With dilemma of money-draining superpowers, 'Cashero' offers fresh take on hero genre

▲ Director Lee Chang-min speaks at a press conference in Seoul on Dec. 22, 2025. (Yonhap)

▲ Cast members of Netflix original series "Cashero" pose for photos at a press conference in Seoul on Dec. 22, 2025. (Yonhap)

▲ A poster for Netflix original series "Cashero" is seen in this image provided by the streaming service. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Netflix series-press conference

With dilemma of money-draining superpowers, 'Cashero' offers fresh take on hero genre

By Woo Jae-yeon

SEOUL, Dec. 22 (Yonhap) -- Netflix's upcoming original "Cashero" sets itself apart from other ordinary hero works, its director said Monday, as it delves into the dilemma faced by a protagonist whose money drains from his wallet every time he uses his superpower to save others.

"I wanted to differentiate it from other similar works," director Lee Chang-min said at a press conference for the eight-part series.

"It is a hero series where an ordinary man uses superpower to protect his everyday life," Lee said, adding that the relatable, down-to-earth protagonist possesses a power that straddles "a superpower and a curse."

"It is not about fights between heroes. Rather, ordinary people put up their own fight with their own superpowers," he said, expressing his confidence in the series that it took him three years to craft.

Based on a webtoon of the same name, the series centers on Sang-ung (Lee Jun-ho), an ordinary civil servant who, one day, inherits strange super strength from his father where he gets stronger based on how much cash he has.

With savings meant for marriage and a new home, he finds himself consistently torn between living expenses and the need to exert his supernatural power. He struggles to refrain from using his ability, as the money disappears when he does.

In addition, he is pursued by Jonathan (Lee Chae-min), a leading heir to a mysterious entity called Beominhoe, who seeks to take that power from Sang-ung.

Calling his character "far from extraordinary," actor Lee Jun-ho of tvN's "Typhoon Family" admitted that he would prefer to have the superpower possessed by Bbang-mi (Kim Hyang-gi), who gets stronger the more she eats.

"I think her superpower is really cool," Lee said. "If I could exert superpowers based on how much I eat, I would spend all of my money to do that. I love to eat," he joked.

Lee noted he focused on what the series ultimately tries to convey to audiences: "heart."

Touching on the value of money and heart, he said, "I came to realize that truly helping others comes from genuine sincerity," regardless of money.

Actress Kim Hye-jun portrays Min-sook, Sang-ung's down-to-earth and practical girlfriend who strives to protect Sang-ung's money.

"She is a very relatable character," she said, adding "I tried to convincingly portray her concerns, which are very natural in her situation."

The series is set for release Friday.

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