Netflix and K Wave Media Launch Global Action Thriller Series "Trigger" on July 25

Rhea-AI Summary

K Wave Media (NASDAQ: KWM) launches its highly anticipated action thriller series "Trigger" globally on Netflix on July 25, 2025. The series, produced by KWM's subsidiary Bidangil Pictures, boasts a production budget exceeding that of Squid Game Season 1.

This release marks a significant milestone as K Wave Media's first Netflix original series since its Nasdaq listing in May 2025, representing a strategic move to expand Korean content's presence on global streaming platforms.

Positive

• Production budget larger than successful Squid Game Season 1
• Strategic partnership with Netflix for global distribution
• First major content release since Nasdaq listing

Negative

• None.

With a production budget that surpasses Squid Game Season 1, Trigger emerges as Netflix’s next high-stakes Korean mega-production

NEW YORK, July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trigger, a high-intensity action thriller produced by Film Company Bidangil Pictures, a subsidiary of K Wave Media (NASDAQ: KWM), premieres globally on Netflix today, July 25. This marks K Wave Media’s first Netflix original release since its historic Nasdaq listing in May 2025, signaling a new era for K-content on global platforms.

About the Series

Trigger is a gripping 10-episode disaster-action thriller centered around the chaos unleashed when illegal firearms mysteriously arrive in South Korea by courier. The series follows two conflicted men—each driven by a different mission—as they navigate a society spiraling into crisis.

Starring Kim Nam-gil (Through the Darkness) as principled detective Lee Do, and Kim Young-kwang (Somebody) as the enigmatic Moon Baek, Trigger delivers a high-stakes narrative that blends urban realism, ethical conflict, and kinetic gun action rarely seen in Korean drama.

“Korean content has become a global phenomenon on Netflix, consistently ranking among the most-watched series worldwide,” said Ted Kim, CEO of K Wave Media. “The launch of ‘Trigger’ on Netflix marks a defining moment for us and represents the scale, ambition, and creative edge we’re bringing to audiences worldwide.” 

Cast & Crew Highlights

- Kim Nam-gil as Lee Do – A police officer who takes up arms again for justice.
- Kim Young-kwang as Moon Baek – A mysterious figure caught in the shadows.
- Supported by a stellar ensemble including Park Hoon, Gil Hae-yeon, and Kim Won-hae.
- Directed by Kwon Oh-seung (Midnight) and co-directed by Kim Jae-hoon, elevating the visual and narrative quality of the series.

Redefining Korean Thrillers

Trigger tackles a provocative question—rarely explored in Korean storytelling—and sets a bold new benchmark in the genre. With intense choreography and grounded realism, the series offers a chilling glimpse into an alternate reality that feels dangerously close.

A Strategic Leap for K-Wave Media

The release of Trigger on Netflix marks a milestone in K Wave Media’s expansion as a global content powerhouse. Through subsidiaries like Film Company Bidangil Pictures, KWM is actively scaling its content ecosystem with original IP, international co-productions, remakes, spin-offs, and branded merchandise.

In addition to its entertainment ventures, K Wave Media has recently announced strategic financial initiatives, partnering with Galaxy Digital for Bitcoin and equity investments, and aligning with Anson Funds on a $500 million capital program focused on digital assets.

Series Information

- Title: Trigger

- Format: 10 Episodes

- Genre: Gun Disaster Action Thriller

- Release Date: Friday, July 25, 2025

- Streaming: Netflix Worldwide (www.netflix.com/trigger)

- Produced by: Film Company Bidangil Pictures, a subsidiary of K-Wave Media (NASDAQ: KWM)

About K-Wave Media (NASDAQ: KWM)

K Wave Media is a global content, entertainment, and Bitcoin treasury conglomerate listed on the Nasdaq. Formed through the integration of top-tier content investors, production studios, and merchandising firms, KWM spans the full value chain of IP development, media production, distribution, and monetization.

With a strong focus on creator empowerment and blockchain integration, KWM delivers unique customer experiences to a global audience. The company is redefining the intersection of entertainment, technology, and finance by building an ecosystem that supports decentralized ownership, real-time creator monetization, and crypto-native engagement.

K Wave Media is pioneering a Bitcoin-backed corporate treasury model while leveraging the global influence of Korean entertainment. Through strategic capital allocation into Bitcoin, original content, and consumer brands, KWM is redefining what a culturally driven, investor-aligned public company can be.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. The Company's actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including market conditions, regulatory developments, and the Company's ability to successfully integrate the acquired business. The reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission discuss these and other important factors and risks that may affect the Company's business, results of operations and financial conditions. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

Media Contact:

Evan Sneider: esneider@redroosterpr.com

FAQ

When is K Wave Media's Trigger series releasing on Netflix?

Trigger is releasing globally on Netflix on July 25, 2025.

How does Trigger's budget compare to Squid Game?

Trigger's production budget surpasses that of Squid Game Season 1.

When did K Wave Media (KWM) get listed on Nasdaq?

K Wave Media completed its Nasdaq listing in May 2025.

Is Trigger K Wave Media's first Netflix original series?

Yes, Trigger is K Wave Media's first Netflix original release since its Nasdaq listing in May 2025.

Who is producing the Netflix series Trigger?

Trigger is produced by Bidangil Pictures, a subsidiary of K Wave Media (NASDAQ: KWM).