“Veteran,” hailed for redefining Korean detective action in 2015, returns this year with “I, the Executioner.” The sequel follows veteran detective Seo Do-cheol (played once again by Hwang Jung-min) and his unwavering team, now joined by rookie officer Park Sun-woo (played by Jung Hae-in), as they pursue a serial killer whose actions have plunged the nation into turmoil.
“I, the Executioner,” currently the No. 1 movie in Korea, having surpassed four million admissions only six days after its opening in cinemas on September 13, promises to deliver even more thrilling action. Director Ryoo Seung-wan, who also directed “Veteran,” shares, “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, played 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 delves into the realm of dopamine-inducing video shorts and fake news, igniting a narrative that questions the authenticity of the overwhelming content inundating our screens. Director Ryoo’s exploration of a society where information is filtered through algorithms resonates deeply with the themes and narratives of the film, illustrating the evolution of crime-action investigation drama.
“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. #ITheExecutioner
