Currently, the number 1 movie in South Korea, "I, the Executioner" is set to hit Philippine theaters on September 25, shining a cinematic light that's both dark and enlightening.
Starring Hwang Jung-min and Jung Hae-in, "I, the Executioner" is the sequel to the 2015 box office hit “Veteran."
“Veteran,” celebrated for transforming Korean detective action in 2015, makes its return this year with “I, the Executioner.” The sequel continues the story of seasoned detective Seo Do-cheol, once more portrayed by Hwang Jung-min, alongside his steadfast team, who are now joined by rookie officer Park Sun-woo, played by Jung Hae-in. Together, they hunt down a serial killer whose deeds have thrown the country into chaos.
“I, the Executioner” is currently the top movie in South Korea, having exceeded four million admissions just six days after its release on September 13. Director Ryoo Seung-wan, who also helmed “Veteran,” expressed, “My affection for the character Seo Do-cheol has grown over time, and I always wanted to create a continuation of his story.”
Director Ryoo is not the only one who has wanted to continue the detective’s story. Actor Hwang Jung-min, who won the Best Actor Award at this year’s Baeksang Arts Awards for “12.12: The Day,” expressed his delight at returning to the role of Detective Seo Do-cheol, saying, “I have sincerely wanted a sequel since we filmed ‘Veteran’ and have been waiting for a long time. Even though it’s been nine years, I hope that audiences would feel that Seo Do-chul hasn’t changed. I wanted to maintain the energy from the first film as much as possible.”
A key highlight of “I, the Executioner” is the introduction of rookie detective Park Sun-woo, portrayed by Jung Hae-in, who joins the team under Seo Do-cheol’s watchful eye. Park Sun-woo is a compelling character who was inspired to become a police officer after witnessing Seo Do-cheol apprehend criminals. Says Jung, “In a way, the film contains a lot of realistic stories. I think it’s a movie that allows us to think about various things,” highlighting the film’s reflection of contemporary issues.
The sequel ventures into the territory of dopamine-inducing video shorts and fake news, provoking a narrative that questions the authenticity of the overwhelming content we encounter daily. Director Ryoo’s investigation of a society where information is filtered through algorithms deeply resonates with the film's themes, highlighting the evolution of crime-action narratives.
“Through this film, we will see a more serious and darker side of crime,” says Ryoo. Adds art director Han Ah-reum, “‘I, the Executioner’ depicts the duality and harm of the media. Director Ryoo Seung-wan addresses the social issues of our time through his signature strength that is action.”
Only in cinemas starting September 25, “I, the Executioner,” from CJ ENM, is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
SOURCE: WARNER BROS. PICTURES PRESS RELEASE
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