Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
INTERVIEW Director Kim Hong-sun brings Korean flair to UK drama 'Gangs of London'
Director Kim Hong-sun / Courtesy of Wavve
By Park Jin-hai
Noir master becomes first Asian to lead British TV series
The British TV series "Gangs of London," which received critical acclaim as a "modern crime family masterpiece," has returned for a third season, this time with a Korean director at the helm.
Kim Hong-sun — known for brutal action sequences and his dark and intense visual style as seen in films like "The Con Artists" (2014), "Metamorphosis" (2019) and "Project Wolf Hunting" (2022) — joined as the lead director and executive producer for the series' newest season.
As the first Asian director to oversee the British series, Kim admitted it was a challenge to set the overall tone and direction for such a popular and established franchise. He directed episodes 1, 2, 7 and 8 out of the season’s eight episodes, working alongside two other directors who handled the remaining installments.
“I couldn’t overhaul too much, since I had to preserve the original identity while weaving in my own style. If I made even the slightest misstep, I’d have to shoulder all the blame. But despite the pressure, I truly enjoyed the process," the director told The Korea Times in an interview at local streaming platform Wavve's headquarters at southern Seoul's Yeouido, Tuesday.
The 48-year-old explained that his connection to the "Gangs of London" team began when his film "Project Wolf Hunting" was invited to international festivals.
“That project was all about hyperrealistic blood and visually striking action sequences. But what truly resonated with European and American audiences wasn’t just the gore. They appreciated the color palette, the storytelling, the depiction of characters and the historical elements in relation to Japan,” he said.
“‘Gangs of London’ also has a lot of violence and provocative action, but for Season 3, the aim was to attract new viewers and make it more commercially appealing. I don’t think I was chosen just because I can film a lot of bloody and brutal action well."
A scene from British action thriller "Gangs of London" Season 3 / Courtesy of Wavve
The series centers on the fights for power that break out after the boss of London’s biggest crime group is killed. When Season 1 was released, more than 2.23 million people in the U.K. watched it in just one week. In Korea, the streaming service Wavve released Season 1 in 2020 and Season 2 in 2022, with both receiving a good response from Korean viewers.
Kim noted that while the first season was defined by its intense, stylish action and the second leaned heavily into horror, in the third season, the spotlight shifts to the drama and depth of its characters.
Korean-inspired color palettes, cliffhangers
To bring out the unique personalities of each character, Kim incorporated Korean-inspired color palettes and employed the K-drama's signature cliffhangers to keep audiences anticipating the next episode.
"When foreigners look at Korean cities and markets, they’re often struck by the vibrancy of the colors. Think of Berlin or London and what comes to mind is usually gray; even Japan, though charming, tends to feel more monochromatic. In contrast, Korea is defined by its rich palette. To capture the dynamic, interconnected mix of ethnic groups living in London, I felt it was essential to infuse the series with even more color,” he explained.
Director Kim Hong-sun is seen while shooting "Gangs of London" Season 3. Courtesy of Wavve
He went on to explain how the series weaves in Korean-style cliffhangers, as seen in the first episode, where Sean Wallace’s (Joe Cole) smile fades into chilling stillness, leaving viewers questioning his true ties to the fentanyl-laced cocaine case.
The second episode ups the ante, ending with a shocking death and the arrival of a mysterious new character. These suspenseful endings, inspired by K-dramas, are crafted to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what comes next.
Kim described the response to Korean dramas and directors in the U.K. as “no doubt.”
Reflecting on the growing influence of Korean culture abroad, he said the local crew placed their full trust in him, making the entire experience of filming in the U.K. both joyful and rewarding.
“If you look at the weekly streaming charts in the U.K., you’ll almost always find two or three Korean dramas ranked high on the list. The crew I worked with genuinely believed that anyone from Korea’s cultural industry brings a guarantee of high-end quality," Kim said.
"That sense of respect made working together incredibly gratifying. Just a decade ago, I heard things were very different, but in the last 10 years, the landscape in London has transformed dramatically."