Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
'Hitman 2' promises bigger, more explosive action than ever
Actor Kwon Sang-woo speaks during a press conference for his upcoming action-comedy flick “Hitman 2” at a theater in Seoul, Friday. Newsis
By Baek Byung-yeul
"Hitman 2," the sequel to the 2020 action-comedy film "Hitman," will offer viewers a cinematic experience packed with more action on a grander scale compared to the original, filmmaker Choi Won-sub said Friday.
"We're finally releasing the second film. It was great to work with the same actors again for the sequel, as we had already established good teamwork," the filmmaker said in a press conference in Seoul.
"The scale is definitely bigger than the previous one. Not only the action and art direction but also the animation is on a much larger scale. We put a lot of effort into providing diverse entertainment."
Actor Kwon Sang-woo plays Jun, a secret agent-turned-cartoonist in “Hitman 2.” Courtesy of BY4M Studio
In the first “Hitman,” Jun (Kwon Sang-woo), a former secret agent, becomes a double target of both the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and terrorists after drawing a webtoon, or online comic, based on his experiences, which contains classified information.
"Hitman 2" continues the story of Jun, who is now being framed by the NIS as a culprit, after a terrorist attack mirrors a similar a case in his webtoon.
Kwon said he was happy to continue the franchise.
"It's not easy for a film to become a series, so I'm honored to be able to greet you like this," Kwon said.
He revealed that elements from the works of Stephen Chow, an actor and director he admires, are incorporated into the "Hitman" franchise.
"Looking back at the works I've filmed in the past, I think I basically like comedy. I also enjoy Stephen Chow's movies," Kwon said.
"There are many such elements in 'Hitman,' so the filming set was very enjoyable. I think the reason I exercise and consistently take care of myself is because I want to do movies like this. 'Hitman' is a movie I truly love, my number one favorite," he added.
Director Choi Won-sub, third from left, poses with actors for his movie “Hitman 2” at a theater in Seoul, Friday. From left are actors Jung Joon-ho, Hwangwoo Seul-hye, the director, lead actor Kwon Sang-woo, Lee Yi-kyung and Kim Seung-o. Newsis
Jung Joon-ho, who plays Cheon Deok-gyu, a man who trained Jun to become a legendary assassin, also said that the chemistry between the actors was excellent during the filming of the movie.
"There were a lot of ad-libs from the actors. On set, there were junior actors helping their seniors with ad-libs, and there were also actors who playfully challenged their seniors' acting," Jung said.
He expressed his hope that the film, which will be released this January, will bring laughter to audiences in the new year and provide a good start.
"I hope this movie will bring big laughs in the new year and help people start the year with excitement,” he said.
“Hitman 2” will hit theaters on Jan. 22.