From healing hands to heroic team-ups: Actor Kim Hee-won stars in comic-action film ‘Hi-Five’

Actor Kim Hee-won described the cast of his latest film "Hi-Five" as “introverts full of kindness and passion,” adding that the team’s chemistry helped bring the action-comedy film to life.

In a recent interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, central Seoul, Kim spoke about the film, which tells the story of five people who gain supernatural powers after undergoing organ transplants. As they try to navigate their new abilities, they find themselves pursued by those who want to take advantage of their powers.

Kim plays Yak-seon, a man who gains healing powers after a liver transplant. He said the script is always his top priority when choosing a project — and "Hi-Five" drew him in immediately. “From our first meeting, I said, ‘Let’s work hard and make a sequel,’” he said. “It felt like a story that could keep evolving as the powers shift from one person to another.” He added that he was relieved by the positive response from audiences at the premiere.

Kim praised the camaraderie among the cast. “They all seemed like introverts, very considerate and hardworking. No one tried to dominate. When we were together, we mostly talked about how to make things more fun,” he said. He specifically mentioned co-stars Ra Mi-ran and Ahn Jae-hong. “They both seemed to approach acting with the mindset that ‘The team must thrive for me to thrive.’ That’s a great attitude."

Kim, who also made his directorial debut with the drama “Light Shop,” said his approach behind the camera was shaped by all the directors he has worked with as an actor. He recalled director Kang Hyoung-chul showing him action scenes as flipbooks, using sketched storyboards to create a moving image. “There was music and sound too — it was thrilling,” Kim said. “I thought, ‘This is how much you have to prepare.’ I tried to do the same on ‘Light Shop'.”

Ra has previously expressed interest in working with Kim again — this time under his direction. “That’s an honor. There’s no one quite like him,” he said. Although Kim said he would love to collaborate with many of his actor friends, he acknowledged the limitations of casting. “You can’t have just anyone in lead or supporting roles. You have to work within constraints, but there are so many great actors I want to work with.”

Before becoming a director, Kim gained widespread acclaim as an actor and remains deeply passionate about the craft. “Being an actor is a wonderful job. Acting itself is meaningful work,” he said. Looking back at films from 15 years ago, Kim said he is often struck by how much time has passed. “It’s funny to think, ‘I used to shoot scenes without makeup. It has changed so much.’” He described his early years as a long period of obscurity and credited luck for being able to continue acting.

Kim also emphasized his desire to tell stories that reflect what society needs. He considers "Hi-Five" one of those projects. “There have been superhero stories before, but many were quite dark. “Moving” took a brighter approach, and "Hi-Five" is even more cheerful and exciting,” he said.

As both an actor and director, Kim shared advice for younger artists: “Don’t give up your own beliefs, but take in as many other perspectives as you can — and then add a bit of your own.” He believes that culture cannot be built by one person alone, and listening to others is key.

Audiences now await what new stories Kim Hee-won will bring to the screen.

"Hi-Five" was released on May 30.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.