Hwang Jung-Min 황정민 [Upcoming Movies: “12.12: The Day”, “Mission Cross”, “Veteran 2”, “Hope”]

[Helena]

https://www.dipe.co.kr/2229186
Movie 'Veteran' cast reunite for sequel ‘Veteran 2’

by. soobyn Park | 12/01/2022 23:31 ET

 

Movie ‘Veteran 2’ has confirmed its cast for a sequel to follow from Veteran, which was released in 2015 and gained a huge success, recording 13.41 million views. Following on from the first episode, director Ryoo Seung-Wan will direct again, and actors Hwang Jung-Min, Oh Dal-Su, Jang Yoon-Ju and Oh Dae-Hwan have teamed up again for an action packed movie.

Hwang Jung-Min will return as detective Seo Do-Chul, who will emerge himself and dive deeper into his violent crime investigations. 

Oh Dal-Su will play Team Leader Oh, showing his charismatic but witty character as he teams with Seo Do-Chul.

Jang Yoon-Ju will return as Detective Bong, and Oh Dae-Hwan will return to screens as detective Wang.

A new detective named Park Seon-Woo will join the investigation team as the youngest member, who is to be played by Jung Hae-In.  

The actors held their rehearsals of reading the script on November 24th. An official from the set has quoted, “I could feel the passion and strong will in the air when the cast were rehearsing.”

Director Ryoo Seung-Wan added, "I am trying to show a different send of excitement with a stronger suspense than the previous film.”

Hwang Jung-Min expressed his excitement and said, “I am thrilled to be able to reunite with the Veteran team and meet new team members.”

[Helena]

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/12/07/entertainment/movies/Korea-Bargaining-Hyun-Bin/20221207122149212.html
'Bargaining' starring Hwang Jung-min, Hyun Bin to open in theaters in January

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr] | December 7, 2022

 

Main poster for ″Bargaining″ [PLUS M ENTERTAINMENT]

A new film starring Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin, titled “Bargaining,” will open in theaters in Korea on Jan. 18. 

“Bargaining” revolves around the kidnapping of a Korean national by the Taliban. Hwang plays a diplomat charged with the mission of negotiating the release of the Korean citizen who gets sent to Kabul, Afghanistan, and Hyun Bin plays a National Intelligence Service agent. 

Hwang’s and Hyun Bin’s characters have to settle their differences and work together to release the kidnapped Korean within 24 hours, or else the Taliban will kill the hostage.

Actor Kang Ki-young is also starring in the film, playing a streetwise Korean who has adapted to the streets of Kabul and is proficient with the language and surrounding culture.

 

—

https://zapzee.net/2022/12/07/hwang-jung-min-and-hyun-bins-new-movie-the-point-men-drops-first-teaser/
Hwang Jung Min and Hyun Bin’s New Movie ‘The Point Men’ Drops First Teaser

By YU JIN KIM 

Credit: Plus M

The Point Men, starring Hwang Jung Min and Hyun Bin, confirmed its release date and dropped a teaser trailer with its main poster.

The movie follows a diplomat and a National Intelligence Service agent on a rescue mission in Afghanistan to save Koreans who got kidnapped by the Taliban.  Yim Soon Rye behind Whistle Blower and Little Forest helmed the upcoming film.

 

The trailer gives a glimpse of the dangerous moment at the time of the kidnapping and the challenging circumstance of achieving an agreement due to a variety of unexpected factors through brilliant performances of actors and realistic scenes that highlight their struggles in Afghanistan.

The trailer gives a glimpse of the dangerous moment at the time of the kidnapping and the challenging circumstance of achieving an agreement due to a variety of unexpected factors through brilliant performances of actors and realistic scenes that highlight their struggles in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Kang Ki Young is expected to add a comedic relief to the movie as Lee Bong Han, the streetwise Korean who survived in Afghanistan. As he has adapted to the local situations and is fluent in the language, he will play a crucial role as a translator in the negotiation.  

The Point Men will premiere on January 18th next year.

Source : Plus M

[Helena]

https://www.starnewskorea.com/stview.php?no=2022120708250639166

 

 

Actor Hwang Jung-Min and Director Na Hong-Jin will team up again for sci-fi film 'HOPE’, this is their reunion in 7 years after 'The Wailing'.

According to film industry on the 7th, the two agreed to work together on director Na Hong-jin's new film 'HOPE'.  'HOPE' is director Na Hong-jin's first film in 7 years since 'The Wailing' in 2016.  Director Na Hong-jin participated as a producer for Thai horror film 'The Medium' and has been steadily preparing his own productions.  He also worked on a scenario based on the mass shooting of police officer Woo Beom-gon, which is said to be the worst serial murder case in Korea, but for various reasons, he changed his direction to 'HOPE'.

'HOPE' is a film depicting what happens when aliens visit a remote village in the countryside.  It is a story that seems to captivate many fans of Na Hong-jin's films with a development that is different from other sci-fi films.  Initially, 'HOPE' was a collaboration project in the United States with director Alfonso Cuaron.

It is rumored that Hwang Jung-min happily decided to appear in 'HOPE' at the suggestion of director Na.  As the two created a terrifying synergy in 'The Wailing', expectations are already growing for what kind of results will be produced in 'HOPE'.

Since his debut with 'The Chaser', director Na Hong-jin has established himself as a writer-director and star director in the Korean film industry with films such as 'The Yellow Sea' and 'The Wailing'.  'The Chaser' and 'The Wailing' were showcased at Cannes International Film Festival and received tremendous attention from overseas film industry.  'HOPE', which director Na Hong-jin presents for the first time in seven years, is expected to gather a great deal of attention again in that it is Na Hong-jin's sci-fi.

 'HOPE' aims to film in the first half of next year.

 

Spoiler

https://deadline.com/2022/12/uta-signs-the-wailing-filmmaker-na-hong-jin-and-his-forged-films-banner-1235190608/
UTA Signs ‘The Wailing’ Filmmaker Na Hong-Jin And His Forged Films Production Banner

By Zac Ntim (International Reporter) | December 6, 2022 8:00am

Na Hong-jin.
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images.

EXCLUSIVE: UTA has signed South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-Jin in all areas, as well as his production company, Forged Films.

The director, producer, and screenwriter is best known for his 2016 horror thriller The Wailing, which debuted at Cannes. Fox International Productions and Ivanhoe Pictures co-produced and co-financed the pic, which grossed $16.5M at open, becoming Fox’s biggest launch in Korea.

The movie centers on the arrival of a mysterious old stranger in an otherwise quiet village. As rumors begin to spread about him, the villagers drop dead one by one, grotesquely killing each other for inexplicable reasons. When the daughter of the investigating officer falls under the same savage spell, he calls for a shaman to assist in finding the culprit.

Na’s other credits include the 2008 action romp The Chaser and the 2010 thriller Yellow Sea, starring Ha Jung-woo, Kim Yoon-seok, and Lee Yoo-Mi.

More recently, Na collaborated as a producer under his Northern Cross banner with Southeast Asian director Banjong Pisanthanakun on The Medium. At the 30th Thailand National Film Association Awards, the film took home a record 13 of 15 nominations, including Best Picture.

Director Na continues to be represented by attorney Julian Zajfen.

 

[Helena]

https://kbizoom.com/hyun-bin-appears-with-a-rough-beard-the-point-men-releases-eye-catching-still-cuts/
“The Point Men” releases eye-catching still cuts

 

By loannguyen96 | December 12, 2022

The movie “The Point Men” unveiled its first still cuts.

Spoiler

 

Credit: megabox_plusm

“The Point Men” starring Hwang Jung Min and Hyun Bin, which has been highly anticipated as the new work of director Yim Soon Rye (“Forever the Moment”, “Whistle Blower”, “Little Forest”…), unveiled its first still cuts.

“The Point Men” is a film about a rescue operation and negotiations conducted by a diplomat and a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent who struggle and risk their lives in Afghanistan to save Korean hostages that have been abducted in the Middle East.

In the still cuts, the film draws attention as it shows how these two people, who would never have met if it were not for the kidnapping case, conduct negotiations, change each other and grow together.

The still cut of Jung Jae Ho (Hwang Jung Min), a diplomat specializing in negotiations, raises the tension by showing his serious appearance when struggling with the principles of saving hostages in a series of difficult negotiations.

