALL:
I highly recommend this drama. It's just a tiny step below masterpiece status for me because I felt there were some unresolved gaps regarding the villains' storylines. I understand these may be intentional cliffhangers for a potential Season 2, so it's not necessarily a flaw - more of a small speed bump in an otherwise excellent viewing experience. If I compare it to the dramas I've personally rated a perfect 10, it doesn't quite reach that level. This rating comes more from instinct than logic; for some reason, I can't give it full marks. Then again, it might change if I re-watch. But make no mistake: this is still a fantastic drama and one of the most enjoyable surprises I've watched this year.

BONUS:
This is the first time I've seen Cha Eun Woo smoking on screen - and looking absolutely "smoking hot" while doing it. The white vest, tousled hair, and effortlessly badass energy were a whole moment. Then the finale has a "bullet scene" which is a complete aura-farming moment. If that doesn't convince you to watch, I don't know what will. Maybe this video might help: https://youtube.com/shorts/VfmhKFo4D8w?si=jqr9Mbh14oPXHTMr

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So, where do I even begin.

This is honestly one of those rare dramas that gets better with every single episode to the point that I genuinely wish it had more than 8 episodes.

I’ll admit, the first 2 episodes tested me a little. Everything initially feels very loud, exaggerated, and almost cartoonishly absurd, not in a good way. Despite having a roster full of amazing actors, the trio’s personalities are written to be overly chaotic, childish, and messy to the point that I can understand why some casual viewers might struggle to adjust to the tone at first.

But then… Cha Eunwoo got punched by Park Eunbin and his face got completely distorted, and suddenly, I WAS SEATED.

Then came the tank top and garbage dump scenes. And before I knew it, I WAS SOLD.

What really helped ground the drama for me during those earlier episodes was Cha Eunwoo’s character. His performance acts as the perfect counterweight to all the surrounding chaos. If his character wasn’t there setting emotional boundaries and reacting like an actual sane person trapped inside this madness, I genuinely think the drama could’ve become too absurdist for casual viewers. And I have to say this: his acting is really good here. He's a good actor now.

As for the trio, I initially felt like the writing wasn’t fully utilizing Park Eunbin’s talents because her character starts off almost too much like a trainwreck. Choi Daehoon’s character was frustratingly selfish in the beginning, while Im Seongjae felt too much like a 5-year-old that watching the three of them together sometimes felt like swallowing dry sweet potatoes.

BUT THEN THE STORY STARTS SETTLING INTO ITSELF.

What initially felt like random bullets ricocheting everywhere finally starts aiming toward an actual emotional target. The trio’s dynamics become stronger, warmer, and surprisingly heartfelt as they begin interacting with more people and the worldbuilding expands. Slowly, the emotional core beneath all the ridiculous comedy starts revealing itself.

AND FROM THERE ON, IT ONLY KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

Park Eunbin eventually shines exactly like the incredible actress that she is, bringing warmth and sincerity beneath all the absurdity like a true center lead should. Meanwhile, Choi Daehoon somehow ended up becoming my favorite character by the end and honestly the highlight of the series. What impressed me most is that no character here feels wasted: villains, child actors, and aunties in the diner, they all leave an impression. So I really have to praise director Yoo Insik because the directing here is GENUINELY FANTASTIC. The balance between absurd comedy, emotional moments, and action sequences is handled incredibly smoothly. I especially love how every time the story starts getting too dark or emotionally heavy, Yoo Insik suddenly throws in something completely ridiculous to snap viewers out of the tension and remind us that this is still comedy, without ruining the emotional integrity of the story itself. The whole drama feels incredibly campy in the BEST way possible. And the fight scenes? Surprisingly well choreographed for a drama this comedic.

All in all, A MASTERPIECE.

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