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| ▲ Actor Jung Hae-in (L), filmmaker Ryu Seung-wan (C) and actor Hwang Jung-min pose for photos at the media conference for their latest action flick "I, the Executioner (Veteran 2)," held in Seoul on Aug. 20, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The crime action film "Veteran (2015)," directed by Ryu Seung-wan, was filled with the unyielding energy of Detective Seo Do-cheol (played by Hwang Jung-min), who would stop at nothing to catch criminals. The film was a massive success, drawing over 13.4 million viewers, making it one of South Korea's most-watched films.
After nine years, the highly anticipated sequel, "I, the Executioner (hereafter Veteran 2)," is set to be released on September 13th. Once again, Ryu Seung-wan takes the director’s chair, and Hwang Jung-min reprises his role as the relentless detective, Seo Do-cheol.
At the film's production briefing held on the 20th in Yongsan, Seoul, Hwang Jung-min confidently stated, "I can assure you that this sequel will surpass the energy and everything else from the first film."
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| ▲ This still photo of film "I, the Executioner (Veteran 2)," provided by CJ ENM, shows its lead actor Hwang Jung-min. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Veteran 2, releasing just in time for the Chuseok holiday, is one of the most anticipated Korean films of the year. It has already gained recognition, having been invited to the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May and the upcoming 49th Toronto International Film Festival.
Hwang Jung-min emphasized that despite the nine-year gap, the character of Seo Do-cheol remains unchanged. "I wore the same outfit and kept the same hairstyle as in the first film," he noted.
While Seo Do-cheol’s energy remains consistent, the storyline has evolved. In this sequel, after taking down a powerful third-generation chaebol in the first film, Seo Do-cheol now faces the challenge of capturing a notorious serial killer who has terrorized the nation.
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| ▲ Actor Hwang Jung-min poses for photos at the media conference for their latest action flick "I, the Executioner (Veteran 2)," held in Seoul on Aug. 20, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Director Ryu Seung-wan explained the nine-year gap between the films: "It took time to find the right balance between not merely replicating the success of the first film and not exclusively pursuing something new."
Ryu described Veteran 2 as a "blend of familiarity and novelty." He added, "We focused on delivering a more intense thrill, with a palpable tension. While the first film had a straightforward structure aimed at taking down the villain, this one features a more elusive villain and a multi-layered narrative."
The film also reflects contemporary social issues, such as the spread of fake news, which blurs the line between truth and lies. The soundtrack was composed by singer Jang Ki-ha, who also worked on Ryu’s previous film, Smugglers (2023).
Adding a fresh face to the series, actor Jung Hae-in joins the cast of Veteran 2. He plays rookie detective Park Sun-woo, who catches Seo Do-cheol’s eye with his quick thinking and martial arts skills, earning a spot in the Violent Crimes Unit.
Reflecting on his casting, Jung Hae-in shared, "I was so excited and thrilled that I could feel my heart heating up. I eagerly anticipated the start of filming."
Jung, who prepared for the role by building his physical stamina and undergoing martial arts training, described the film as "truly brimming with energy," and expressed confidence that "this energy will resonate with the audience."
For director Ryu Seung-wan, who has delivered high-caliber action films like The Unjust (2010), The Berlin File (2013), Escape from Mogadishu (2021), and Smugglers (2023), Veteran 2 marks his first time directing a sequel.
Ryu reminisced, "After making Veteran, I grew so attached to Seo Do-cheol and the other characters that I immediately promised Hwang Jung-min that we would make a sequel." He added with a smile, "If this film does well, we’ve promised each other to make a third one."
Hwang Jung-min, echoing the sentiment, quipped, "Physically, it’s not as hard as before, but my endurance isn’t what it used to be. I hope we can make Veteran 3 soon."
2024 ‧ Action/Comedy ‧ 1h 58m
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