Money Heist: Spain vs. Korea - Who Did it Better? (2024)

The Spanish show La Casa De Papel (literal translation: The House of Paper), also popularly known as Money Heist, initially premiered on the local Spanish network, Antena 3. The show was not well-received by the local audience. However, when Netflix acquired the rights to the show adding the first two seasons to the streaming platform, the show became an instant hit worldwide. The unparalleled success of Money Heist brought three more seasons to the Spanish series and now has a Korean remake. The Korean remake, titled Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area, follows the same basic premise with the Professor recruiting eight thieves for a great heist. Of course, the remake brings some local Korean flavors to the table as well. Let’s take a closer look at some of the similarities and differences between the two versions to assess which version is better.

Plot is Condensed

The Korean version compresses two parts (22 episodes) of the Spanish version into a 12-episode season. This means that the narrative of the series is more fast-paced in the remake than it is in the original. This fast-pace works for the most part as the narrative moves along quickly, and smoothly. However, some fans of the Spanish version have complained that a consequence of the fast pace is that there isn’t enough time to flesh out all the characters. Some characters and their relationships are portrayed really well, such as Tokyo and the relationship between Denver and Moscow, given the time constraint. However, there are other characters that aren’t given much space or dimension, for instance, the Professor (but more on that later).

Reduces Romance

Another thing that the remake does is reduce the romance between the two main relationships of the show. The first is that between the Professor (Yoo Ji-Tae in the Korean version and Alvaro Morte in the Spanish) and the Police Inspector (Seo Woo-jin, portrayed by Kim Yun-jin in the Korean version, and Inspector Lisbon portrayed by Itziar Ituño in the Spanish version). For many fans, the way the relationship between the two unveils in the original is part of the charm (and thrill) of the show. The relationship between the two had kept fans at the edge of their seats wondering what would happen next.

On the other hand, the second relationship (or situationship in Gen Z terms), between Tokyo (portrayed by Jeon Jong-Seo in the Korean version and by Ursula Corbero in the Spanish) and Rio (portrayed by Lee Hyun-Woo in the Korean version and Miguel Herran in the Spanish) had a more mixed reception. In the original series, the romance between Tokyo and Rio often felt very frustrating as it often interfered with or caused issues during the heist.

Related: Money Heist: Korea Season 2: Plot, Cast, Release Date, and Everything Else We Know

Tokyo: Loyal or a Rebel

Jeon Jong-Seo’s Tokyo is very different from Ursula Corbero’s Tokyo. Perhaps, one could argue that Tokyo is the character who underwent the most alteration. In the Spanish version, Tokyo is an unreliable narrator. She’s free-spirited and not one to give into the whims of others easily. Jeon’s Tokyo is similar in the sense that she is just as stubborn and strong-willed, only that’s where the similarities end. This Tokyo is unconditionally devoted to the Professor’s plans and to the overall heist. It’s assumed that the reason for her loyalty toward the Professor is that she sees him as her savior.

While the free-spirited Tokyo from the Spanish version seems cool initially, eventually her character becomes frustrating as it seems as if she’s one of the characters least interested in the heist. So, it’s a bit refreshing seeing a version of her that’s just as strong-willing but more determined to succeed in their mission.

Denver and Moscow

Denver, portrayed by Kim Ji-Hoon in the Korean version and by Jaime Lorente in the original, and Moscow’s, portrayed by Lee Won-Jong in the Korean and Paco Tous in the Spanish relationship, is further explored during Part II. It takes two seasons to build the relationship between the two. While it’s still heart-warming, it’s a while to be explored. On the other hand, the Korean version tries to explore the relationship between the two from the get-go. The condensed plot does little to ruin the portrayal or the impact of the relationship between the father and son. Some fans even felt that the Korean actors did a good job of portraying the relationship without dragging out the emotions and making it seem realistic. Background relationships are given time to be portrayed, but the show does well to return to its central focus: the heist.

Related: Money Heist Will End with Season 5 on Netflix

Yoo Ji-Tae’s Professor Vs Alvaro Monte’s Professor

The Professor is a key character in both versions of Money Heist. He’s the one who not only brings together the team, but he’s the brains behind the heist. The mastermind is always 3 steps ahead of the authorities. Both Yoo and Monte are deceiving in their looks. While Monte gives off soft, educated, nice guy vibes. In terms of appearance, he almost seems unimpressive. Yet he possesses a good balance of street smarts and intellectual knowledge, all the while being an empathetic figure. All this makes him the perfect man to lead the heist from the outside.

Yoo, on the other hand, has cold air around him. His half-smirk makes it seem that he has something up his sleeve. However, when it comes to the delivery of said tricks, it falls a bit flat. At points, the audience keeps waiting for the wow factor, for the Professor to prove why he’s the mastermind, yet somehow Yoo fails to deliver. His portrayal of the Professor is reminiscent of his roles in Healer (2014) and Mad Dog (2107), which work well for those shows but not for this one.

Hahoe Masks Vs Dali Masks

The Spanish version of the show, with its “Viva la Resistencia!” motto, showcases its resistance against capitalism. The antifascist song “Bella Ciao” has also inspired actual real-world protestors to adopt the iconic Salvador Dali masks as symbols of uprisings and resistance. The Korean version takes the resistance theme to the next level. It’s set during a time when there’s new tension between North and South Korea. The show does well to play with the dynamics between the communist North and the capitalistic South when the hostages are divided into Northern and Southern camps. In addition, Tokyo and Berlin, portrayed by Squid Game actor Park Hae, are also from the North. The show highlights how immigrants from the North often struggle financially and are discriminated against.

This is further emphasized by the Hahoe masks. The Hahoetal masks are traditional Korean masks that date back to the 12th century and are often worn during theatrical performances. These masks come in different styles to represent the different social classes. The ones worn in Money Heist are the ones that represent nobility. Tokyo and the rest of the gang wearing the Hahoe mask is done as a form of mockery towards the elites. As highlighted there are various places where the original does better, but then there are also places where the Korean remake does a better job. At the end of the day, it comes as a matter of preference.