Director Kim Han Min, the mastermind behind the record-breaking blockbuster The Admiral: Roaring Currents and the Yi Sun Sin trilogy, is returning with a massive new historical action film.
Titled Sword, the Sword of Godumakhan (literal translation), the film is set in 668 AD, immediately following the fall of the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo. It promises a grand scale never before seen in Korean cinema, centering on a gladiator tournament for a legendary sword.
The casting lineup is already generating huge buzz. Global star Park Bo Gum will undergo a radical transformation to play Chil Seong, a warrior who loses his memory and is forced into slavery. He enters the gladiator arena, fighting for survival and eventually awakening as a national hero known as the “Red Wolf.”
Facing off against him is Joo Won, known for his intense charisma. He plays Gye Pil Ha Ryeok, a cool-headed warrior representing the Turkic people in the tournament. The two are expected to form a tense rivalry, with Joo Won showcasing high-level action using twin swords.
The film also features a powerful ensemble. Veteran actor Jung Jae Young plays Heuk Su Gang, the leader of a secret army fighting to restore Goguryeo and a mentor to Park Bo Gum’s character. Lee Sun Bin joins as Maya, a mysterious warrior in the restoration army, while rising star Kim Hyeong Seo (also known as BIBI) plays Heuk Su Gang’s daughter, In Jeong.
Director Kim Han Min has been developing this project for years to create a new kind of spectacle. The film will feature a massive gladiatorial tournament held in an amphitheaterwith unique martial arts and tactics from 16 different northern tribes.
Notably, the production is integrating AI technology from the research and development phase to create complex, large-scale battle sequences involving diverse fighting styles.
“If War of the Arrows showcased the speed and spirit of the bow, this upcoming movie will capture the sharp, weighty energy of the blade cutting through a chaotic era,” Director Kim stated. “Please anticipate the birth of a new K-action hero film that will captivate audiences worldwide.”
The film is now officially in production, targeting a summer 2027 release.
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In the meantime, watch Lee Sun Bin in Boyhood on Amasian TV:
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