Netflix has confirmed the production of director Yoon Jong-bin's new film 'Ordinary People' and unveiled a star-studded cast. Ha Jung-woo, who recently made headlines with his shaved head, will undergo a dramatic transformation by portraying Chun Doo-hwan in this project. Although Ha Jung-woo recently acknowledged his relationship with Cha Jung-won, he denied any marriage rumors, stating, "Not yet."
Director Yoon Jong-bin, known for his debut film 'The Unforgiven,' which was invited to the 59th Cannes Film Festival, and the globally loved Netflix series 'Narco-Saints,' as well as the drama 'Nine Puzzle,' has consistently received critical and public acclaim for his dense storytelling and delicate direction. Once again partnering with Netflix, Yoon will delve into the contradictions and hidden power dynamics of modern Korean history.
'Ordinary People' tells the story of Roh Tae-woo, the second-in-command who wears the mask of an 'ordinary person' while striving for higher power alongside the absolute ruler Chun Doo-hwan, and the people surrounding him.
Director Yoon Jong-bin, who has depicted stories of people struggling to survive in worlds dominated by strong hierarchies and classes in films like 'Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time,' 'Kundo: Age of the Rampant,' and 'The Spy Gone North,' will once again capture the raw human nature and survival tactics against the backdrop of modern Korean history in 'Ordinary People.' Audiences are eager to see how Yoon will portray the human desire for power amidst turbulent modern history.
Son Seok-koo, praised for breaking stereotypes with his performances in various genres such as the Netflix series 'My Name,' 'D.P.' Seasons 1 and 2, and the drama 'Nine Puzzle,' will play the perennial second-in-command Roh Tae-woo. The film will dramatically showcase Roh's complex and subtle inner world as he finally achieves his long-held dream of becoming the top leader, remembered only as the friend and eternal second-in-command to the absolute ruler Chun Doo-hwan.
Ha Jung-woo, who has consistently delivered powerful transformations in Yoon Jong-bin's works since his debut, will take on the role of Chun Doo-hwan, the absolute ruler of the military dictatorship. While Chun has been dramatized in various films and dramas, audiences are keen to see Ha Jung-woo's unique portrayal of the character. The special friendship formed as classmates at the Korea Military Academy and the complex relationship between the first and second-in-command, portrayed by Son Seok-koo and Ha Jung-woo, is also highly anticipated.
Adding to the tension, Ji Chang-wook, who has built a solid filmography with action and intense emotional performances in works like the Netflix series 'The Sound of Magic,' the film 'Revolver,' and the drama 'City of Pieces,' will play Heo Hak-sung, a junior at the Korea Military Academy whom Roh Tae-woo sees as a thorn in his side.
Heo Bong-sik, known for his roles in the film 'The Match,' the Netflix series 'The Drug King,' 'Narco-Saints,' and 'My Name,' will play Jung Ho-jung, a classmate and friend of Roh Tae-woo and Chun Doo-hwan. Seo Hyun-woo, from the Netflix film '84 Square Meters,' 'Rogiwan,' and the film 'Decision to Leave,' will portray Park Cheol-woong, a prosecutor in the Seoul District Prosecutor's Office and Roh Tae-woo's advisor, expected to enhance immersion with his compelling performance.
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr