Jung Woo-sung says 'A Man of Reason' is familiar but riveting tale of retired assassin

Actor-director Jung Woo-sung speaks during a press conference for the film “A Man of Reason” held at CGV Yongsan branch in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Jung Woo-sung, whose acting credits include “Beat” (1997), “The Good, the Bad, the Weird” (2008) and “Hunt” (2022), said his feature directorial debut “A Man of Reason” is a familiar but riveting tale of a retired assassin whose plan to lead a normal life is cut short when he becomes targeted by other hitmen.

“'A Man of Reason' is an idea brought by film producer Song Dae-chan. He initially asked me to play the lead role in the action film. However, the director, who was supposed to helm the film, quit early in the production stage for personal reasons. So I said to Song: 'Maybe I should direct this film,'” he said during a press conference for the film, Monday.

Jung said he tried to revamp a familiar storyline by adding his own touch. “It's a very classic action genre, but as a filmmaker, I managed to add a cinematic twist to it,” he said, adding that “A Man of Reason” is a character-driven film.

The lead cast includes Kim Nam-gil, who starred in “Closet” (2020) and “Emergency Declaration” (2022), Park Sung-woong, known for the films “New World” (2013) and “OK! Madam” (2020) and Kim Jun-han of the hit TV series “Hospital Playlist” (2020) and “Anna” (2022).

From left, actors Kim Jun-han, Park Sung-woong and Kim Nam-gil pose during a press conference for the film “A Man of Reason” held at CGV Yongsan branch in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

The upcoming action thriller follows a man named Su-hyuk (Jung), who is released from prison after serving 10 years on behalf of his boss. He wants to cut ties with his old gang and live a normal life but is dragged back into the underworld as his old boss Eung-bok (Park) hires notorious hitman Woo-jin (Kim Nam-gil) who takes his young daughter hostage.

Kim, who portrays hitman Woo-jin, said he felt the pressure of collaborating with Jung because the actor-turned-director knew so much about acting. “As a director, Jung was extremely demanding but understanding at the same time. He was very clear with directing actors,” he said.

Park, who plays the role of Su-hyuk's former boss, said he joined the project because he wanted to support his old friend Jung.

“When I offered Park the role, I asked him to approach this project with a professional mind,” Jung said. “I didn't want him to choose this film simply because he wants to support my directorial debut.”

The film was invited to many film festivals overseas, including Toronto International Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival.

“I feel grateful that I get to showcase my film in overseas film festivals, but I've always wanted to unveil my film to Korean audiences. I'm curious about their thoughts and reactions,” Jung said.

“A Man of Reason” will hit local theaters on Aug. 15.