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

Actor Lee Byung-hun has confirmed his role in the hard-boiled martial arts action film 'Nambul', directed by Lee Mo-gae. This marks the first directorial venture for Lee Mo-gae, who has previously worked as a cinematographer, and it is the third collaboration between Lee Byung-hun and production company Hive Media Corp.

With Lee Byung-hun's casting confirmed, 'Nambul' is accelerating its pre-production phase. Set in the early Joseon era, the film follows nine warriors of varying skills and ranks as they embark on a mission to Tsushima Island to rescue captives taken by Japanese pirates. This film is the third collaboration between Lee Byung-hun and Hive Media Corp, following the successful 'Inside Men' and 'The Man Standing Next', both of which were praised for their commercial success and artistic merit. Expectations are high for another powerful synergy.

Lee Byung-hun will portray the character Im Eok, the leader of the warriors. Im Eok is a character known for his cold judgment and unwavering conviction, honed through numerous battlefields. He leads a life-risking journey to rescue the Joseon captives held on Tsushima Island. Known for his versatile performances in works such as 'I Have No Choice', 'The Match', 'Concrete Utopia', 'The Man Standing Next', 'Inside Men', 'Masquerade', and the Netflix original series 'Squid Game', Lee Byung-hun is expected to once again redefine his career with a deeper performance and overwhelming charisma.

'Nambul' is the first directorial project for cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, known for his distinctive mise-en-scène in films like 'Spring in Seoul', 'Graveyard', 'Hunt', 'Opposition', and 'Emergency Declaration'. He has been recognized for his exceptional skills, winning awards such as the Art Award at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards and the Cinematography and Lighting Awards at the 43rd and 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards. In this film, he aims to capture a grand narrative with intense action and visuals. The production company Hive Media Corp has consistently delivered well-made films that combine entertainment and artistic value, including 'Spring in Seoul', 'Harbin', 'Deliver Us from Evil', 'The Man Standing Next', 'Inside Men', and the Disney+ original series 'Made in Korea'.

'Nambul' is currently in pre-production, aiming to begin filming in the second half of this year.

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