Hyun Bin arouses fans’ curiosity with his unconventional transformation into Park Dae Sik, a NIS agent who knows the Middle East and Central Asia areas so well. Hyun Bin in the still picture appears with a rough beard and hairstyle as well as clothes that are optimized for the extreme climate in that region.

In addition, Kang Ki Young, who plays Qasim, a Korean who survives in the back alley of Afghanistan, surprises everyone as he wears a traditional costume, making others think he’s an Afghan at first glance and giving off a pleasant atmosphere.

“The Point Men”, which recently released still cuts showing those who struggle to save the Korean hostages, is scheduled to greet the viewers on January 18, 2023.

Source: Nate

[Helena]

On 12/15/2021 at 1:08 AM, Helena said:

Gallup Korea "Movie Stars Who Shined the Year of 2021”
1. Lee Jung-jae - 39.7% <Squid Game> (NETFLIX drama)
2. Youn Yuh-jung - 18.9% <Minari>
3. Ma Dong-seok - 11.4% <Eternals>
4. Song Kang-ho - 8.8% <Parasite> <The King's Letters> (both 2019)
5. Lee Byung-hun - 7.0% <The Man Standing Next> (2020)
6. Hwang Jung-min - 5.6% <Hostage>

 

Source: https://www.gallup.co.kr/gallupdb/reportContent.asp?seqNo=1347

Koreans surveyed on their favorite Movie Stars who shined 
Survey Period: November 7~24, 2022

Participants: 1771 people (13+ years old) nationwide

 

Gallup Korea "Movie Stars Who Shined the Year of 2022”


1. Lee Jung-jae - 34.4% <HUNT> (producer, director, screenplay, starring)


2. Ma Dong-seok - 18.8% <The Roundup> (producer, planning, starring)
3. Song Kang-ho - 13.5% <Broker> <Emergency Declaration>


4. Youn Yuh-jung - 7.7% <Pachinko> (Apple TV+)

5. Hwang Jung-min - 6.5% <Narco-Saints> (Netflix), <HUNT> (friendship appearance)
5. Jung Woo-sung - 6.5% <HUNT>


7. Lee Byung-hun - 6.0% <Emergency Declaration>


8. Hyun Bin - 5.5% <Confidential Assignment 2>
9. Yoo Hae-jin - 5.2%  <Confidential Assignment 2> <The Night Owl>

10. Son Suk-ku - 5.0% <The Roundup>

11. Ha Jung-woo (4.4%)
12. Kim Hye-soo (3.1%)
13. Park Hae-il (2.1%)
14. Choi Min-sik (1.9%)
15. Gong Yoo (1.8%)
16. Han Suk-kyu (1.3%)
17. Ahn Sung-ki (1.2%) 

Spoiler

 

 

 

2007-2022

Spoiler

 

 

2007


1. Jeon Do-yeon (Secret Sunshine) - 49.7%


2. Song Kang-ho - 16.5%


3. Bae Yong-joon, Ahn Sung-ki - 6.4%


5. Sol Kyung-gu- 5.0%
 


 

2008

1. Song Kang-ho (The Good, The Bad, The Weird) - 13.1%


2. Son Ye-jin (My Wife Got Married) - 11.3%


3. Kim Hye-soo (Modern Boy) - 7.4%


4. Jeon Do-yeon (My Dear Enemy), Jang Dong-gun - 7.3%


6. Jung Woo-sung (The Good, The Bad, The Weird) - 6.1%


7. Ha Jung-Woo (The Chaser, My Dear Enemy) - 5.4%


 

2009

1. Lee Byung-hun - 20.1%


2. Jang Dong-gun - 17.9%


3. Sol Kyung-gu - 17.5%


4. Ha Ji-won - 14.3%


5. Jung Ji-hoon / Rain - 8.3%


 

2010


1. Won Bin (The Man from Nowhere) - 30.7%


2. Jang Dong-gun - 14.4%


3. Kang Dong-won - 11.6%


4. Lee Byung-hun - 6.4%


5. Song Kang-ho - 5.6%


 

2011

1. Won Bin - 11.3%


2. Park Hae-il - 9.5%


3. Jang Dong-gun - 8.8%


4. Kim Ha-neul (Blind) - 8.2%


5. Gong Yoo - 5.8%


6. Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho - 4.8%


8. Ha Ji-won - 3.1%


9. Ahn Sung-ki


10. Han Seok-kyu- 3.0%
 


 

2012


1. Lee Byung-hun - 37.6%


2. Song Joong-ki - 15%


3. Kim Hye-soo - 7.6%


4. Jang Dong-gun - 7.4%


5. Ha Jung-woo - 6.4%


6. Jeon Ji-hyun


7. Kim Yoon-seok


8. Park Bo-young - 4.2%


 

2013

1. Song Kang-ho - 22.5%


2. Ha Jung-woo - 18.9%


3. Lee Byung-hun - 18.0%


4. Ryu Seung-ryong - 10.1%


5. Sol Kyung-gu - 7.4%


6. Lee Jung-jae - 6.7%


7. Kim Hye-soo - 6.3%


8. Kim Soo-hyun - 5.7%


9. Jang Dong-gun - 3.7%


10. Jeon Ji-hyun - 2.8%


 

2014

1. Choi Min-sik - 42.3%


2. Song Kang-ho - 22.2%


3. Ryu Seung-ryong - 10.5%


4. Ha Jung-woo - 9.0%


5. Lee Byung-hun - 4.5%


6. Kang Dong-won - 4.2%


7. Sol Kyung-gu - 3.7%


8. Jung Woo-sung - 3.6%


9. Hyun Bin - 3.3%


10. Kim Soo-hyun - 3.2%
 


 

2015

1. Yoo Ah-in - 26.9%


2. Song Kang-ho - 20.3%


3. Hwang Jung-min - 16.1%


4. Jeon Ji-hyun - 14.2%


5. Ha Jung-woo - 11.8%


6. Choi Min-sik - 9.8%


7. Oh Dal-soo - 6.2%


8. Lee Jung-jae - 5.8%


9. Kang Dong-won - 4.2%


10. Yoo Hae-jin - 4.1%
 

 

2016


1. Hwang Jung-min - 21.2%


2. Song Kang-ho - 18.4%


3. Gong Yoo - 12.7%


4. Ha Jung-woo - 11.4%


5. Yoo Hae-jin - 10.8%


6. Lee Byung-hun - 9.6%


7. Lee Jung-jae - 6.3%


8. Jung Woo-sung - 6.2%


9. Jeon Ji-hyun - 5.4%


10. Ma Dong-seok - 5%


11. Song Joong-ki


12. Yoo Ah-in


13. Choi Min-sik


14. Kim Hye-soo


15. Kang Dong-won


15. Sol Kyung-gu


17. Jo Jin-woong


18. Son Ye-jin


19. Oh Dal-soo


20. Ra mi-ran
 


 

2017

1. Song Kang-ho - 35%


2. Ma Dong-seok - 17.8%


3. Lee Byung-hun - 12.6%


4. Hwang Jung-min - 8.1%


5. Ha Jung-woo, Sol Kyung-gu - 6.3%
 


 

2018


1. Ma Dong-seok - 19.9%


2. Ha Jung-woo - 18.6%


3. Lee Byung-hun - 11.2%


4. Song Kang-ho - 10.9%


5. Joo Ji-hoon - 7.3%


6. Yoo Hae-jin


7. Jung Woo-sung


8. Hwang Jung-min


9. Jo In-sung


10. Cha Tae-hyun


14. Kim Hye-soo


14.


16. Son Ye-jin


16.
 


