▲ Korean actor Kim Woo-bin speaks during a media conference for Netflix original series "Official Black Belt" held in Seoul on Sept. 10, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- "I had never heard of the profession of a martial arts enforcement officer before. It made me realize that there are people doing such important and difficult work around us, yet we often don't know about it. I approached this project with gratitude."

 

Actor Kim Woo-bin reflected on his experience filming Netflix's upcoming movie Officer Black Belt at a production briefing held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Seoul on the 10th. The film, directed by Kim Joo-hwan, follows Jung-do (played by Kim Woo-bin), a martial arts expert who works as an officer monitoring criminals wearing electronic anklets. Teaming up with probation officer Sun-min (played by Kim Sung-kyun), Jung-do gradually grows while capturing criminals.

 

Kim Woo-bin explained, "I found it fascinating to see a young man who only chased fun suddenly find meaning and a sense of duty in a new job. The emotions I felt while reading the script made me want to convey them to the audience."

 

In the movie, Jung-do is a highly skilled martial artist with black belts in taekwondo, kendo, and judo, totaling nine martial arts degrees. He faces multiple opponents in intense fight scenes. "Starting three months before filming, I trained for three to four hours a day, rehearsing the fight choreography," Kim shared. "Of course, I couldn’t master nine martial arts degrees in three months, but I gave it my all."

 

To accurately depict Jung-do's physical transformation—from living a carefree life to becoming a skilled officer—Kim Woo-bin gained 8kg for the initial scenes and then gradually portrayed a more agile and fit character as the film progressed.

 

▲ Korean actor Kim Sung-kyun speaks during a media conference for Netflix original series "Official Black Belt" held in Seoul on Sept. 10, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Kim Sung-kyun, who plays the dedicated and caring probation officer Sun-min, noted, "After meeting real probation officers, I realized that they not only monitor and control criminals but also have warm hearts. This made me focus more on portraying Sun-min’s human side."

 

Kim Sung-kyun was also enthusiastic about the partnership with Kim Woo-bin, saying, "I was eager to work with him and explore our characters' dynamic." Together, they form a unique "buddy" duo in the film, breaking away from traditional depictions of middle-aged government employees.

 

▲ From left: Korean actor Kim Sung-kyun (L), filmmaker Kim Joo-hwan (C) and actor Kim Woo-bin pose for photos at the media conference for Netflix original series "Official Black Belt" held in Seoul on Sept. 10, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Director Kim Joo-hwan, known for Midnight Runners (2017) and Netflix's Bloodhounds (2023), both action-packed buddy films, described Officer Black Belt as "the genesis of Jung-do and the beginning of a bromance between two men." He added, "I wanted to deliver the message that people can do good things for others, while also ensuring the film is entertaining. Expect a package of action, humor, and thrills."

 

The film Officer Black Belt is set to premiere on Netflix on September 13.

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