'I, the Executioner' unmasks truth in digital age: director
Actor Hwang Jung-min, from right, director Ryoo Seung-wan and actor Jung Hae-in pose for a photo during a press conference for “I, the Executioner," a sequel to director Ryoo’s 2015 hit movie “Veteran,” at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
The much anticipated action-crime film "I, the Executioner," a sequel to the 2015 smash hit "Veteran," will hit theaters Friday as the sole major release this Chuseok holiday.
If the first installment, starring Hwang Jung-min and Yoo Ah-in, provided a satisfying catharsis through a clear-cut confrontation between good and evil, "I, the Executioner," or promoted in Korea as "Veteran 2," delves deeper into social issues such as lenient punishments and the negative impact of online trolls.
Director Ryoo Seung-wan said he wanted to criticize our society's tendency to react impulsively to news events through his newest venture.
"I've often wondered if our reactions to these events are truly right or justified. We often fail to see the full picture, and based solely on the information provided, we quickly form judgments and move on to the next issue," Ryoo said Monday during a press conference for his latest film at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. "I've questioned whether this cycle of impulsive judgments, without taking responsibility for our individual actions, is truly healthy for both individuals and society."
The film follows a violent crimes squad led by veteran detective Seo Do-cheol (Hwang), who is relentless in pursuing criminals. When the rookie detective Park Sun-woo (Jung Hae-in) joins the team, they embark on a chase to catch a notorious serial killer who is shaking the nation by releasing a video online and naming the next victim.
It portrays a former journalist-turned-cyber troll who makes a living as a streamer spreading fake news regardless of their veracity, demonstrating the public's susceptibility to misinformation.
Actor Hwang Jung-min plays detective Seo Do-cheol in action-crime thriller "I, the Executioner." Courtesy of CJ ENM
Ryoo emphasized that the focus this time isn't on identifying a villain but rather on the consequences of actions. By shifting the narrative from a simplistic battle between good and evil to a deeper conflict of beliefs and principles, he aimed to provoke thought and stimulate discussion.
"Since the previous film was well-received due to its villain, many viewers were anticipating a similar focus in the sequel. However, I believe that the identity of the villain is less important than the actions and their consequences," he said, adding that he wanted viewers to question the nature of justice and the consequences of our actions.
The first installment, "Veteran," was the highest-grossing film in 2015, garnering over 13.4 million viewers. The film depicts detective Seo's adrenaline-pumping chase for Jo Tae-oh (Yoo Ah-in), a sadistic third-generation heir of a conglomerate who commits evil acts.
"I, the Executioner" was invited to the Cannes International Film Festival for its Midnight Screening in May, followed by the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month.
Ryoo, who recenlty came back from Toronto, said he was touched by the response of audience there. "They rceived 'I, the Executioner' as a film with lively humor. I was particularly moved when they compared my film to watching 'Lethal Weapon' for the first time. It was my greatest honor that the audience mentioned my favorite police movie series," he said.