The crime entertainment movie 'Project Y' is already generating buzz with its unique and diverse cast, and now the behind-the-scenes casting stories have been revealed.
Set to release on January 21, 2026, 'Project Y' tells the story of Misun and Dokyung, who, while dreaming of a different tomorrow in the heart of a bustling city, find themselves at the edge of their lives, stealing black money and gold bars. The film stars Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo, whose chemistry is highly anticipated, along with the powerful performances of Kim Shin-rock, Jung Young-ju, and Kim Sung-cheol. The fresh energy brought by Lee Jae-kyoon and YooA adds to the excitement. The film promises a new chemistry among these trusted actors.
Han So-hee, who plays Misun, a character diving into danger while dreaming of an ordinary life, shared her reasons for choosing 'Project Y': "When I first read the script, I was both doubtful and confident about my ability to portray the character. I felt it was a role I could tackle with the vigor of youth, so I decided to take on the challenge with Jun Jong-seo." Jun Jong-seo, who plays Dokyung, a character making dangerous choices at the brink of life, said, "I knew it wasn't easy to film with peers, so I immediately decided to join. Having Han So-hee, a friend and colleague, on set was empowering." Director Lee Hwan, who proposed the casting, mentioned, "I thought of Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo while writing the script, believing their portrayal would make the characters more convincing and impactful to the audience."
Kim Shin-rock,, who delivers a passionate performance as Gayoung, seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, was cast after impressing Director Lee Hwan with her performance in 'Hellbound.' "I wanted Gayoung to have a unique feel while directly expressing desire, and Kim Shin-rock, came to mind," he said. Kim Shin-rock, joined the project because "it seemed like a chance to play interesting character roles with iconic actors. It was a challenging project, so I jumped in with a 'let's do it' mindset."
Jung Young-ju, who transforms into the charismatic Hwangso, was an early choice for the role by Director Lee Hwan. After seeing a past photo of Jung Young-ju with a shaved head, he thought she embodied the character of Hwangso. Responding to the casting call, Jung Young-ju said, "The script was fun to read. It had a fast pace, and I thought it would be great if it was made well. Hearing about the other cast members, I had no reason to refuse."
Lee Jae-kyoon, who plays Seokgu, joined the project due to his previous collaboration with Director Lee Hwan. He delivered an impressive performance, completing the character of Seokgu, who instinctively follows his desires, in his own style, earning high praise from the director. YooA, who plays Hakyeong, was cast after Director Lee Hwan saw potential in her activities with Oh My Girl, sparking her adventurous spirit. Meanwhile, Kim Sung-cheol, who plays the overwhelming Tosa-jang, was cast because "Kim Sung-cheol from 'Sweet Home' Season 1 left a strong impression. I wondered how it would be to bring that presence into an everyday setting and push it to the extreme," adding to the intrigue surrounding Tosa-jang.
With such a stellar lineup, Director Lee Hwan expressed, "You will enjoy the clash of characters, each with their unique charm and style. It's a fast-paced, enjoyable film, so I hope you have fun watching it."
'Project Y' hits theaters on January 21, 2026.
Kim Ji-won, TENASIA Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr