Choi Woo-shik Aims for a Comeback with 'Number One': A Reunion with Jang Hye-jin and Director Kim Tae-yong

《Kim Se-ah's Insight》
Reporter Kim Se-ah from TenAsia delves deeply into entertainment industry issues.

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Actor Choi Woo-shik is aiming for a comeback with the film 'Number One' directed by Kim Tae-yong. He reunites with veteran actress Jang Hye-jin, with whom he shared the screen in the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite' six years ago. This project also marks his reunion with director Kim Tae-yong, 12 years after their collaboration on the film 'Set Me Free'. The film is anticipated to be a significant turning point in both box office success and Choi's acting career.

'Number One' tells the story of Ha-min (played by Choi Woo-shik), who begins to see numbers decreasing every time he eats his mother Eun-sil's (played by Jang Hye-jin) food. He discovers that when the number reaches zero, his mother will die, prompting him to do everything he can to protect her.

The reunion of Choi Woo-shik and Jang Hye-jin is a highlight of the film. Their previous collaboration in 'Parasite' left a lasting impression with their convincing portrayal of a realistic mother-son relationship, earning accolades such as the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and four Academy Awards.

Reuniting with director Kim Tae-yong is also significant for Choi Woo-shik. In 2014, he gained critical acclaim for his nuanced portrayal of a troubled youth in the low-budget independent film 'Set Me Free', winning numerous newcomer awards and establishing his career as an actor. 'Number One' represents a crossroads of returning to his roots and expanding his horizons.

The film's release is strategically timed for the Lunar New Year holiday, targeting the lucrative holiday box office. Its focus on family relationships in a human drama genre is expected to appeal to family audiences during the festive season. The film's emotional narrative, rather than sensational content, is anticipated to generate positive word-of-mouth.

However, there are concerns. Despite being one of the most watched actors in Chungmuro after 'Parasite', Choi Woo-shik's subsequent films like 'Time to Hunt', 'The Policeman's Lineage', and 'Wonderland' have not surpassed the 1 million viewer mark, regardless of his acting skills. Critics have noted that Choi has yet to prove his box office draw since 'Parasite'.

'Number One' is poised to test Choi Woo-shik's box office appeal and acting prowess once again. All eyes are on whether audiences will choose this film during the holiday season and what impact it will have on Choi's career.

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr