Korean Film 'The Ultimate Investigation' Finally Sees the Light After 7-Year Delay Due to Actor's DUI

The long-awaited Korean film 'The Ultimate Investigation' is finally set to premiere after a 7-year delay caused by actor Bae Sung-woo's DUI incident. Bae has expressed his apologies and urged audiences to show interest in the film.

On the 25th, a press screening for 'The Ultimate Investigation' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by director Park Cheol-hwan, along with actors Bae Sung-woo, Jung Ga-ram, Jo Han-chul, and Yoon Kyung-ho.

'The Ultimate Investigation' is a crime investigation drama that follows detective Jae-hyuk (played by Bae Sung-woo), who is demoted to a rural area. He teams up with rookie detective Joong-ho (played by Jung Ga-ram) to solve a murder case involving two suspects, leading them to Seoul for an intense investigation.

The film was completed in 2019 and was initially slated for a 2020 release. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and Bae Sung-woo's DUI incident delayed its release, resulting in a 7-year wait.

Bae Sung-woo expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm thankful just for the film to be released. I hope it provides an enjoyable experience for viewers." In November 2020, Bae was caught driving under the influence, leading to his departure from the SBS drama 'Delayed Justice' and a period of self-reflection. He was fined 7 million won for violating the Road Traffic Act.

Jung Ga-ram shared his excitement, "I'm thrilled to watch it in theaters with everyone. During the filming of 'The Ultimate Investigation,' I was told I looked older, but now people say I look younger. I even completed my military service during the 7-year gap. It's amazing how time flies, and I'm glad the film is finally being released."

Jung Ga-ram, who began action training six months before filming, recalled, "Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art. I was familiar with it from a character in the Tekken game I played as a child. I found the steps fun and wanted to showcase it properly, so I watched a lot of YouTube videos and prepared diligently."

Bae Sung-woo praised Jung Ga-ram, saying, "I first saw him in the film 'Fourth Place,' where he played a young Park Hae-joon. He's handsome and in great shape, so I initially thought he might be arrogant, but he's genuinely humble and hardworking."

Additionally, Jo Han-chul plays elite team leader Oh Min-ho from Gangnam Police Station, engaging in a fierce battle for investigative rights with Bae Sung-woo. Yoon Kyung-ho portrays Jo Dong-oh, a suspect in a wrongful murder case, adding depth to the story.

Bae Sung-woo reflected on the 7-year delay caused by his DUI incident, saying, "I feel deeply sorry for the delay due to my mistake." He added, "Watching the final version today, I was impressed by the performances of the other actors. 'The Ultimate Investigation' is like a nostalgic diner movie."

Bae Sung-woo reiterated his remorse, stating, "I'm sorry for the late release due to my mistake. I believe I should live cautiously from now on." He humorously noted, "We aimed for a retro style during filming, and with the delay, it truly became retro. It's a film with nostalgia and romance." He urged audiences to enjoy the film and find meaning in it.

'The Ultimate Investigation' is set to release on the 2nd of next month.

Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr