The Ink Factory has partnered with Korean production company VO Media to develop a series adaptation of John le Carré’s acclaimed espionage thriller A Most Wanted Man. The announcement was made by Simon Cornwell at a Winston Baker seminar during the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Contents & Film Market.
Originally published in 2008, John le Carré’s novel A Most Wanted Man follows Issa, an illegal Muslim immigrant who arrives in Hamburg from Russia, only to become entangled with competing intelligence services in the post-9/11 world.
Set in Korea, the new version will be written by Kim Yun-shin and produced by VO Media’s Kim Shin-ho. Park Bo-kyeong of VO Media will oversee development alongside Junyoung Jang, The Ink Factory’s executive producer for Korea. Executive producers include Tessa Inkelaar, Simon Cornwell, Stephen Cornwell, and Michele Wolkoff for The Ink Factory, joined by Joe Tsai and Arthur Wang of 127 Wall Productions.
Producer Kim Shin-ho and writer Kim Yun-shin said, “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? 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.”
Park Bo-kyeong of VO Media said: “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.”
Simon and Stephen Cornwell, co-CEOs of The Ink Factory, added: “‘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.”
The release date for the A Most Wanted Man TV series has not been confirmed yet.