 

2019


1. Song Kang-ho - 29.8%


2. Ma Dong-seok - 18.2%


3. Gong Yoo - 8.9%


4. Jo Jin-woong - 8.5%


5. Ha Jung-woo, Lee Byung-hun - 7.1%


7. Jung Woo-sung - 4.5%


8. Yoo Hae-jin - 4.1%


9. Hwang Jung-min - 3.6%


10. Honey Lee - 3.3%


Ryu Seung-ryong (3.0%), Lee Jung-jae (2.8%), Sol Kyung-gu (2.4%), Jung Yu-mi (2.2%), Ahn Sung-ki, Jang Dong-gun (2.1%), Jo Yeo-jung (2%), Ryu Jun-yeol (2.0%)
 


 

2020

1. Song Kang-ho - 27.8%


2. Lee Byung-hun - 14.0%


3. Ma Dong-seok - 9.1%


4. Hwang Jung-min - 7.5%


5. Jung Woo-sung - 6.2%


6. Gong Yoo - 5.9%


7. Ha Jung-woo - 4.0%


8. Lee Jung-jae - 3.6%


9. Kim Hye-soo - 3.5%


10. Lee Jung-eun - 3.4%


11. Kang Dong-won - 3.3%


12. Sung Dong-il - 2.9%


13. Yoo Ah-in - 2.7%


14. Yoo Hae-jin, Kwak Do-won - 2.4%


16. Son Ye-jin - 2.0%


17. Hyun Bin - 1.9%


18. Sol Kyung-gu - 1.6%


19. Choi Min-sik - 1.5%


20. Ahn Sung-ki, Jo Jung-suk - 1.4%


22. Lee Je-hoon, Han Suk-kyu, Park Bo-gum, Joo Ji-hoon - 1.3%


26. Jo Yeo-jung, Jo Jin-woong - 1.1%


28. Park Seo-joon, Jo In-sung, Jang Dong-gun - 1.0%

2021


1. Lee Jung-jae - 39.7% <Squid Game> (NETFLIX drama)


2. Youn Yuh-jung - 18.9% <Minari>


3. Ma Dong-seok - 11.4% <Eternals>


4. Song Kang-ho - 8.8% <Parasite> <The King's Letters> (both 2019)


5. Lee Byung-hun - 7.0% <The Man Standing Next> (2020)


6. Hwang Jung-min - 5.6% <Hostage>


7. Gong Yoo - 3.6% <Seobok>


8. Jung Woo-sung - 3.5% <Steel Rain 2: Summit> (2020)


9. Kim Hye-soo - 2.6% <The Day I Died> (2020)


10. Zo In-sung - 2.5% <Mogadishu>
11. Ha Jung-woo - 2.2%


12. Yoo Ah-in - 2.0%


13. Choi Min-sik - 1.8%


13. Seol Kyung-gu - 1.8%


15. Jung Ho-yeon - 1.6%


15. Song Joong-ki - 1.6%


17. Heo Sung-tae - 1.5%


18. Oh Yeong-su - 1.4%


19. Cha Seung-won - 1.2%
20. Cho Jin-woong - 1.0%

 

2022

1. Lee Jung-jae - 34.4% <HUNT> (producer, director, screenplay, starring)

2. Ma Dong-seok - 18.8% <The Roundup> (producer, planning, starring)


3. Song Kang-ho - 13.5% <Broker> <Emergency Declaration>

4. Youn Yuh-jung - 7.7% <Pachinko> (Apple TV+)


5. Hwang Jung-min - 6.5% <Narco-Saints> (Netflix), <HUNT> (friendship appearance)
5. Jung Woo-sung - 6.5% <HUNT>


7. Lee Byung-hun - 6.0% <Emergency Declaration>


8. Hyun Bin - 5.5% <Confidential Assignment 2>
9. Yoo Hae-jin - 5.2%  <Confidential Assignment 2> <The Night Owl>

10. Son Suk-ku - 5.0% <The Roundup>
11. Ha Jung-woo (4.4%)


12. Kim Hye-soo (3.1%)


13. Park Hae-il (2.1%)


14. Choi Min-sik (1.9%)


15. Gong Yoo (1.8%)


16. Han Suk-kyu (1.3%)


17. Ahn Sung-ki (1.2%) 

 

 

[Helena]

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/12/689_341933.html
Movies with star-studded casts coming to theaters next month

By Kwak Yeon-soo | 2022-12-18 15:38

A poster for the film, "The Point Men" / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

December welcomed some of 2022's biggest releases, such as "Avatar: The Way of Water," and "Hero" among many others. January won't see as many theatrical releases as in past months, but it will still have some exciting titles on offer for the audience, such as "Switch," "The Point Men" and "Phantom."

"Switch" is a heartwarming drama about an A-list actor, Park Kang (Kwon Sang-woo), who wakes up one Christmas morning to find himself living an alternate version of his own life in which he had chosen to marry his girlfriend and settled into a quiet family life with two adorable kids. It will hit theaters on Jan. 4. The cast also includes Oh Jung-se, Lee Min-jung, and child actors Park Soi and Kim Jun.

The action drama, "The Point Men," starring actors Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin, will hit theaters on Jan. 18. Hyun will be back in his first movie since welcoming a baby boy with actress Son Ye-jin in November. Hyun Bin's last movie was the comedy action film, "Confidential Assignment 2: International."

Directed by Yim Soon-rye, the film revolves around Korean diplomat Jae-ho (Hwang) and National Intelligence Service agent Dae-sik (Hyun) who are on a mission to rescue Korean hostages kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan. They must negotiate a settlement within 24 hours or the Taliban will kill the Korean hostages.

The movie, which wrapped up filming in 2020, was originally set for a 2022 release date. However, the studio delayed the film due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I wanted to tell stories of people on the frontier of the devastating crisis, saving other people's lives," the director said. "My character Dae-sik is a free-spirited man who respects the human dignity of each person. I felt like director Yim herself is a very warm and caring person," Hyun said.

A poster for the film, "Phantom" / Courtesy of CJ ENM

The action spy film, "Phantom," written and directed by Lee Hae-young, will also hit theaters ahead of January's Lunar New Year holiday. It boasts a star-studded cast that includes Seol Kyung-gu, Park Hae-soo, Lee Ha-nee, Park So-dam and Seo Hyun-woo.

Set in 1933 during the Japanese colonial occupation of Korea, "Phantom" tells the story of five people suspected of being a mysterious spy for an anti-Japanese resistance group. Trapped inside an isolated hotel, the five characters must use their wits to survive and escape while suspecting one another.

Describing his character Junji (a Japanese police officer) as multi-layered, Seol said it was the most complex role he's played so far.

"Junji is the linchpin of the film. He is a man of many facets and suspicions. He shakes things up for five players inside the hotel, but the audience has to watch until the very end to understand who he really is and what his intentions are," Seol said.

[Helena]

https://kbizoom.com/from-kim-hye-soo-to-yoo-ah-in-stars-born-in-1970-who-are-still-going-strong-vs-stars-born-in-1986/
From Kim Hye Soo to Yoo Ah In, stars born in 1970 who are still going strong vs. stars born in 1986 who are taking over the industry

By tule6 |  December 19, 2022

While actors born in 1970 were very active on dramas and movies this year, junior actors born in 1986 are following in their footsteps.

In particular, the Korean movie industry is lucky to have actors of different generations cheer for each other and compete in good faith to create great synergy for the industry.

Below are the actors from 2 different generations, but both groups are at the center of the box office scene in Korea. The list is in Korean alphabetical order.

“52 years old,” 5 actors who are born in 1970

Spoiler

 

Kim Hye Soo

 

Kim Hye Soo is the only actress born in 1970 that is active in Chungmuro. It is not easy for an actress to survive in Chungmuro, but it is even more meaningful how Kim Hye Soo makes it with curiosity. Another important point is that regardless of gender, Kim Hye Soo takes good care of the people around her. This must be why Kim always ranks as the number one role model that juniors actor want to follow.

This year, Kim Hye Soo has received many favorable reviews for her transformation through her character in the Netflix drama “Juvenile Justice.” As she melted into the role of Judge Shim Eun Seok, she did not only digest the difficult character but also made impossible things in our society through her acting.

In addition, in the tvN drama “Under The Queen Umbrella,” which depicts the royal struggle of the Queen Consort as she brought up her trouble-ridden princes, Kim Hye soo portrayed a mother who is willing to do anything to face any crisis and protect her children.

 

Ryu Seung Ryong
Following the movie “Perharps Love” (2021), “Life is Beautiful” was a movie that allowed viewers to feel Ryu Seung Ryong‘s comical acting to their heart’s content. Ryu perfectly portrayed the role of a father named Kang Jin Bong, whose words and actions are blunt, but he values his heavy responsibility as the head of a household.

The jukebox movie “Life is Beautiful” reminded viewers of how precious family is and how many have taken it for granted, along with the songs that have been loved regardless of time and generation. Ryu Seung Ryong’s comedy is always a welcoming genre.

