Director Kim Han-min Returns with Epic Action Film 'The Sword: The Blade of Godumakhan'

Director Kim Han-min, known for his successful historical action series including 'War of the Arrows', 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents', 'Hansan: Rising Dragon', and 'Noryang: Sea of Death', is set to return with his next project, 'The Sword: The Blade of Godumakhan' (produced by Big Stone Pictures and Blue Fire Studio). The film has confirmed its star-studded cast, including Park Bo-gum, Joo Won, Jung Jae-young, Lee Sun-bin, and Kim Hyeong-seo.

'The Sword: The Blade of Godumakhan' is a blockbuster historical action film set shortly after the fall of Goguryeo. It follows a man who loses his memory and becomes a slave, entering a legendary sword-fighting tournament. The film is set in 668 AD, in the aftermath of Goguryeo's collapse, and takes place in the ancient Goguryeo territory of Liaodong Fortress. It promises to deliver a grand scale narrative where a legendary northern sword becomes a new symbol of hope. The film distinguishes itself by focusing on Goguryeo sword-fighting action, a theme not extensively explored before.

The movie features a massive arena in the ancient Goguryeo territory, where 16 northern tribes, including Khitan, Malgal, and Turkic tribes, participate in a sword-fighting tournament. The unique martial arts and tactics of each tribe, combined with the intense survival battles, are expected to provide audiences with an unprecedented sense of impact and catharsis.

Global star Park Bo-gum takes on the role of Chil-seong, a warrior who has lost his memory. He will showcase a dramatic transformation in his filmography, portraying a slave gladiator's desperate survival action and the epic journey of becoming a national hero known as the 'Red Wolf'.

Joo Won, known for his charismatic presence, will play the role of Gye Pil-haryeok, a cold-blooded warrior representing the Turkic tribe in the tournament. He will form a tense rivalry with Chil-seong, showcasing high-level dual sword action that adds tension to the film.

The film also features a strong supporting cast that adds depth and uniqueness to the story. Jung Jae-young plays Heuk-su-gang, the leader of the Goguryeo Restoration Army, who secretly works to revive Goguryeo and mentors Chil-seong into a true warrior. Lee Sun-bin portrays Maya, a mysterious and intense member of the Goguryeo Restoration Army, while Kim Hyeong-seo joins as In-jeong, Heuk-su-gang's daughter, bringing new energy to the film.

'The Sword: The Blade of Godumakhan' is a project that director Kim Han-min has meticulously developed over several years, from the planning stage to incorporating AI technology in the R&D phase. It was selected for the Korea Creative Content Agency's K-Content AI Leading Project. The film promises to deliver a spectacular and entertaining experience with its diverse martial arts and tactics from 16 tribes, offering a spectacle unseen in traditional historical films. Director Kim Han-min stated, "While 'War of the Arrows' showcased the speed and spirit of our nation's archery, 'The Sword: The Blade of Godumakhan' aims to capture the sharp and weighty energy of the 'sword' cutting through the chaotic era after Goguryeo's fall. It will present a hot, Korean worldview where the pain of the era and individual missions collide. Expect the birth of a new K-action hero film that will captivate audiences worldwide with the most ambitious Korean themes of 'Goguryeo' and 'sword'."

'The Sword: The Blade of Godumakhan' is produced by Big Stone Pictures and Blue Fire Studio, with a target release in the summer of 2027. The film's main investment and distribution are handled by Red Ice Entertainment, a subsidiary of Korea's largest webtoon studio, known for producing 'Solo Leveling'. Solaire Partners, a cultural content investment firm with a history of investing in numerous films, is also a main investor.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr