London and LA-based studio The Ink Factory is teaming with Korean production company VO Media to develop a series adaptation of John le Carré‘s acclaimed espionage thriller “A Most Wanted Man.”
The Korea-set adaptation will be scripted by Kim Yun-shin, with VO Media’s Kim Shin-ho producing. VO Media’s Park Bo-kyeong will oversee development alongside The Ink Factory’s Executive Producer for Korea, Junyoung Jang. Executive producers include Tessa Inkelaar, Simon Cornwell, Stephen Cornwell and Michele Wolkoff for The Ink Factory, plus Joe Tsai and Arthur Wang from 127 Wall Productions.
The 2008 novel centers on an illegal Muslim immigrant arriving in Hamburg from Russia, who becomes caught between intelligence services from multiple countries in the post-9/11 era. The story explores themes of paranoia and moral ambiguity in the war on terror.
“John le Carré’s ‘A Most Wanted Man’ is not simply about espionage or the war on terror. At its core, the story asks: under the name of the nation, how easily can an individual become a sacrifice?” said producer Kim Shin-ho and writer Kim Yun-shin. “We were drawn to reinterpret this story within the context of modern Korean history — a history marked by war, division, dictatorship, and countless sacrifices made in the name of security.”
Simon Cornwell and Stephen Cornwell, founders and co-CEOs at The Ink Factory, said: “‘A Most Wanted Man’ is a poignant exploration of trust, power and morality — themes that remain deeply relevant today. As we continue expanding the global legacy of the le Carré canon, it’s a privilege to forge our first partnership with VO Media, who have a very impressive track record in crafting masterfully plotted projects. Together, we look forward to bringing a distinctly Korean perspective to this gripping story and to reimagine le Carré’s intricate world of espionage through a fresh cultural lens for audiences in Korea and far beyond.”
Park Bo-kyeong at VO Media added: “This collaboration allows us not only to adapt one of le Carré’s most human and politically sharp works, but also to learn and grow through The Ink Factory’s experience across Europe, the U.S. and beyond.”
VO Media, founded in 2015 by Park and Kim, has credits including “Why Her,” “I Can Hear Your Voice” and “The King 2 Hearts.” The partnership represents The Ink Factory’s continued expansion into Asian markets, following projects like the Hindi-language adaptation of “The Night Manager” for Disney+ Hotstar.