Director Yeon Sang-ho's latest film, 'The Hive', has released a still of actor Koo Kyo-hwan as the character Seo Young-chul.
'The Hive' is a movie about isolated survivors in a building sealed off due to a mysterious infection outbreak, battling against infected individuals who evolve in unpredictable ways. The film has unveiled a still of Seo Young-chul, a biologist responsible for the outbreak.
Koo Kyo-hwan has consistently delivered performances that defy expectations. From persuading audiences through feeling rather than explanation in 'Jane's Dream', to portraying a twisted survivor in a world where rules have collapsed in 'Peninsula'. He captivated audiences with his portrayal of a character hiding coldness behind a facade of nonchalance in 'Escape from Mogadishu', and left a lasting impression with his humorous yet wounded character in 'D.P.'. In 'Parasyte: The Grey', he blurred the lines between human and parasite, prompting questions. In 'Runaway', he maintained tension while controlling emotions as he pursued his target. He naturally expressed subtle emotions in everyday relationships in 'What If We'. Koo Kyo-hwan, who knows no limits, is set to showcase yet another new face in 'The Hive'.
The released stills capture Seo Young-chul deep in thought in a laboratory, walking calmly among the infected, with a vacant gaze and expressionless face, sparking curiosity about the character's hidden depths. Seo Young-chul is a genius biologist who once worked for a biotech company and yearns for the birth of a new humanity. At the center of the infection crisis within the building, he becomes a target for authorities and survivors after claiming to have a vaccine in his body.
Koo Kyo-hwan joins Yeon Sang-ho's universe for the fourth time with 'The Hive', following 'Peninsula', 'Parasyte: The Grey', and the series 'Monstrous', written by Yeon. Koo expressed, "The different concepts from the usual zombie genre were intriguing, and I was curious about how they would be realized on screen. I want to be part of a good project, regardless of the role." Director Yeon Sang-ho commented on Koo, saying, "We needed an actor who could interpret Seo Young-chul's role differently, and naturally, Koo Kyo-hwan came to mind. Ultimately, a character with extraordinary thoughts was portrayed by an extraordinary actor with an extraordinary performance," hinting at the birth of a new villain that transcends conventions in 'The Hive'.
'The Hive' is set to hit theaters this May.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr