Watching Netflix's Dead-End Job Before Its Official Release
Note: This review is based on the first four episodes of Dead-End Job, which I watched ahead of its official release at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2026. I'll try my best not to spoil much, but I'll share my thoughts and experience watching the series early!
One of the highlights of my BIFF 2026 experience was getting to watch the first four episodes of Netflix's upcoming Korean series, Dead-End Job, before its official release!
I actually didn't know much about this series except for one thing: Lee Jaewook was going to play the main character. If you've read my previous blog posts, you probably already know that I'm a fan of Lee Jaewook. So, of course, I was excited to watch it!
Dead-End Job was selected for BIFF's On Screen section, and the first four episodes were screened ahead of its Netflix premiere on October 30, 2026.
BIFF also has a special session called Guest Visit (GV), where the cast and filmmakers meet the audience after a screening. Even though I knew Lee Jaewook was currently serving in the military, I still tried my luck and got a ticket for the screening with the Guest Visit.
And I'm glad I did because this turned out to be one of my favorite series screenings during BIFF!
What Is Dead-End Job About?
Dead-End Job follows Byeon Hyeok Jun (Lee Jaewook), a young man who is drowning in debt and desperately needs money. He eventually accepts a part-time job through a mysterious employment agency that offers an unbelievable salary: 50 times the usual hourly wage!
Sounds like a dream job, right? Well, not exactly.
His new job leads him into strange and frightening situations, combining comedy, horror, fantasy, and dark humor. With eight episodes featuring different jobs and challenges, there's always something new waiting for the characters.
The series also stars Kim Min Ha as Ji-yoon, Lee Hee Jun as the head of the mysterious employment agency, and Yoon Kyung Ho, with Choi Hyunwook making a special appearance.
My Early Thoughts on Dead-End Job
Comedic but Full of Jump Scares
As someone who went into the screening knowing almost nothing about the story, I honestly didn't expect the series to have so many strange and frightening moments!
I knew it would be about a man accepting a part-time job because he needed money, but I didn't expect the supernatural elements that came with it. There were moments when I was laughing at what was happening on screen, only to get startled by a jump scare right after!
Lee Jaewook's expressions were one of my favorite things about the series. His reactions were so funny, and I think he did a great job portraying Hyeok Jun's different emotions. You could really feel what his character was going through!
I also liked how the series combines comedy and horror instead of sticking to just one genre. You never really know what to expect next, which makes watching it even more entertaining.
A Very Interesting Concept About a Part-Time Job
While I was searching for a job here in Seoul, I actually considered getting a part-time job to help cover my living expenses. So, in a way, I could relate to Hyeok Jun's situation.
Of course, my circumstances are different from his, but I understand why someone struggling financially would be tempted by a job that promises an unusually high salary for only a few hours of work.
What I find interesting about Dead-End Job is how it takes something so ordinary, like looking for a job, and turns it into a supernatural story. As someone who enjoys fictional stories, I really appreciate this kind of concept!
There's also a bit of social commentary behind all the fantasy and horror. The story touches on financial struggles and the pressure to find work, which are things many people can relate to. It might be an exaggerated situation, but the reason Hyeok Jun accepts the job feels understandable.
I think this combination of reality and fiction is what makes the series stand out to me. I'm curious to see what other strange situations the remaining episodes will bring!
The Cast Was Amazing!
I honestly think the casting was great! Even though I've only watched the first four episodes, the actors I've seen so far have done a good job with their roles.
Of course, Lee Jaewook was the main reason I wanted to watch the series. But I also enjoyed seeing Kim Min Ha, Lee Hee Jun, Yoon Kyung Ho, and Choi Hyunwook in the story.
I particularly liked the dynamic between Hyeok Jun and his sister, Ji-yoon, played by Lee Jaewook and Kim Min Ha. Their interactions bring a more familiar and relatable element to a story filled with bizarre situations.
During the festival discussions, director Da-min Kim also shared that the actors naturally developed a sibling-like rapport. I think that kind of chemistry helps make their relationship more believable on screen!
Choi Hyunwook also shared that he was drawn to the script because of its unusual combination of genres and unpredictable episodic format. And honestly, I can understand why! It's not every day that you come across a story that mixes workplace struggles with supernatural horror and comedy.
As a filmmaker myself, I also appreciate how the series uses different jobs and settings to keep the story interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds in the remaining episodes.
Will I Watch Dead-End Job When It Is Released on Netflix?
OF COURSE!
To be honest, Dead-End Job was one of the best series I've watched during BIFF 2026. I initially wanted to watch it because of Lee Jaewook, but I ended up enjoying the story and its unusual concept, too.
The combination of comedy, horror, and fantasy made the first four episodes entertaining, and I was left wanting to know what would happen next.
Since I've only watched half of the eight-episode series, I can't give a complete review just yet. But based on what I've seen so far, I'm definitely excited to continue watching!
Dead-End Job is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 30, 2026. If you enjoy Korean series with dark humor, supernatural elements, and plenty of unexpected situations, I recommend adding this one to your watchlist.
And if you're a Lee Jaewook fan like me, you'll probably want to check it out, too!
My BIFF 2026 Experience: Seeing Lee Jaewook and the casts of Dead-End Job
Of course, I can't end this post without sharing one of the most exciting parts of my experience!
Remember when I said I tried my luck getting a ticket with a Guest Visit even though Lee Jaewook was in the military?
Well, I actually got to see Lee Jaewook during the screening!
He wasn't able to participate in the Guest Visit or speak to the audience because he is currently serving in the military and couldn't take part in the series' promotional activities. However, he was there watching Dead-End Job with us, and I was seated near him!
As a fan, I would have loved to hear him talk about the series and his character, but being able to watch his project in the same space as him was already such a special experience. I honestly didn't expect that when I got my ticket!
I was also lucky enough to meet Choi Hyunwook during the Guest Visit. On top of that, I got to see both Kim Min Ha, Choi Hyunwook, and a slight of Lee Jaewook during their Open Stage at BIFF. I just finished watching a film when I went out and saw Lee Jaewook saying goodbye already. He did appear for a short period of time to support the casts!
These little moments made watching Dead-End Job even more memorable for me. I went into the screening excited to see Lee Jaewook's new project, and I ended up with not only a series I enjoyed but also some wonderful BIFF memories!
Still cuts and script reading photos were taken from Netflix
