South Korean filmmaker Ryoo Seung-wan, fresh from his Cannes appearance with “I, The Executioner,” is gearing up for his next project, an espionage action movie titled “HUMINT.” The film promises to depict intense clashes between North and South Korean secret agents while uncovering crimes at the border near Vladivostok, Russia.
“HUMINT,” an acronym for Human Intelligence, refers to the collection of intelligence through human sources rather than technical means. This new venture is set to be produced by Ryoo’s Filmmaker R&K company and distributed by NEW. Ryoo, known for his genre versatility, describes “HUMINT” as a more mature espionage action film compared to his previous works.
The cast for “HUMINT” has been finalized, featuring notable actors such as Zo In-sung, Park Jeong-min, Park Hae-joon, and Nana. Zo In-sung, who has previously worked with Ryoo on “Escape from Mogadishu” and “Smugglers,” will portray Manager Zo from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Park Jeong-min, another familiar face from “Smugglers,” will play Park Geon, a captain in North Korea’s State Security Department.
Park Hae-joon, known for his roles in “Emergency Declaration” and the box office hit “12.12: The Day,” will take on the role of Hwang Chi-sung, the Consulate-General of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in Vladivostok. Nana, a singer, actor, and model, will play Chae Seon-hwa, a waitress in a North Korean restaurant. Nana, also known as Im Jin-ah, is recognized for her work with the girl group After School and its subgroups, Orange Caramel and After School Red. She has previously appeared in films like “The Swindlers” and “Confession.”
Ryoo Seung-wan, the older brother of actor Ryoo Seung-bum, has made a significant impact in the film industry since his debut with “Die Bad” in 2000. Influenced by the works of Park Chan-wook, Ryoo’s filmography includes notable titles such as “Crying Fist,” “The Berlin File,” “The Battleship Island,” and the recent hit “Smugglers.” His film “Veteran,” a gripping action movie about a righteous cop versus a ruthless gangster, was the highest-grossing Korean film of 2015, earning $76.4 million from 13.4 million ticket sales. “Veteran” is also set to be remade by “Heat” director Michael Mann.
“I, The Executioner,” which premiered at Cannes, is a sequel to “Veteran” and is expected to be released in the second half of this year. The film’s success at Cannes has heightened anticipation for “HUMINT,” which is scheduled to begin full-scale production in October.
Ryoo’s ability to switch genres and deliver compelling narratives has made him a prominent figure in South Korean cinema. His upcoming project, “HUMINT,” is expected to showcase his signature style and storytelling prowess, promising an engaging and action-packed espionage thriller.
As Ryoo prepares to start filming “HUMINT,” the excitement among fans and critics alike is palpable. With a stellar cast and a gripping storyline, “HUMINT” is poised to be another significant addition to Ryoo’s impressive body of work. The film’s exploration of espionage and the complex dynamics between North and South Korean agents at the Vladivostok border is expected to offer a fresh and thrilling cinematic experience.
Ryoo’s dedication to evolving his craft and exploring new genres continues to set him apart in the film industry. “HUMINT” is not just another espionage action movie; it represents Ryoo’s commitment to delivering mature and thought-provoking cinema. As the production gears up, all eyes will be on Ryoo Seung-wan and his team, eagerly awaiting the next masterpiece from this acclaimed director.
