▲ Cast members of "The Ultimate Duo" pose for photos at a press conference in Seoul on March 9, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ A still from "The Ultimate Duo" is seen in this image provided by Acemaker Movieworks. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ A poster for "The Ultimate Duo" is seen in this image provided by Acemaker Movieworks. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Korean film-press conference

Crime action film 'The Ultimate Duo' finally opens after years of delay

By Woo Jae-yeon

SEOUL, March 9 (Yonhap) -- The crime action film "The Ultimate Duo" finally sees the light of day after nearly seven years: It finished production in 2019, only to be derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a drunk-driving incident involving lead actor Bae Sung-woo in November 2020.

At the press event in Seoul on Monday, the actor offered a public apology over the incident.

"All the hard work put in by the director and crew should not be overshadowed by my fault," he said. "I will do my best to make it right."

The film follows the story of Jae-hyuk (Bae), a once-decorated detective exiled to a backwater post after botching a high-profile investigation.

When Jae-hyuk arrests a small-time thief, he quickly realizes the man is a prime suspect in a murder case in Seoul, which is supposedly already closed with an alleged killer in custody.

Determined to uncover the truth, he heads to Seoul alongside his partner, rookie detective Jung-ho (Jung Ga-ram). But once there, their investigation hits wall after wall.

Inspired by a real crime in Japan, the film is helmed by Park Cheol-hwan who directed Disney+'s 2024 sci-fi series "Blood Free." "The Ultimate Duo" marks Park's feature directorial debut.

"At the belated age of 53, I am making my debut as a director," he said, asking audiences to show support for his first feature.

On the seven-year journey from production to release, he said his approach to shooting a timeless film, avoiding anything too era-specific, helped ensure the film does not feel outdated.

"Looking back, I am glad that the scenes do not look dated even after all this time," he said, adding that the crew went through an extensive post-production process with a lot of editing.

"I am satisfied with how that turned out," he said, expressing excitement about the final release.

The director also praised the performances by the cast.

"Rather than following the typical formula, I wanted to put a twist on the genre's conventions, and I am deeply grateful that the actors delivered 120 percent of what I could have hoped for," he said.

The film also stars Lee So-young, known by her stage name Esom, as an unwavering prosecutor driven by her relentless pursuit of justice, and Yoon Kyung-ho as one of the two suspects of the murder case.

"The Ultimate Duo" is set for release April 2.

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