Uhm Tae-woong Returns to Acting After 9-Year Hiatus with 'I KILL U'

Actor Uhm Tae-woong is breaking a nine-year silence to return to acting. His comeback project is director Yoo Ha's first drama, 'I KILL U,' with the film version set to premiere at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) this July.

On the 21st, Yoon Hye-jin announced on Instagram, "My husband Uhm Tae-woong's starring project 'I KILL U' has been officially invited to the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival." The project completed filming in 2023, and following the film screening, the drama version will be available on Coupang Play starting July 22.

Director Yoo Ha, known for his impactful filmography with works like 'A Frozen Flower' (2008) and 'Gangnam Blues' (2015), makes his drama directorial debut with 'I KILL U,' a thriller revolving around revenge, truth, and media manipulation. In the drama, Uhm Tae-woong plays 'Executive Director Yoon,' the shadow and cold-hearted power behind a conglomerate chairman, who stands at the center of power trying to conceal the truth of an incident. He is set to showcase his reserved charisma once again.

Yoon Hye-jin expressed her overwhelming emotions, saying, "These were days when I wondered if such a day would ever come, but this miraculous moment has finally arrived." She also shared that the film's GV (Guest Visit) is scheduled for July 9, which is her late mother's birthday, adding, "Perhaps my mom is watching over us," in a touching remark.

Uhm Tae-woong married Yoon Hye-jin in 2013, and they have one daughter. In 2016, he was accused of sexual assault, but it was revealed to be a false accusation orchestrated by the establishment owner and a female employee. He was cleared of the sexual assault charges but was fined 1 million won for solicitation. After a brief return with the 2017 film 'Fork Crane,' he took a long hiatus. Recently, he held a photo exhibition titled 'Air of Time.'

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr