Lee Byung-hun joins hard-boiled martial arts action film 'Nambeol'

• Lee Byung-hun joins Hive Media Corp’s hard-boiled action film set in the early Joseon Dynasty.
• Acclaimed cinematographer Lee Mo-gae marks his directorial debut with the rescue mission flick.
• Production is scheduled for the second half of 2026 following massive success of Korean period dramas.
  

Lee Byung-hun, the internationally acclaimed star of Squid Game and No Other Choice, has officially signed on to lead Hive Media Corp’s upcoming martial arts action film, Nambeol.

The project, currently under a working title, marks a significant milestone as the directorial debut of veteran cinematographer Lee Mo-gae.

Known for his visually stunning work on films like A Tale of Two Sisters and the recent box office hit 12.12: The Day, Lee Mo-gae will now steer a "hard-boiled" narrative set in the early Joseon Dynasty.

The story follows a group of nine warriors who embark on a perilous journey to Tsushima Island to rescue Korean captives kidnapped by Japanese pirates.

Lee Byung-hun will portray the protagonist, Im Eok, a battle-hardened leader characterised by his cold judgment and unwavering conviction.

While the film is not a literal historical account, it is grounded in the turbulent era of frequent pirate raids along the southern coast—a period of significant historical struggle for the nation.

This announcement comes as historical dramas continue to dominate the local box office, with the recent period film The King’s Warden reportedly becoming the highest-grossing Korean film of all time with revenue exceeding $105 million.

The collaboration reunites Lee Byung-hun with Hive Media Corp following their successful partnerships on Inside Men and The Man Standing Next.

Currently in pre-production, Nambeol is slated to begin principal photography in the second half of 2026.

In the interim, Lee Byung-hun remains active with several high-profile projects, including the upcoming Disney+ series The Koreans—a reimagining of the FX spy thriller The Americans—and his highly anticipated return to the second season of Netflix's global phenomenon, Squid Game.