‘Parasite’ Star, Song Kang-ho to Head Series Adaptation of Hit Political Thriller ‘Inside Men’

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for Korean cinema, I can hardly contain my excitement over the upcoming series adaptation of “Inside Men.” Song Kang-ho is undeniably one of the most versatile and captivating actors in the industry today, and his portrayal of the newspaper editor promises to be a masterclass in acting.

Actor Song Kang-ho, famed for the Academy Award-winning movie “Parasite,” is set to take the lead in the television series version of the critically acclaimed film “Inside Men.

On Thursday, I learned that the exciting project I’m involved with was unveiled by Hive Media Corp., indicating it’s in the initial phase of pre-production. By 2025, we’ll be ready for the cameras to start rolling.

No broadcaster or streamer has yet been attached.

The movie released in 2015 was a political thriller based on an unfinished webcomic titled “The Insiders,” written by Yoon Tae-ho, that was serialized in the Hankyoreh newspaper between 2010 and 2012.

The movie showcases a powerful political figure, played by Lee Byung-hun, who is on a mission for vengeance following his downfall orchestrated by politicians and the media. Created and helmed by Woo Min-ho, this thriller also incorporates characters such as a prosecutor (played by Cho Sueng-woo), a presidential candidate (depicted by Lee Gyeong-young), and a newspaper editor (portrayed by Baek Yoon-sik).

The upcoming series, helmed by director Mo Wan-il known for “The World of the Married” and the recent Netflix movie “The Frog”, will delve deeper and explore additional aspects from the film. Song is anticipated to assume the role of a newspaper editor. No further cast members have been announced yet.

Hive Media Corporation is recognized by the Korean Film Council as Korea’s leading film production company. Last year, it produced “12.12: The Day,” a dramatized portrayal of the 1979 military coup, which turned out to be the highest-grossing movie in Korea for the year. A previous work with similar political drama themes was “The Man Standing Next,” which delved into the events leading up to the assassination of President Park Chung-hee, also in 1979.

The movie ‘Inside Men’ was produced by Kim Won-kuk, who had previously been an investor in Woo’s film ‘Man of Vendetta’. The unexpected success of the film, with a total of 9 million admissions between the original and director’s cut versions, enabled Kim and his associates to establish Hive Media Corp in the year 2016.

This year, the company launched a successful low-budget film titled “Handsome Guys.” Coming up next is “A Normal Family,” a highly anticipated pressure cooker drama directed by Hur Jin-ho. This movie is a remake of Herman Koch’s “The Dinner” and had its premiere in Toronto last year. Recently, in Toronto, the big-budget action thriller “Harbin” premiered, which will hit Korean theaters just before Christmas. It too is directed by Woo.

Song’s acting career took off early with notable performances in films such as “Joint Security Area” and “Memories of Murder.” His other works include “Sympathy for Mr Vengeance,” “The Host,” “Snowpiercer,” “A Taxi Driver,” and “Broker,” which earned him the best actor award at Cannes in 2022. He has done limited work on television, but his role in the Disney+ series “Uncle Samsik” recently won him the best actor award at the Seoul Drama Awards. Last year, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences held a special tribute event for him.

2024-09-12 14:46

‘Parasite’ Star, Song Kang-ho to Head Series Adaptation of Hit Political Thriller ‘Inside Men’

Read More

Minority Mindset