Lee Byung-hun Joins Hard-Boiled Martial Arts Film 'Nambal'

Lee Byung-hun, who married actress Lee Min-jung in 2013, has confirmed his role in the hard-boiled martial arts action film 'Nambal'.

The film 'Nambal' is accelerating its pre-production phase with the confirmation of Lee Byung-hun's casting. Set in the early Joseon era, 'Nambal' follows nine warriors of varying abilities and ranks as they embark on a mission to Tsushima Island to rescue hostages captured by Japanese pirates. This marks the third collaboration between Lee Byung-hun and Hive Media Corp, following the successful films 'Inside Men' and 'The Man Standing Next', raising expectations for another powerful synergy.

Lee Byung-hun will portray 'Im Eok', the leader of the warriors. 'Im Eok' is a character with cold judgment and unwavering conviction, honed through numerous battlefields, who leads a life-risking journey to rescue the Joseon captives on Tsushima Island. Known for his versatile performances in works like 'I Have No Choice', 'The Match', 'Concrete Utopia', 'The Man Standing Next', 'Inside Men', 'Masquerade', and Netflix's 'Squid Game', Lee Byung-hun is expected to redefine his career with this role, showcasing deeper acting skills and overwhelming charisma.

'Nambal' is the directorial debut of cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, known for his distinctive mise-en-scène in films like 'Spring of Seoul', 'Exhumation', 'Hunt', 'Opposition', and 'Emergency Declaration'. Having won numerous awards, including the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards for Film Art, and the Blue Dragon Film Awards for Cinematography and Lighting, Lee Mo-gae is set to deliver a grand narrative with intense action and visuals in this project.

Meanwhile, 'Nambal' is produced by Hive Media Corp, a comprehensive content production company known for delivering well-made films that balance entertainment and artistry, such as 'Spring of Seoul', 'Harbin', 'Deliver Us from Evil', 'The Man Standing Next', 'Inside Men', and Disney+ original series 'Made in Korea'.

'Nambal' is currently in pre-production, aiming to begin filming in the second half of 2026.

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