Yoo Hae Jin
Yoo Hae Jin succeeded in transforming his image by playing the role of a king for the first time since his debut in the movie “The Night Owl.” Despite his friendly and warm image that was thought to be only suitable for ordinary characters, Yoo Hae Jin has successfully recreated a King In Jo, who is sensitive and weak and easily gets excited about trivial things.

As Yoo’s career grows, many say he looks the same regardless of genre and character due to his natural acting tone. In addition, it may be because he has appeared in so many works that the public is overly familiar with him now. However, Yoo Hae Jin is evolving every moment, bringing out new images that the public can never expect.

Lee Byung Hun
In “Emergency Declaration,” Lee played Jae Hyuk, a passenger on a plane to Hawaii and a father who decided to leave Korea with his daughter who was bullied due to atopy.

His role is only an ordinary father, but he is made into a heroic figure who controls of the movie’s pace amid the crisis with his sharp intuition.
His other role this year, the truck driver and everything dealer Lee Dong Seok in the drama “Our Blues,” is a friendly character that Lee Byung Hun wants to see more often.

 

Hwang Jung Min

“Did you hear Satan?” Hwang Jung Min once again pocketed another buzzword. In director Yoon Jong Bin’s first Netflix production, “Narco-Saints”, Hwang Jung Min played a pastor who used his sacred job to hide his identity of a drug king struggling in corruption and desire.

The villain Jeon Yo Hwan was born differently through Hwang Jung Min’s character analysis. His facial expression can cause both fear and laughter at the same time.

Spoiler

“36 years old,” 5 actors who are born in 1986

Ryu Jun Yeol
In his third movie “The Night Owl,” which he worked on with Yoo Hae Jin, Ryu Jun Yeol succeeded in winning the hearts of the audience by playing the blind acupuncturist Chun Kyung Soo. In other words, Ryu Jun Yeol proved that he can play this kind of role as well by breaking away from the cheerful, refreshing, and clumsy appearance of Mook in the movie “Alienoid.”

“The Night Owl” has become a box office hit in the second half of this year, surpassing other highly expected domestic and foreign films.
Meanwhile, Ryu Jun Yeol hosted the opening ceremony of the 27th Busan International Film Festival held in October this year, drawing cheers and admiration from Korean filmmakers.

Park Jung Min
Park Jung Min, who was born in 1987, is also one of the actors representing the 86-liners. As an actor and director, he also directed the short film “Unframed – Presidential Election” last year. Directing is not an unfamiliar field to him, who diligently discovered his talent beyond acting through writing.

 

He made a surprise appearance as Hong San Oh in Park Chan Wook’s movie “Decision to Leave” this year, surprising audiences and fans.

Byun Yo Han
Byun Yo Han was recognized for his acting skills through the movie “Hansan: Rising Dragon” and has grown one step further. He won the Best Supporting Actor at the 58th Daejong Award and 43rd Blue Dragon Film Awards respectively, proving his abilities.

After his impressive performance in the drama “Mr. Sunshine” the following year after the movie “Haru” (2017), he took a long break for about three years. Viewers are looking forward to seeing how he will appear in the new drama “Uncle Samsik” alongside Song Kang Ho.

Ahn Jae Hong
Ahn Jae Hong is also one of the names representing the 86-line as an actor and director. Although he did not meet the audience with any new work this year, he finished filming a new movie called “Rebound” based on the true story of the Busan Central High School basketball team.

Ahn Jae Hong is known for his moderation techniques and unpredictable character analysis in genres such as comedy, romance, and drama. He is both funny and cute as he easily digests scenes that might be awkward for other actors.

Yoo Ah In
Yoo Ah In, who went back to 1988 through the Netflix movie “Seoul Vibe,” showed a bright and flexible face instead of his heavy and serious previous characters as Dong Wook, a genius driver.

Meanwhile, his new movie “Victory,” in which he will collab with the 1970-born actor Lee Byung Hun, is drawing expectations ahead of its release on Netflix. It is no doubt that this movie, created by “acting masters” of 2 generations, will capture the skilled actors’ fantastic team play.

Yoo Ah In has also finished filming the new movie “High Five” with Ahn Jae Hong, raising questions about his character’s transformation once again.

Source: OSEN 

[Helena]

[ENG] ‘The Point Men’ Press Conference

 

 

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https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/12/20/entertainment/movies/Korae-Bargaining-Hyun-Bin/20221220161423782.html
Hwang Jung-min reunites with director Yim Soon-rye for new film 'Bargaining'

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr] | December 20, 2022

 

From left, Hwang Jung-min, Kang Ki-young and Hyun Bin pose for the cameras during a press conference for the film "Bargaining" at Seongdong District, eastern Seoul, on Tuesday [NEWS1]

Actors Hwang Jung-min, Hyun Bin and Kang Ki-young set off on a mission to save a Korean civilian who is being held hostage by the Taliban in the upcoming crime action movie "Bargaining."

Hwang plays a diplomat charged with the mission of negotiating the release of a Korean citizen in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Hyun Bin plays a National Intelligence Service agent. Hwang’s and Hyun Bin’s characters have to settle their differences and work together to release the kidnapped Korean within 24 hours, or else the Taliban will kill the hostage. Kang plays a streetwise Korean living in Kabul.

Though the film is described as being wholly fiction, its plot closely resembles the 2007 kidnapping incident where 23 Korean church missionaries who left for missionary work in Afghanistan were abducted by the Taliban. 

"Bargaining" is helmed by Yim Soon-rye, who worked with Hwang 21 years ago in the movie "Waikiki Brothers" (2001).

Hwang said that he was incredibly grateful for the chance to work with her once more.

"Director Yim Soon-rye is someone who has allowed me to become a successful actor and I will always remember her as one of the people that I am most thankful to have met," said Hwang. "When I heard that she was behind 'Bargaining' I said right away that I will definitely do it."

Yim said that she gave the role to Hwang because she saw him fit to play a very persistent man with a steady core.

"His appearance in 'Bargaining' will show a new side of Hwang Jung-min," she said.

Hyun Bin said that he decided to star in the film after hearing that Hwang would be part of it.

"I knew that I could depend on Hwang Jung-min and was excited to create something new with him through 'Bargaining.'"

Actor Kang Ki-young, best known as one of the stars of the hit drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," is also starring in the film.

He described his character as someone who doesn't care too much for rules and laws, but an essential person nonetheless, who ends up working with the National Intelligence Service to save the Korean hostage.

For the role, Kang had to speak Pashto, which is one of the national languages of Afghanistan. "I memorized my Pashto lines as if I were memorizing lyrics of a song," he said.

A large part of the movie takes place in Afghanistan and those scenes were shot in Jordan.

"It was a difficult process, especially because the pandemic struck right as we were getting ready to shoot it, but our team really wanted to film at a foreign location," said Hwang. "When we finally got the okay to film in Jordan, there weren't any planes because all flights were down. So we flew in a private jet."

Hyun recalled his experience of filming in Jordan as "incredibly hot and dry."

"There was a lot of sand blowing [...] Because it was so hot, car engines would stop working," he said. "I still distinctly remember acting in all that sand and heat."

"Bargaining" will hit local theaters on Jan. 18.

[Helena]

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20221220010100315
'The Point Men,' Korean film inspired by 2007 hostage crisis in Afghanistan

By Shim Sun-ah (sshim@yna.co.kr) | December 20, 2022

This image, provided by Plus M Entertainment, is a scene from the Korean film "The Point Men." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 20 (Yonhap) -- "The Point Men," the long-awaited film inspired by a true story of 23 South Korean Christian volunteers taken hostage by Taliban militants in Afghanistan in 2007, will finally get a theatrical release next month.

The 43-day hostage situation that left two men dead was caused by the clash of two extreme religious beliefs, but the movie focuses on the humanistic activities of the two main characters who try to rescue the kidnapped Koreans safely, at any cost.

During a press conference to promote the film Tuesday, director Yim Soon-rye shared how she came to return with a film about the traumatic 2007 hostage crisis after the critically acclaimed "Little Forest" (2018).

Actors Hwang Jung-min (L) and Hyun Bin pose for the camera during a press conference in Seoul on Dec. 20, 2022, to promote the Korean film "The Point Men" in this image provided by Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

"At first, I turned down the offer to direct the film, because it deals with a sensitive subject," she recalled.

But on second thought, she wanted to do it by shifting the focus of the story from the hostages to the diplomats and state intelligence agents who struggle to get them released.

Veteran actor Hwang Jung-min plays Jeong Jae-ho, a foreign ministry official specializing in overseas negotiations. The competent negotiator is dispatched to Afghanistan for the first time in his life to rescue the hostages.

"It was difficult to do the role, because there were many English lines. People think I'm the guy from the state intelligence agency, but I'm a diplomat. Hyun Bin and I also wondered if our roles have changed with each other. I studied the character step by step, because I thought there must be a reason why the director asked me to play the role," he said.

Director Yim Soon-rye of "The Point Men" speaks during a press conference in Seoul on Dec. 20, 2022, to promote the film in this image provided by Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

"The Point Men" marks his first reunion with Yim since 2001, when he debuted as a lead actor in her film "Waikiki Brothers."

Hwang said he wasted no time in accepting the offer to work with her again because she is the one who saved his life as an actor. "I said I'll do this project with no condition attached," he added.

Hyun Bin, one of the most popular and influential actors in South Korea, plays Park Dae-shik, an experienced National Intelligence Service agent specializing in the Middle East and Central Asia. Park teams up with Jeong for the mission to save the Korean hostages in Afghanistan.

Hyun said he chose to do the film because he had never worked with Hwang, as well as the acclaimed director before.

"I received positive energy and learned a different perspective of making a film while working with Hwang," he said, adding he changed a lot after doing the film.

Rounding out the main cast is Kang Ki-young, who rose to fame for his role as senior attorney Jung Myeong-seok in the smash-hit legal TV drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."

He is expected to add comedic relief to the movie as Lee Bong-han, who claims to be Afghanistan's only translator of Pashto, one of the two official languages spoken in the country. He plays a crucial role as a translator during the negotiation.

"The Point Men" will open in local theaters on Jan. 18. (END)

[Helena]

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20221220000711
Hwang Jung-min, Hyun Bin say overseas filming for “Bargaining” challenging

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com) | Dec 20, 2022

Actors Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin for film “Bargaining” (Plus M Entertainment)

Actors Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin said shooting for their upcoming movie “Bargaining” was challenging as the majority of scenes took place overseas in Jordan, where the scorching heat proved exhausting.

Although the movie is set in Afghanistan, based on the true event when 23 South Korean missionaries were captured as hostages in 2007, director Lim Soon-rye suffered various setbacks and chose Jordan after visiting the country three times.

“I focused on portraying the tension of the storyline and between characters so the location had to be right. We went filming in the desert under scorching sun, in slum areas where actual murders took place and even brought in an airplane to shoot,” Lim told reporters during the press conference held in Megabox Seongsu on Tuesday.

“But it all paid off when conveying the message we wanted the audience to think about, along with exotic scenery that did not need computer graphics,” said Lim.

Hwang Jung-min, who plays a diplomat Jung Jae-ho who risks his life to save Korean hostages abducted in the Middle East, said shooting the film during the pandemic was not easy.

“As filming took place during the pandemic, we had to look for suitable locations around the world. We could have done filming in local studios, but I know that director Lim tried to look for the most similar location to Afghanistan,” Hwang said.

Hyun Bin, who appears as National Intelligence Service agent Park Dae-sik and collaborates with Hwang to save hostages, said despite the extreme heat that even caused vehicle malfunctions when the engines overheated, he was fascinated by the film’s storyline and character.

“I was touched by the story that Dae-sik goes out to save the hostages. I was also enticed by the character, who is traumatized by having to let the hostages die in the past, overcome the reality to not make the same mistake again,” Hyun told reporters.

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” actor Kang Ki-young, who plays a local interpreter and joins Hwang and Hyun to save hostages, said he still remembers the chemistry between the three actors during filming.

“Hwang made me think a lot as he was stubborn about making good scenes and enhancing it through his acting. Hyun played a great role in balancing out the vibe between actors and crew. Director Lim, I would just call her ‘Mother Theresa,’ for her role as a director on scene and also as a cook after shooting in Jordan,” said Kang.

The movie “Bargaining” opens in local theaters on Jan. 18.

 

 

 

[Helena]

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/12/689_342104.html
Hwang Jung-min, Hyun Bin team up for 'The Point Men'

By Kwak Yeon-soo | 2022-12-21

A scene from the film, "The Point Men." / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

Longtime friends Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin expressed their excitement about sharing the screen for the first time in the action film "The Point Men." 

Directed by Yim Soon-rye, the film follows a story of Korean diplomat Jae-ho (Hwang) and National Intelligence Service agent Dae-sik (Hyun) who are on a mission to rescue Korean hostages kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan. They must negotiate a settlement within 24 hours or the Taliban will kill the Korean hostages.

Hwang, who is collaborating with Yim for the second time since the 2001 film, "Waikiki Brothers," said he was grateful for the chance to work with the director once more.

"Director Yim shaped my early career and I will always be thankful to her," he said during a press conference for the film, Tuesday. "When I heard that she was directing 'The Point Men,' I said I would do it without hesitation."

Hwang revealed that he convinced Hyun to take the role of Dae-sik.

"We have met more than 2,000 times in real life, but somehow we never had the chance to work together. In the film, Jae-ho goes toe to toe with Dae-sik until the two realize that they ultimately have the same goal. It will be interesting for the audience to watch our team work in the negotiation process."

Actors Hwang Jung-min, left, and Hyun Bin pose during a press conference for the film, "The Point Men," in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

"The Point Men" was filmed in the deserts of Jordan where temperatures reaches over 40 degrees Celsius.

"I still remember the heat-hazed desert that was extremely hot, dry and dusty. Our car engine stopped because it overheated," Hyun said.

After three scouting trips and months of preparations for the shoot, the crew worked with some 100 Jordanians across various departments, according to Yim.

"Afghanistan is included in Central Asia, while Jordan is part of the Middle East. There were many challenges when scouting filming locations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we were fortunate enough to film it in Jordan to deliver an otherworldly cinematic experience to the audience," she said. "Another major challenge was teaching Pashto (one of the national languages of Afghanistan) to foreign actors, who mostly spoke Arabic. Actor Kang Ki-young also had to memorize Pashto lines because he stars as a Pashto-Korean interpreter in the film."

Hyun shared that his life and priorities have not changed much after becoming a father.

"I filmed 'The Point Men' before my son was born, so I don't feel much of a difference before and after becoming a father. Of course, I feel more responsible now that I'm the head of a family. I would like to continue working hard in order to be a proud father," he said. 

"The Point Men" will hit local theaters, Jan. 18.

 

 

[Helena]

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230101000123
[Newsmaker] Hollywood blockbusters, pandemic-deferred films to open in 2023

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com) | Jan 1, 2023

The year that just ended was all about finally seeing a number of movies that began production prior to the pandemic. Despite better-than-expected ticket sales, having so many options to watch comfortably at home led many film buffs and moviegoers to stay inside.

How will upcoming movies this year impact ticket sales at the cinema? From Hollywood’s megasized projects to a variety of local films finally meeting audiences after enduring setbacks and delays due to the pandemic, following are some of the movies to look for in 2023.

Pre-pandemic productions to finally hit theaters

 

Director Kang Je-gyu, behind various hit films “Shiri” (1999), “Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War” (2004) and “Take Off” (2009), is unveiling “Road to Boston” this year. Based on Sohn Kee-jung’s life and the story of his preparation for the first international marathon held after World War II, the film featuring actors Ha Jung-woo and Yim Si-wan had already wrapped up in January 2020, and will finally meet with audiences.

 

Spoiler

“Road to Boston” (Lotte Entertainment)

The third and final film of a trilogy spanning major events in the life of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, “Noryang: Sea of Death” also hits local theaters this year. Directed by Kim Han-min, who released second film “Hansan: Rising Dragon” in July last year, it had completed filming in 2021. Kim Yoon-seok and Baek Yoon-sik star.

Director Yim Sang-soo’s “Heaven: To the Land of Happiness,” which was invited to the Cannes Film Festival in 2020, will be released this year as well, four years after the movie wrapped. The star-studded cast that includes Park Hae-il, Youn Yuh-jung and Choi Min-sik had caught people’s attention.

