Two of South Korea’s most celebrated actresses, Kim Hye Soo and Cho Yeo Jeong, are set to headline the upcoming thriller The Affair Was Just the Beginning, premiering exclusively on Viu on July 31, 2026.

What begins as a rumor of infidelity quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Across eight gripping episodes, the series unfolds into a suspense-filled story of murder, buried secrets, and an anonymous witness who knows everything.

When an Affair Becomes the Least of Their Problems

Kim Hye Soo stars as Gyeong Hui, a successful influencer and interior design entrepreneur admired for her picture-perfect family life. Hoping to expand her business, she approaches her wealthy neighbor Su Jeong (Cho Yeo Jeong), the owner of a prestigious skincare clinic and a potential investor.

But the carefully crafted image of Gyeong Hui’s life shatters overnight.

After hearing rumors that her husband, Jae Hyeong (Kim Ji Hoon), is having an affair, she secretly follows him—only to discover him dealing with a dead body. The shocking truth behind the incident is even more devastating, as it unexpectedly involves their daughter, Ye Ji.

Determined to protect their family and everything they have built, Gyeong Hui and Jae Hyeong make a desperate decision: they bury the body in their backyard.

Then comes a chilling message.

Someone saw everything.

From that moment on, the affair that once seemed like the biggest scandal becomes merely the beginning of a much darker nightmare.

A Rare On-Screen Collaboration Between Two Powerhouse Actresses

One of the drama’s biggest highlights is the long-awaited pairing of Kim Hye Soo and Cho Yeo Jeong.

Kim Hye Soo has long been regarded as one of Korea’s finest actresses, earning widespread acclaim through acclaimed dramas such as Signal and Under the Queen’s Umbrella. Meanwhile, Cho Yeo Jeong gained international recognition for her unforgettable performance in the Oscar-winning film Parasite.

Their dynamic as neighbors whose relationship is built on ambition, trust, and hidden agendas promises to deliver compelling psychological tension throughout the series.

Completing the central trio is Kim Ji Hoon, who plays Jae Hyeong. Known for portraying morally ambiguous characters in dramas like Flower of Evil and The Glory, Kim once again takes on a role that keeps viewers questioning whether his character is a victim, a villain, or something in between.

From the Director Behind Some of Korea’s Most Acclaimed Thrillers

Helming the series is director Lee Chang Hee, whose work has become synonymous with atmospheric psychological thrillers.

His previous projects—including The Vanished, Strangers from Hell, and A Killer Paradox—have been praised for transforming ordinary situations into deeply unsettling experiences. That signature storytelling style appears to be a perfect match for The Affair Was Just the Beginning, where a seemingly flawless family gradually unravels under the weight of guilt, deception, and fear.

With its stellar cast, emotionally charged performances, and suspenseful narrative, The Affair Was Just the Beginning is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Korean thrillers of the year.

The Affair Was Just the Beginning consists of eight episodes, each running approximately 45 minutes, and premieres on July 31, 2026, exclusively on Viu.