Title: Confidence Queen (컨피던스 맨 KR / The Confidence Man KR)
Genre: Crime / Comedy / Heist / Con Artist Drama
Premiere: September 6, 2025
Network: TV Chosun (Korea), Coupang Play (Korea)
International Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (many countries)
Schedule: Saturdays & Sundays (originally 9:10 PM KST, shifted to 10:30 PM KST from episode 5)
Episodes: 12 (~50-60 minutes each)
Cast & Key Characters
- Park Min-young as Yoon Yi-rang (genius former heiress with IQ ~165, team leader)
- Park Hee-soon as James (veteran con artist, master of disguise)
- Joo Jong-hyuk as Myung Gu-ho (youngest member, idealistic and sincere)
Plot & Premise
At its core, Confidence Queen is about a team of three con artists who pull off elaborate scams targeting corrupt or greedy villains. The leader is Yoon Yi-rang (Park Min-young), a genius former heiress with very high intelligence (IQ ~165), who forms the team to expose and take down people abusing power for wealth.
Her teammates:
James (Park Hee-soon): A veteran, master of disguise and wit.
Myung Gu-ho (Joo Jong-hyuk): The youngest in the group, more innocent and idealistic, often bringing a sincerity or warmth that contrasts the con plot twists.
The show mixes heist and scam episodes (targeting elites, corporations, corrupt individuals) with Yi-rang’s backstory, her motivations, and internal conflicts among the trio. There are twists, disguises, comedic and dramatic setups.
What’s Working Well
Strong Cast & Main Characters
Park Min-young is popular with drama audiences, and she brings charisma to the role of Yi-rang. The dynamics between her, James (the experienced one), and Gu-ho (the naive but loyal one) give the show emotional pull.
Blend of Crime + Comedy + Heist / Con
The con artist genre is always fun when it’s done with style and clever writing. Confidence Queen leans into theatricality (disguises, bait, setups) and quirky humor, which helps lighten what could become too dark.
Visuals, Disguises, Plot Twists
The use of elaborate cons and disguises, unexpected targets, and some mystery (especially around Yi-rang’s past) give the show momentum. The show seems to tease more serious stakes behind the fun.
International Accessibility & Streaming
Since it’s available globally via Prime Video, many viewers outside Korea get access simultaneously. For global audiences, that helps with discussions and buzz.
Character Flaws & Team Dynamics
The contrast between Yi-rang’s genius but cold/ruthless side, Gu-ho’s sincerity, James’s experience—and how they sometimes disagree or have moral dilemmas—makes things richer. The show doesn’t seem to make all the cons consequences-free.
What’s Less Strong
Ratings / Viewership Domestically Are Modest
The show had to change its broadcast time mid-run, moving to a later slot (from ~9:10 PM to ~10:30 PM KST) due to competition and relatively low viewership.
Balancing Tone & Stakes
Because the show is partially comedic/caper style, some episodes may feel “lighter,” which might undercut the dramatic tension. Some viewers may wish for sharper emotional stakes or more consistent pacing.
Originality vs Being an Adaptation
It is a remake of the Japanese series The Confidence Man JP. While localizing is always an art, some plot beats or con setups may echo the original, which can lead to predictable moments for viewers who know The Confidence Man JP. The show seems aware of this and adds Yi-rang’s backstory as an extra layer.
Competing Shows & Time Slot
The show is airing against other popular dramas; time slot changes can impact visibility and momentum. Stronger competition has been cited as a factor.
Possible Lack of Romance / Light Emotional Beats
From what’s being reported, the show is more focused on scams, doing justice, witty scheming, rather than being heavy on romantic subplots. If a viewer is expecting a romance-drama, this may be less satisfying.
Reception / Viewer Reactions
Viewers seem to be enjoying the fun, stylish aspects. Disguises, con setups, witty dialogue, the character “flair” get highlighted. Episodes are entertaining, sometimes over the top, but that’s part of the fun.
Internationally, the show seems to be doing okay; in many markets (Asia especially) Confidence Queen ranks high on Prime Video. So its global reach is helping its popularity even if domestic ratings are slower.
Some viewers are curious and invested about Yi-rang’s past and how that will influence her cons and relationships within the con-team.
Themes & What Makes It Distinct
Morality of the Con Artist: It’s not just “steal from the rich” capers; the motivations, ethics, and circumstances of the con artists are explored. Yi-rang’s past, ambiguity, what she’s willing to do versus sacrifice add weight.
Greed, Power & Corruption: The villains are often powerful elites, corporate greed, corrupted systems. There’s a social justice inwardness to many of the targets.
Identity / Dual Lives: Disguises are literal, but Yi-rang’s hidden past, the team dynamics, secret identities play a big role in emotional tension.
Stylish & Theatrical Scams: Because it’s about con artists, there’s room for theatrical setups, twist reveals, comedic irony. The “show within a show” feeling (elaborate setups, misdirection) is part of its charm.
Light-hearted tone with darker background: There’s juxtaposition—some episodes are comedic, others darker (especially when backstories or more dangerous villains are involved). That mix can keep it balanced.
Verdict — Should You Watch It?
Highly Recommended If You Like:
- Smart crime/heist dramas with a twist of comedy
- Stylish con artist setups, disguises, plotting, and reveals
- Strong, charismatic leads who are clever but flawed
- Shows where the morality isn’t black and white, and the personal stakes (past, identity) matter
- Park Min-young in a smart, powerful role
- Theatrical, over-the-top schemes
Might Not Be For You If:
- You prefer pure romance or love stories as the main focus
- You want very high emotional intensity or melodrama
- You need rapid-fire pacing in every episode
- You prefer simpler, more straightforward villain vs hero types
- You’ve seen The Confidence Man JP and want something completely original
Rating
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Strong, fun, clever. It may not become a record-breaker in ratings, but it’s one of the more enjoyable con dramas recently.
Final Thoughts
Confidence Queen is a stylish, entertaining take on the con artist genre that knows exactly what it wants to be. It doesn’t pretend to be a deep melodrama or a romance, and that clarity is refreshing. Instead, it focuses on what makes heist stories fun: clever schemes, theatrical disguises, satisfying takedowns of corrupt villains, and just enough character depth to keep you invested.
Park Min-young shines as Yi-rang, bringing both intelligence and mystery to a character who’s clearly hiding painful secrets beneath her confident exterior. The chemistry between the three-person team creates a found-family dynamic that grounds the more outlandish con sequences.
What sets Confidence Queen apart from other heist dramas is its willingness to explore the moral gray areas of its protagonists. These aren’t Robin Hood figures with spotless consciences—they’re complicated people doing questionable things for what they believe are the right reasons. That ambiguity, combined with the show’s theatrical flair and sharp humor, makes it stand out.
Yes, it’s a remake of a Japanese series, and yes, domestic ratings haven’t been spectacular. But for viewers who appreciate smart, stylish crime dramas with a comedic edge and a strong female lead, Confidence Queen delivers consistently entertaining episodes. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to see what elaborate scheme the team will pull off next—and that’s exactly what a good con artist drama should do.
