NAMBEOL Sets ‘Hard-Boiled Joseon Martial Arts Flick’ Production Starring Lee Byung-Hun
If there’s one thing I love, it’s news of a new martial arts flick in the works. Another would be the casting of “Squid Game” series co-star Lee Byung-hun who stands to be one of the most fun actors to watch on screen, which now brings both to the floor with production on period actioner “Nambeol” according to The Korea Times reporter Baek Byung-yeul.
The film is a hard-boiled martial arts action flick set in the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It follows nine warriors of different ranks and backgrounds who travel to Tsushima Island to rescue Korean captives kidnapped by Japanese pirates. The title “Nambeol” refers to a military expedition to conquer the south.
While the film is fiction, it is set against the historical backdrop of the early Joseon era, when the nation struggled with frequent raids by Japanese pirates. These pirate groups caused significant damage through looting and illegal trade along the southern coast. In response, the Joseon government employed both military force and diplomatic activities to suppress their activities.
Actor Lee will play the leader of the warriors infiltrating Tsushima Island. Hive Media Corp (producer on Lee’s credits The Insider, and The Man Standing Next) made the announcement on Wednesday, and is producing the pic. Cinematographer Lee Mo-gae will make his directorial debut, also reuniting with the actor since working on films such as Kim Jee-woon’s The Good, The Bad, The Weird and 2010’s I Saw The Devil, and Han Jae-rim’s Emergency Declaration; The burgeoning director is also known for his award-winning work on Lee Jung-jae’s 2022 spy thriller debut, Hunt.
“The project is expected to garner attention as it marks the third meeting between Lee and Hive Media Corp. As their previous two works were recognized for both their popularity and cinematic quality, expectations are high that they will create strong synergy once again,” the production house said.
Cameras are expected to roll later this year. Check out the promotional banner for the film below, and read more at The Korea Times.
Headshot: BH Entertainment
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