Director Kwon Hyuk-jae’s “Count” is also set to be unveiled three years after completing shooting. The movie featuring Jin Sun-kyu and Oh Na-ra tells the story of a former gold medalist and physical education teacher teaming up with a rebellious student against an unfair society.

Hollywood blockbusters to land in Korea

The return of a Tom Cruise film is undoubtedly among the most exciting news for avid action movie fans here. The seventh installment in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise “Mission: Impossible -- Dead Reckoning Part One” will finally open after four previous delays. Director Christopher McQuarrie returns as writer, director and producer.  The movie is set to premiere in July in the US, and will open here at a similar time frame.

Indiana Jones also returns to the big screen after a 15-year hiatus with a brand-new protege in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” In the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones film series, Harrison Ford reprises his role as the titular archaeologist, with his face digitally deaged using the latest technology. The movie comes from James Mangold, director of Marvel film “Logan.”

Best known for his cerebral storytelling, writer-director Christopher Nolan presents his historical war drama “Oppenheimer,” centering on physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer working on the Manhattan Project, which led to the development of the atomic bomb.

Return of top-grossing directors

Some of South Korea’s most famous directors are also returning with new projects.

Director Ryoo Seung-wan, behind “The Berlin File” (2013) and “Veteran” (2015), is coming back with a star-studded cast for “Smuggle.” Kim Hye-soo, Zo In-sung, Yeom Jung-ah and Park Jung-min appear in the film.

Director Park Hoon-jung, known for 2013’s “New World,” will present his signature action noir in “The Child,” featuring Kim Sun-ho portraying a professional boxer.

Director Kwak Kyung-taek of “Friend” (2001) will newly release the drama film “Firefighter,” based on a 2001 accident that took place in Hongje-dong, Seoul, claiming six lives.

 

“Extreme Job” (2019) director Lee Byeong-heon returns with comedy-drama “Dream,” featuring Park Seo-joon and Lee Ji-eun, telling the story of a former soccer coach training a national team of unhoused people for the Homeless World Cup.

Director Kang Hyeong-cheol, know for 2011 comedy “Sunny,” will release crime action film “Hi.5,” featuring actors Yoo Ah-in, Ra Mi-ran and Ahn Jae-hong. The film is set in the 1970s, telling a story of women divers living in a peaceful seaside village who gain superpowers over a night.

Prolific actors continue on big screen

Moviegoers can expect to see prolific actors like Hwang Jung-min, Lee Byung-hun and Ha Jung-woo on the big screen again this year.

Hwang will appear in action-comedy “Cross,” alongside actors Yeom Jung-ah and Jeon Hye-jin, which centers on the story of a former intelligence agent. Hwang plays the ex-agent who now lives as a devoted husband by hiding his past, while his wife, played by Yum, is an ace member of the crime investigation unit.

Lee returns with thriller “Concrete Utopia,” starring Park Seo-joon and Park Bo-young. The movie will be the first film of the series in a cinematic universe concept revolving around the "concrete universe," where survivors from a devastating earthquake gather at an isolated apartment building.

Meanwhile, “Reborn Rich” star Song Jung-ki will make an appearance on the silver screen with two new projects, crime drama “Bogota: City of the Lost” and noir drama “Hwaran,” which just wrapped up a few weeks ago.

Park Shin-yang also is set to return to the big screen after a decade with “Devil Stay,” an occult drama that revolves the awakening of the devil inside a dead daughter.

[Helena]

Cine21 No.1389 (2023-01-10~2023-01-17)
Cover Person |  Hwang Jung-min

 

 

[Helena]

New film 'The Point Men'

Actors Hwang Jung-min (R) and Hyun Bin smile at the showcase of the new action crime thriller "The Point Men" at a Seoul theater on Jan. 13, 2023. The film, about the rescue of South Koreans kidnapped in the Middle East, is set to be released on Jan. 18. (Yonhap) 

 

Actor Hwang Jung-min speaks at the showcase of the new action crime thriller "The Point Men" at a Seoul theater on Jan. 13, 2023. The film, about the rescue of South Koreans kidnapped in the Middle East, is set to be released on Jan. 18. (Yonhap)

 

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https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/01/16/entertainment/movies/Korea-The-Point-Men-Hwang-Jungmin/20230116162649304.html
Action thrilled 'The Point Men' aims to make good on misconceptions

 

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr] | January 16, 2023

 

Main poster for "The Point Men" [PLUS M ENTERTAINMENT]

In her latest terrorist-negotiation action thriller “The Point Men,” director Yim Soon-rye wanted to relay the message that while Korea may be viewed as a powerful country, it cannot make any diplomatic moves without the United States’ consent. 

“The Point Men” is about a diplomat and an intelligence officer, played by Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin, who need to put aside their differences and work together to free 23 Korean hostages held by the Taliban in Afghanistan. While filming for “The Point Men” wrapped up two years ago, it is finally being released in time for the Lunar New Year’s holiday season on Jan. 18. 

Director Yim worked with Hwang 21 years ago in the movie “Waikiki Brothers” (2001), and explained during a press conference for “The Point Men” held at MegaBox COEX branch in Gangnam District on Friday that she wished to release an “accurate” depiction of Afghanistan and talk about Korea’s position in world politics. 

“Things like the release of Taliban prisoners, which the terrorists demand in the film in exchange for the Korean hostages, are in the hands of the big powers,” said Yim. “The part where Hwang’s character Jung Jae-ho says that the Taliban has ‘overestimated’ Koreans addresses that. And we were very careful to study Afghanistan well and give a thorough and realistic portrayal of the country.” 

Due to the difficult filming conditions — the crew had to scout tens of different countries and locations before finally settling on Jordan — the two leads Hwang and Hyun Bin, accompanied by Kang Ki-young of the 2022 ENA series “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” became even closer than they already were. 

“I was already friends with Hyun Bin before shooting ‘The Point Men,’ but we got to know each other even better through filming,” said Hwang. “And Kang brought much needed comic relief to the film when things were getting serious.” 

2
Actors Hwang Jung-min and Hyun Bin in "The Point Men" [PLUS M ENTERTAINMENT]

Regarding the recent controversy surrounding dramas like “Narco Saints,” which prompted the Suriname government to release an official statement on the Netflix series’ faults, director Yim said that nothing was particularly adjusted in “The Point Men” since this film set out for a realistic and accurate depiction of the Afghan culture from the get-go. 

“I don’t think we made any assumptions or had any misunderstandings about Afghanistan while filming,” said Yim. “And to an extent, I think that the actual Taliban are even more notorious then we make them out in ‘The Point Men.’ We’ve tried our best to include all we could about this story of Korean hostages, which is based on a real-life event.” 

Kang, the breakout star of “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” said that he practiced with a native language teacher to learn Pashto and that he learned his lines phonetically, as if “memorizing a rap song.” 

The director and cast said that before filming began, they had a lot of misconceptions and incorrect knowledge about Afghanistan and its history and culture, but that they amended that as they studied in preparation for “The Point Men.” 

“I used to think Afghanistan was in the Middle East and that they spoke Arabic,” said Yim. “But I got to learn the extensive history of the country while shooting ‘The Point Men’ and came to sympathize with how much it was invaded over the centuries and was violated by imperialist powers.” 

To find out whether the hostages make it home safely, and how Hwang’s and Hyun Bin’s characters slowly start to understand each other after a rough start, head to theaters from Jan. 18. 

[Helena]

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230116008000315
Director Yim Soon-rye shows new style in 'The Point Men' based on Afghan hostage crisis

By Kim Eun-jung (ejkim@yna.co.kr) | January 16, 2023

Director Yim Soon-rye of "The Point Men" is seen in this photo provided by the film distributor Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Government documents related to negotiations were classified and victims' writings were centered on their personal experiences.

"There are usually original works that can be adapted into films, but there was nothing except the (hostage) incident and the desire to dramatize it. I was at a loss at first," the 63-year-old said in a group media interview on Monday.

"I finally accepted the offer as I thought the story's subject has rarely been covered in Korean films and I could make a unique story," she said.

Based on the real incident, Yim created two fictional characters -- Jeong Jae-ho, a senior foreign ministry official dispatched to Afghanistan (played by Hwang Jung-min) and Park Dae-shik, an intelligence agent with expertise in the Middle East and Central Asia (played by Hyun Bin).

The director said the movie delves into several themes -- conflicts between different religious beliefs, the scope of the government's responsibility for its people and professionalism of diplomats, government officials and journalists.

The poster of "The Point Men" is seen this photo provided by the film distributor Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The celebrated female auteur, mostly known for heartfelt dramas and arthouse films, including "Waikiki Brothers" (2001) and "Little Forest" (2018), said the big budget project posed several challenges while filming in Jordan amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Her team had to make bombs with limited resources and search for an old bus for the kidnapping scene, and supporting actor Kang Ki-young, who appeared as an interpreter, rigorously practiced Pashto, a language used in southern Afghanistan.

Yim said she cast Hwang as the main protagonist to convincingly lead the story and chose Hyun as a spy agent with a traumatic memory from a past hostage incident to draw a new personality from the star actor.

"The role of Jeong Jae-ho is important from the beginning till the end as he has to get audiences to follow his emotions and thoughts in the negotiation process," she said. "I imagined a more cool-headed, restrained character, but Hwang showed a more active, energetic personality. As a result, his acting elevated the movie."

Hyun Bin's car chase action is a scene stealer in the movie, but Yim manages to maintain the focus with the right balance of dynamic scenes and a tightly-knit plot.

"I was tempted to take more action scenes, but didn't do because they were not necessary in the negotiation process," she said.

"The Point Men" arrives in local theaters Wednesday. (END)

[Helena]

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230116001900315
(Movie Review) 'The Point Men' recounts S. Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan

By Kim Eun-jung (ejkim@yna.co.kr) | January 16, 2023

 

Korean film "The Point Men" is seen in this photo provided by its distributor, Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- "The Point Men" sheds light on the 2007 South Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan by focusing on the desperate rescue efforts, walking the fine line between what happened on stage and behind the scenes.

The film's director and screenwriter Yim Soon-rye deals with the sensitive subject by following two fictional protagonists behind the nail-biting moment of the hostage rescue operation.

At the forefront are Jeong Jae-ho (Hwang Jung-min), a senior foreign ministry official specializing in crisis negotiations, and Park Dae-shik (Hyun Bin), a National Intelligence Service agent with expertise in the Middle East and Central Asia.

A scene from Korean film "The Point Men" is seen in this photo provided by its distributor, Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The drama faithfully revisits the real incident based on news reports and clips but recreates the behind-the-scenes negotiations largely unknown to the public.

In July 2007, 23 South Korean missionaries are taken hostage by the Taliban, and a South Korean negotiation team is dispatched to Afghanistan.

The Taliban demands Seoul withdraw its forces from Afghanistan and the Afghan government release Taliban prisoners in exchange for the hostages.

At first, Jeong sticks to the hostage negotiator's playbook. He refuses to negotiate with the terrorist group or prepare a ransom.

In contrast, Park tries to solve the crisis with whatever it takes. He still harbors a traumatic memory of witnessing the execution of a South Korean in Iraq, reminiscent of Kim Sun-il, who was kidnapped and beheaded by Iraqi insurgents in 2004.

After initial talks fail, two male hostages are executed in the span of a few days.

As the negotiation team stands at a crossroads, the diplomat and spy agent team up for the same goal: to win the freedom of the remaining hostages.

The climax occurs in the last part of the film, when Jeong sits down with a Taliban commander in an underground cave.

The movie hints at the Seoul government paying the ransom in exchange for the safety of the captured missionaries.

In fact, the Taliban later claimed it had received some US$20 million from the Seoul government in exchange for the safety of the captured missionaries.

South Korea brought home some 200 troops from Afghanistan at the end of 2017 to end its five-year deployment. The troops withdrawal had been planned ahead of the hostage incident.

Although the drama recounts the traumatic incident of South Korea's worst hostage crisis, it still offers entertainment with a well-calibrated plot and an impressive performance by veteran actors.

Hwang, who starred in many hit films, including "Ode to My Father" (2014), "Veteran" (2015) and "The Wailing" (2016), to name a few, skillfully portrays the crisis negotiator's changing state of mind to rescue the hostages.

Hyun, a fan-favorite who played a North Korean agent in the 2017 action comedy "Confidential Assignment" and its 2022 sequel, demonstrates his proven action skills in a car chase scene, amplifying tension at a critical moment.

"The Point Men" hits local theaters Wednesday. (END)

[Helena]

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230118000632
[Herald Interview] Director Yim Soon-rye’s first-ever action movie minimizes killing, focuses on humanism

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com) | Jan 18, 2023

Director Yim Soon-rye (Plus M Entertainment)

Many know director Yim Soon-rye for her flagship storytelling about humanism and art-house scenes in “Little Forest” (2018) and “Forever the Moment” (2008).

“The Point Men,” which opened in theaters Wednesday, is Yim's first-ever action film in a career that spans nearly three decades. The film, starring two much sought-after stars, shows Yim's unconventional approach to action scenes that reflects her insistence on relaying a heartfelt drama.

“If I can minimize killing, I think I can shoot another action film in the future,” she joked in an interview with reporters in Palpan-dong, Seoul, Monday.

Marking Yim's return in a new genre after five years, “The Point Men” is about a diplomat, Jae-ho (Hwang Jung-min), and an intelligence officer, Dae-sik (Hyun Bin), who need to work together to free 23 Korean hostages abducted by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Filming wrapped up two years ago, but the release had been postponed due to COVID-19.

“When you look at action films, there are so many killings. Majority of them are even without actual reason. From an audience's point of view, it was uncomfortable for me to watch such scenes. Murders occur in the real world, but it made me think twice about how to present such stories and scenes in a film,” Yim said.

“I’m aware that action films provide suspense and catharsis to the audience, so I was hoping to offer such feelings without having to brutally kill someone in the film,” she added.

“The Point Men” (Plus M Entertainment)

“The Point Men” is based on the real-life hostage crisis in 2007 when 23 South Korean churchgoers were kidnapped while visiting Afghanistan on missionary activities. Two of the hostages were killed and the South Korean government's response to the crisis came under criticism.

Saying that covering a controversial topic did not feel easy, Yim said she tried to focus on the chemistry between the two characters who are willing to risk their lives to save the hostages.

“If I put too much focus on the hostages, I thought the film would raise too many unnecessary controversial arguments. So I used my imagination to shed light on the story of the people behind the incident, such as the government’s responsibility and the professionalism of the diplomats and the intelligence agents,” she said.

Yim last worked with actor Hwang 22 years ago on “Waikiki Brothers” (2001).

She cast Hwang this time believing that his energy would lead the overall plot and deliver suspense.

“Jae-ho is an important character from beginning to end, and Hwang played the role with great energy. I know he has appeared in a variety of commercial and action movies where he killed many people, and this film was a bit different from what he had done before. So I appreciate him for choosing to shoot (the film),” Yim said.

“Over the 20-year period, Hwang has accumulated a great amount of know-how on how to move the audience’s mind. With great concentration and energy while on the set, he has become a real professional,” Yim added.

According to Yim, she wanted to play with the audience’s preconception that Hwang would play the hot-tempered, active NIS agent Dae-sik, while Hyun would play the cool-headed, calm diplomat Jae-ho.

“I have a strong belief that good actors will perform well in whatever role they are given," she said.

“Hyun, I believe, also wanted to challenge himself by playing a different character this time, by growing a beard and doing the majority of the action scenes himself, like the car chase scene,” the director said. “That scene is my favorite in the movie.”

[Helena]

https://www.screendaily.com/features/18-asian-films-to-tempt-festival-directors-in-2023/5178109.article
18 Asian films to tempt festival directors in 2023

BY JEAN NOH, SILVIA WONG, MICHAEL ROSSER, BEN DALTON | 16 JANUARY 2023

 

SOURCE: PLUS M ENTERTAINMENT / LOTTE CULTUREWORKS / 2023 MONSTER FILM COMMITTEE / REDIANCE
[CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT] ‘HWA-RAN’, ‘CONCRETE UTOPIA’, ‘MONSTER’, ‘TAINTED LOVE’

Screen highlights 18 Asian titles to tempt festivals directors in 2023 including upcoming features from Hirokazu Kore-eda, Ng Yuen Fai, Kim Jee-woon and Hayao Miyazaki.

