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| The poster for Disney+'s new original series, "Big Bet" / Courtesy of Disney+ |
Veteran actor Choi Min-sik, who won global acclaim for his performance in the films, "Oldboy," and "Lady Vengeance," is set to star in his first series in about 25 years with Disney+'s new Korean original series, "Big Bet."
Led by filmmaker Kang Yoon-sung, who helmed the hit action movie, "The Outlaws" (2017), the upcoming series, scheduled to release on Dec. 21, revolves around a legendary figure in the Philippines' casino world, Cha Mu-sik (Choi).
Mu-sik has made it big in a cutthroat gambling scene after struggling to finally become a casino mogul. His world turns upside down when he becomes involved in a murder case, leading him back into the gambling scene, but this time, as a player betting on his life.
"(My role) is as a person who has all kinds of desires combined," he said in the interview released by the streaming platform. "Casino shows the epitome of money and desire. And within that, the character of Cha Mu-sik portrays the desire, mixed emotions of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal."
The actor expressed he has grown attached to his character through filming the series. "Cha Mu-sik is the character that I can never forget in my acting career," he said.
Along with Choi, actors Son Suk-ku from the action film, "The Outlaws 2," and Lee Dong-hwi from the comedy film, "Extreme Job," will star in the series. Son will play the role of cop Oh Seung-hoon, who is dispatched abroad to the Philippines to handle international cases. He chases after Mu-sik to solve the murder case. Lee will play the role of Jeong-pal, who is Mu-sik's handler.
Other cast members like Heo Sung-tae and Kim Joo-ryung from the smash-hit series, "Squid Game," have also joined the series.
Director Kang praised the series' cast members in the promotional video released by the streaming service.
"All of them have a very high understanding of their roles and the series itself," he said. "And that led us to have such a satisfying outcome."
Choi debuted with a supporting role in the series, "Ambitious Times," in 1989 and has built an extensive portfolio since, taking roles in over 30 films and 13 TV series.
After his breakthrough role as the lead character in the 1999 action hit series, "Swiri," he has taken lead roles in various films, including the Cannes-winning "Chihwaseon" (2002) and the hit film, "Roaring Currents" (2014), which scored the highest ticket sales ever among local movies.
"Big Bet" is the first series he has taken on since the MBC drama, "Love and Separation," which aired in 1997.
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