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.
Lee Byung-hun to star in martial arts action movie ‘Nambeol'
Teaser image of director Lee Mo-gae’s upcoming film “Nambeol” / Courtesy of Hive Media Corp.
By Baek Byung-yeul
Top actor Lee Byung-hun has confirmed his lead role in "Nambeol" (tentative title), a project that marks the directorial debut of veteran cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, according to producer Hive Media Corp. on Wednesday.
The film is a hard-boiled martial arts action flick set in the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It follows nine warriors of different ranks and backgrounds who travel to Tsushima Island to rescue Korean captives kidnapped by Japanese pirates. The title "Nambeol" refers to a military expedition to conquer the south.
While the film is fiction, it is set against the historical backdrop of the early Joseon era, when the nation struggled with frequent raids by Japanese pirates. These pirate groups caused significant damage through looting and illegal trade along the southern coast. In response, the Joseon government employed both military force and diplomatic activities to suppress their activities.
The project is drawing significant attention as it marks the first time the cinematographer will take the director role.
Since his debut with "A Tale of Two Sisters" (2003), Lee has established a unique presence in Korean cinema through his work on films such as "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" (2008), "I Saw the Devil" (2010), "Asura: The City of Madness" (2016), "Hunt" (2022), "12.12: The Day" (2023) and "Exhuma" (2024).
Known for his dense compositions and intense mise-en-scene, the director is expected to bring a gritty, raw texture to the martial arts genre. Rather than stylized choreography, "Nambeol" is expected to focus on a gloomy atmosphere and realistic action.
Actor Lee Byung-hun / BH Entertainment
Actor Lee will portray Im Eok, the stoic leader of the warriors. As a leader with a strong mind and years of experience on the battlefield, he leads the dangerous mission to save his people, Hive Media Corp. said.
The film also marks the third collaboration between the 55-year-old actor and Hive Media Corp., following the critical and commercial success of "Inside Men" (2015) and "The Man Standing Next" (2020).
"The project is expected to garner attention as it marks the third meeting between Lee and Hive Media Corp. As their previous two works were recognized for both their popularity and cinematic quality, expectations are high that they will create strong synergy once again," the production house said.
The production house has a track record of well-made hits, including "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" (2018), "Deliver Us from Evil" (2020), "12.12: The Day" (2023) and Disney+ series "Made in Korea."
"Nambeol" is currently in preproduction and is scheduled to begin filming in the second half of this year.