 

Cobweb (S Kor)


Dir. Kim Jee-woon


Starring Cannes best actor award-winner Song Kang-ho (Broker) as a beleaguered 1970s director trying to reshoot the ending to a film with confused cast and producers as well as meddling from dictatorship-era censors, Kim’s latest feature could follow in the steps of his previous festival titles such as The Good, The Bad, The Weird, which played at Cannes in 2008, or The Age Of Shadows, which playing at Venice in 2016. Cobweb wrapped its shoot in June 2022 and is in post-production.


Contact: Barunson E&A (mailto:intl@barunsonena.com)

Concrete Utopia (S Kor)


Dir. Um Tae-hwa


Starring Lee Byung-hun of Squid Game, Park Seo-joon from upcoming The Marvels and Park Bo-young of A Werewolf Boy, this film is set in a Seoul demolished by a massive earthquake. Survivors gather to Hwang-goong Apartments – the only place left standing – but the swelling numbers threaten the apartment’s original inhabitants who take to extreme measures. Um won best new director at Korea’s Daejong Awards with 2016’s Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned. Produced by Climax Studio, the company behind Netflix hits Hellbound and DP, the film is in post-production.


Contact: Haewon Lee, Lotte Cultureworks (mailto:international02@lotte.net)

Hwa-ran (working title) (S Kor)


Dir. Kim Chang-hoon


Starring rising actor Hong Xa-bin and Song Joong-ki (TV’s Reborn Rich, The Battleship Island), director Kim’s feature debut is about a teenage boy who dreams of escaping his violent hometown but is drawn into the world of a local thug after accepting a simple favour from him. Produced by Han Jae-duk’s Sanai Pictures, whose credits include Cannes Midnight Screenings titles Hunt and The Spy Gone North, the film is in post-production.


Contact: Plus M Entertainment (mailto:sales@megabox.co.kr)

Kidnapped (working title) (S Kor)


Dir. Kim Seong-hun


Based on a true hostage crisis that took place in 1980s Beirut, the film stars Ha Jung-woo of The Handmaiden and Ju Ji-hoon of The Spy Gone North. Director Kim’s credits include 2014 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight title A Hard Day and 2016 Locarno Piazza Grande title Tunnel (which also starred Ha) as well as Netflix series Kingdom. The film is looking to a summer release.


Contact: Showbox (mailto:sales@showbox.co.kr)

Seoul Spring (working title) (S Kor)


Dir. Kim Sung-soo


Based on events that took place in the chaotic time after dictator Park Chung-hee was assassinated in December 1979, this political drama from the director of Asura: The City Of Madness stars Hwang Jung-min (The Spy Gone North, Netflix’s Narco-Saints) and Jung Woo-sung (Hunt, Asura: The City Of Madness). They star as the leader of a coup d’etat and an officer who fights to stop him. The film, now in post-production, also features Lee Sung-min (TV’s Reborn Rich), Park Hae-joon (Emergency Declaration) and Kim Sung-kyun (Sinkhole).


Contact: Plus M Entertainment (mailto:sales@megabox.co.kr)

[Helena]

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2023/01/689_343797.html
Director Yim Soon-rye recounts her first venture into blockbuster filmmaking

By Kwak Yeon-soo | 2023-01-19

Director Yim Soon-rye / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

'The Point Men' inspired by true story of Koreans taken hostage in Afghanistan in 2007

Director Yim Soon-rye, well known for making carefully observed movies on characters considered as social misfits, has made her first venture into blockbuster filmmaking with the action film, "The Point Men."

However, the film is more introspective than many other big-budget action films. There is only one death scene because the director is against making movies that kill off too many people for no reason.

"There is certainly a lot of pressure because 'The Point Men' is comparably a big budget film (14 billion won). This film cost more than all of my previous films combined," she said during an interview with The Korea Times, Monday. 

"The Point Men" is inspired by the true story of 23 Korean Christian volunteers taken hostage by Taliban militants in Afghanistan in 2007.

The director made it clear that the film takes inspiration from a real event, but much of the drama and the characters are fictional. 

The film follows Jeong Jae-ho (Hwang Jung-min), a foreign ministry official specializing in overseas negotiations, and Park Dae-shik (Hyun Bin), a National Intelligence Service agent with expertise in the Middle East and Central Asia, as they team up for the mission to save Korean hostages in Afghanistan.

The 43-day hostage situation that left two men dead in 2007 was caused by the clash of two extreme religious beliefs, but the film focuses on the humane acts of the two main characters who try to rescue the kidnapped Koreans safely, at any cost.

"I'm aware that the film can generate a lot of buzz and lead to unwanted debate for its controversial subject matter. However, I eventually decided to make this film because a story like this is extremely rare in Korean films and I wanted to talk about the most fundamental things, such as 'to what extent should a country protect its people?' and 'is there an absolute good?'" she said.

Yim revealed that she never got the chance to meet the real-life inspirations of fictional characters because those involved in the hostage rescue operation signed a non-disclosure agreement. 

"The film revisits a true story, but the negotiations behind the scenes are largely unknown to the general public," she said. "Government documents were classified and hostages' memos were written strictly from their point of view."

Actor Hwang Jung-min, right, in a scene from the film "The Point Men" / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

On reuniting with Hwang more than 20 years after "Waikiki Brothers" (2001), Yim said she was deeply moved when the actor signed up for "The Point Men" without even reading the script.

"I originally imagined Jeong Jae-ho as a cool, calm and level-headed man. Thanks to Hwang's performance, the character turned out to be more energetic and lively," she said. 

"We worked together during Hwang's big screen debut. Back then, he was extremely chatty on the set. After 20 years or so, he has become the highest-grossing actor in Korea. His unparalleled passion and work ethic are admirable. I received a lot of help from him this time." 

About Hyun's role, Yim said she was tempted to add more thrilling action sequences to satisfy female audiences. But those scenes were not included because they were just unnecessary. 

"Hyun is a genius at digging into his characters. He suggested many ideas about Park Dae-shik's appearance in terms of his beard, hair style and fashion," she said. "He performed a motorcycle stunt, high-speed car chase, shootouts and hand-to-hand combat."

Actor Kang Ki-young, who rose to fame through "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," brings a much needed comic relief to the film. Having to star as Afghanistan's only translator of Pashto, one of the two official languages spoken in Afghanistan, Kang memorized Pashto lines.

"There was a Pashto language instructor on set who checked his accents and lines," Yim said. 

Yim recalled that the production team was lucky to shoot the film in Jordan from July to September in 2020, because Korea, at that time, was lauded for its COVID-19 response policies. 

"We were the only ones at the airport and the hotel. It was a bizarre experience," she said. 

Actor Hyun Bin in a scene from the film "The Point Men" / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

For "The Point Men," she had to work closely with a Jordanian film crew and cast. Asked about the process, Yim said there was no challenge of a language barrier. "The heat wave was the biggest challenge," she said.

The 62-year-old director went on to explain how her production team had to make fake bombs with limited resources and look for a vintage bus for the kidnapping scene. Since they were not allowed to film in Kabul, Afghanistan, Yim asked the local film crew to capture the landscape and ambience of the city. 

Yim shared that she studied the history and culture of Afghanistan extensively as she prepared for the film.

"Prior to the 1970s, Afghanistan was richer than Korea and women wore miniskirts. I'm saddened by what's happening to young women in Afghanistan and some other parts of the world. Women who are covered from head to toe are portrayed in our film," she said. 

She helmed several films based on true stories, including "Forever the Moment" (2008) about a women's handball team that competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics and "Whistle Blower" (2014) about the cloning scandal involving Hwang Woo-suk.

Yim described movies based on actual events as a "double-edged sword." 

"True story movies are both compelling and challenging. It's difficult to tell a true story from a fresh perspective. In contrast, the appeal of a true story is that it is easier to connect with the audiences emotionally," she said.

The auteur said she wants to make a positive impact on society through her contemplative films.

"I want to make sure everyone does their part in the community, just like a researcher and a journalist go against all odds to expose the truth in 'The Whistleblower' and government officials do their best to protect its people in 'The Point Men,'" she said. 

"The Point Men" hit local theaters, Wednesday. 

[Sleepy Owl]

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