The upcoming film 'Ripple' (working title), directed by Kim Sun-kyung, has confirmed its cast with Yoo Yeon-seok, Esom, Kim Jun-han, and Kim Jong-soo. The film is set to begin shooting in April, aiming for a 2027 release. Yoo Yeon-seok, who recently registered his marriage with Tiffany and is planning a wedding this fall, adds another joyous occasion with this new project.
'Ripple' tells the story of the Ye-dong Kwon family, who have been involved in dangerous illegal businesses for generations. After the death of the family's eldest son, an uncontrollable ripple effect ensues over the succession of the family business.
Yoo Yeon-seok takes on the role of Park Ki-tae, who has been handling various tasks for the Ye-dong Kwon family for a long time. Park Ki-tae is a character who steps up to ensure that his childhood friend Kwon Do-young (played by Kim Jun-han) inherits the successor position after his father's death. Yoo Yeon-seok's solid acting skills are expected to bring charm to the character of Park Ki-tae.
Esom plays the role of Kwon So-hyun, the eldest daughter who has distanced herself from the dangerous family business and moved to Seoul. Upon returning after several years, she finds herself in the midst of an unpredictable succession battle. Known for her versatility across various genres, Esom is set to deliver a strong performance as the eldest daughter of a prestigious family in 'Ripple'.
Kim Jun-han portrays Kwon Do-young, the eldest son of the Ye-dong Kwon family, who is expected to naturally inherit the business after his father's death. However, he struggles to gain recognition for his abilities and faces skepticism from the family's elders. While relying on his friend Park Ki-tae (Yoo Yeon-seok) and sister Kwon So-hyun (Esom), he harbors a desire to become a businessman, a role that Kim Jun-han will bring to life with his unique style.
Lastly, Kim Jong-soo joins the cast as Kwon Byung-ryul, the uncle who covets the successor position, adding tension with his charismatic presence. Kim Jong-soo's seasoned acting skills are expected to heighten the suspense in 'Ripple'.
'Ripple' is the latest project from Star Platinum, the production company behind Netflix's 'Good News', with Han Hee-sung as the representative. The film marks the commercial feature debut of director Kim Sun-kyung, who also wrote the screenplay. Kim Sun-kyung aims to delve into traditional patriarchal order and family power dynamics, portraying the tension and fractures between characters with precision. Additionally, director Byun Sung-hyun of 'Good News' and 'The Merciless' joins as a co-writer. The 'Ripple' team has already completed script readings, with Yoo Yeon-seok sporting a strikingly short haircut for the role.
Promising a fresh take on family business entangled in crime, 'Ripple' is set to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline and is scheduled for release in 2027.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr