Hyena

The Cutthroat World of Hyena: Behind the Scenes of Korea’s Legal Thriller

Hyena (2020) isn’t just a legal drama—it’s a bloodsport. The SBS series, directed by Jang Tae-yoo, pits ruthless lawyers against each other in a high-stakes game where morality is a luxury. Starring Kim Hye-soo and Ju Ji-hoon, the show dives into the seedy underbelly of South Korea’s elite legal circles, where only the top 1% get representation—and only the most cunning survive. But what went on behind the cameras? latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what the evidence reveals (and what remains shrouded in mystery).

A Role Too Spicy for Song Hye-Kyo?

Before Kim Hye-soo stepped into the shoes of the morally ambiguous Jung Geum-ja, another A-lister was in the running. Song Hye-kyo was initially offered the lead female role but ultimately declined . While the reasons remain unconfirmed, the character’s unapologetic greed and ethical flexibility might have given her pause. Jung Geum-ja isn’t just a lawyer—she’s a "true hyena," willing to cross any line for money and power . Kim Hye-soo, known for her chameleonic roles, embraced the part with gusto, but one can only wonder how Song’s interpretation might have shifted the tone.

Netflix’s Global Gamble: A Race Against the Clock

Hyena wasn’t just a Korean phenomenon—it was a global experiment. The series aired on SBS TV from February 21 to April 11, 2020, but Netflix subscribers worldwide could stream new episodes just one hour after their Korean broadcast . This near-simultaneous release was a bold move, capitalizing on the platform’s growing appetite for Korean content. The show’s dark, fast-paced narrative—centered on lawyers who weaponize the law for the ultra-rich—proved a perfect fit for Netflix’s international audience .

But the tight turnaround likely added pressure behind the scenes. With no room for delays, the production team had to ensure episodes were polished, subtitled, and uploaded within an hour of airing domestically. Rumors of on-set tension over product placement and content boundaries surfaced later, though details remain scarce . (More on that controversy below.)

**Controversy and AI: Did Hyena Push Too Far?**

Hyena didn’t just court drama—it sparked it. Director Lee Seung-young (not to be confused with series director Jang Tae-yoo) later addressed backlash over the show’s "excessive" content and product placement . While the snippet doesn’t specify what crossed the line, the series’ unflinching portrayal of corruption, sexual politics, and legal manipulation likely ruffled feathers. Some viewers and critics questioned whether the show glorified its morally bankrupt characters, while others praised its raw honesty.

Adding to the intrigue, Lee also commented on the use of AI in the series . The details are vague—was it used for post-production, script analysis, or something more experimental?—but the mention hints at a behind-the-scenes tech twist that never fully came to light.

The Cast’s Off-Screen Chemistry (or Lack Thereof?)

With a premise this intense, did the cast’s real-life dynamics mirror their characters’ cutthroat relationships? The evidence is thin, but a few breadcrumbs suggest fireworks. Kim Hye-soo and Ju Ji-hoon, who play legal rivals (and occasional allies), have a history of sizzling on-screen chemistry. Their 2013 film The Face Reader already proved they could sell tension, and Hyena doubled down with charged courtroom showdowns and flirtatious power plays .

Behind-the-scenes footage, like the BTS clip with a "kiss scene cut," teases a playful, if not slightly awkward, camaraderie . But given the show’s themes of betrayal and survival, it’s fun to imagine the cast leaning into their roles off-camera—perhaps with Jung Geum-ja’s scheming or Yoon Hee-jae’s (Ju Ji-hoon) smug charm bleeding into their interactions.

The Verdict: A Hit, But Not Without Scars

Hyena earned a respectable 6.7/10 on SensCritique, with viewers praising its sharp writing and Kim Hye-soo’s performance . Yet, the controversies—over content, AI, and product placement—suggest the production wasn’t all smooth sailing. For a show about lawyers who thrive in chaos, that might be the most fitting legacy of all.