“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.”
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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.”
Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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.”
Now playing only in cinemas , “I, the Executioner,” from CJ ENM, is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. #ITheExecutioner