Korean 90s heartthrob Jang Dong-gun returns to big screen in 'A Normal Family'

Actor Jang Dong-gun plays pediatrician Jae-gyu in the upcoming film “A Normal Family.” Courtesy of Hive Media Corp

Actor Jang Dong-gun, an icon of the 1990s Korean cinema, is making his return to the screen after six years.

The 52-year-old plays a pediatrician in the upcoming suspense thriller, "A Normal Family."

Directed by Hur Jin-ho, widely known for "Christmas in August" (1998), "One Fine Spring Day" (2001) and "The Last Princess" (2016), the film features an impressive cast including Jang, along with stellar actors Kim Hee-ae, Sul Kyung-gu and Claudia Kim.

Actors Kim Hee-ae, clockwise from upper right, Jang Dong-gun, Sul Kyung-gu and Claudia Kim are seen in a poster for the movie “A Normal Family.” Courtesy of Hive Media Corp

Adapted from Herman Koch's novel "The Dinner," this upcoming film, set to hit local theaters in October, is a suspense drama that follows four individuals whose lives begin to crumble after witnessing security camera footage of their children's criminal activities.

This is Jang's first big screen outing since he appeared in 2018's "Rampant."

Jang plays Jae-gyu, a principled pediatrician and younger brother of lawyer Jae-wan (Sul). Upon discovering the crime committed by their children, his life is shaken to the core.

"This work makes viewers think a lot about what kind of person you are and what you would do in a similar situation," Jang was quoted as saying by the film's production company, Hive Media Corp, on Thursday.

Since his debut in 1992, Jang has consistently generated buzz and captured hearts with his striking looks and acting ability to bring characters to life in dramas and films.

Jang, alongside "Squid Game" actor Lee Jung-jae, stands as one of only two actors to have completed a grand slam of acting awards at the prestigious Blue Dragon Film Awards in Korea.

He won best newcomer for his role in "Repechage" (1997), best supporting actor for "Nowhere to Hide" (1999) and best actor for "Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War" (2004).

"A Normal Family" has been selected for the Korean Cinema Today — Special Premiere section of the upcoming Busan International Film Festival. The film will be screened at the festival, which is scheduled to take place in Busan from Oct. 2 to 11.

The Korean Cinema Today — Special Premiere is a section of the film festival that selects and premieres the latest and most prominent contemporary Korean commercial films.