Picture: Jung Gun Joo, Nana and Kim Dan – Netflix
Filming is now underway on Netflix’s new psychological thriller K-drama, Materesa (WT). The series stars Nana from The Scandal, joined by Kim Dan and Jung Gun Joo. Here’s everything we know so far about Materesa (WT) on Netflix.
Materesa (WT) is an upcoming South Korean Netflix Original psychological thriller directed by Jang Young Woo (Queen of Tears), and written by the screenwriter pair Seo Jae Won (The Guest) and Kwon So Ra (Bulgasal: Immortal Souls).
What is the plot of Materesa (WT)?
The plot of Materesa (WT) has been sourced from Naver:
“Depicts the fierce power struggles surrounding universities and private foundations, as Ma Teresa, the genius criminal psychologist, fights by any means necessary to reclaim a university that once belonged to her mother.”
Netflix has also provided an additional synopsis for Materesa (WT):
“A story about a cold-blooded criminal psychologist and professor named Ma Teresa (NANA), who investigates unsolved murder cases. She’s joined by her assistant Park Seol (Kim Dan), whose innocent looks hide a secret, and her long-time friend and prosecutor Yoo A-ram (Jung Gun-joo), as the three come to confront long-hidden truths and emotions.
When Ma Teresa is asked to consult on high-profile cold-case murder investigations, her assistant, Park Seol, is eager to help, craving her attention. Meanwhile, Yoo A-ram is wary of Park Seol lingering by Teresa’s side. As Ma Teresa interrogates criminals to uncover clues and comes closer to the long-desired truth, she finds herself swept up in unexpected emotions.”
Who are the cast members of Materesa (WT)?
The three lead cast members for Materesa (WT) are Nana, Kim Dan, and Jung Gun Joo.
Naver reported the news that Nana has been cast in the title role of Ma Teresa.
[단독] 나나, 범죄심리학자 된다… ‘마 데레사’ 주인공 https://t.co/ZjdoAsvdYh
‘마 데레사’는 엄마 소유였지만 빼앗긴 대학을 찾기 위해 수단과 방법을 가리지 않는, 대학 사회와 사학재단을 둘러싼 치열한 권력 다툼을 그린다.
‘눈물의 여왕’ 장영우 감독
‘동궁’ 권소라·서재원 작가 pic.twitter.com/K46ohkd69j— ً (@ggonigone) May 6, 2026
Picture: Nana at the table read for Ma Teresa – Netflix
The character has been described as:
“A genius criminal psychologist. Contrary to the kind image her name suggests, she is a misanthrope. Inheriting the genes of her intelligent mother and handsome father, she is not only beautiful but also highly intelligent. She uses her genius abilities solely for her own personal desires and to reclaim what was stolen from her.”
Nana is well known for her career as a singer and dancer in the K-pop group AFTER SCHOOL, and its sub-unit ORANGE CARAMEL. However, since the group stopped performing, she has made a name for herself as a leading actress, having starred in Netflix dramas such as Glitch and Mask Girl, and is due to star in the upcoming steamy drama The Scandal. Outside of Netflix, she is known for My Man is Cupid, Genesis, Into the Ring, and Justice.
Picture (L to R): Nana in Mask Girl, Glitch, and The Scandal
Naver also reported the news that Kim Dan will play the role of Park Seol.
[단독] 김단, 벌써 남자 주인공 우뚝… ‘마 데레사’ 출연 https://t.co/mdK48ELfvJ
극중 범죄심리학과 조교 박설을 연기한다. 늘 예의 바르고 친절하며 훈훈한 외모에 미소까지 예뻐 눈 달린 이라면 좋아하지 않을 수 없는 인기인이다. 학생뿐만 아니라 교직원까지, 학교 전부가 그를 좋아한다. https://t.co/C10a2mW7ic pic.twitter.com/yumuYQsT4S
— ً (@ggonigone) May 17, 2026
Picture: Kim Dan at the table read for Ma Teresa – Netflix
The character has been described as:
“A teaching assistant in the Department of Criminal Psychology. He is always polite and kind, and with his handsome looks and beautiful smile, he is a popular figure whom anyone with eyes cannot help but like. Not only the students but also the faculty and staff—the entire school—likes him.”
Kim Dan is one of the newest Korean actors to hit the scene and has already starred in two Netflix K-dramas, a guest role in Resident Playbook, and a supporting role as Moon Ung in The Winning Try. His first leading roles will come in the near future in the K-drama Men of the Harem and the film Night on Earth.
Picture (L to R): Yoon Kye Sang and Kim Dan in The Winning Try – SBS
The third confirmed lead cast member is Jung Gun Joo, who will play the role of Yoo A Ram, a prosecutor and long-time friend of Ma Teresa. The actor previously starred in Netflix’s Mercy for None and Extraordinary You. The actor has played lead roles in dramas such as Check in Hanyang, The Secret Romantic Guesthouse, and Oh My Baby.
Picture: Jung Gun Joo at the table read for Ma Teresa – Netflix
What is the production status of Materesa?
Netflix has officially confirmed the production of Materesa, which began in August 2026 and will run through to December 2026.
What is the episode count?
There will be 8 episodes.
When is the Netflix release date for Materesa?
With filming confirmed to run until December 2026, it’s possible we could see the K-drama release on Netflix before the end of 2027.
We’ll have more information regarding the series release when Netflix releases its 2027 Korean film and series slate.
For now, we’ll wait for further details from Netflix.
Are you looking forward to watching Materesa on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
