The Lunar New Year box office has a new king. The spy action blockbuster Humint has stormed to the top of the charts immediately upon its release, signaling its dominance for the holiday season.
Set in the gritty backdrop of Vladivostok, the film shows the clash between those who defend their beliefs and those who pursue their desires.
The central conflict involves Zo In Sung as Section Chief Jo from the National Intelligence Service and Park Hae Joon as the ruthless North Korean Consul General, Hwang Chi Sung. The film builds intense tension with Zo’s controlled performance against Park’s relentless ambition for power.
This film marks his third collaboration with Director Ryoo Seung Wan, following Escape from Mogadishu and Smugglers. When asked why he keeps working with one of Korea’s top directors, Zo joked, “I think it’s because we live in the same Gangdong neighborhood.”
He continued, “Writer Kangfull of Moving, Director Na Hong Jin of Hope, and Director Ryoo Seung Wan are all from Gangdong, and they keep reusing me. We’ve gone beyond just being drinking buddies; we now discuss the future of Korean cinema together. He knows me better than anyone else because we are so close.”
In Humint, Zo returns as the main lead after several ensemble roles. It’s his first time in a leading role for a while. “I have a role to play as the lead,” Zo said. “My job was to act as a bridge between the actors and the production team, which is especially important during tough overseas shoots. It’s a responsibility I gladly take on.”
Zo also shared a funny story about his co-star, Park Jung Min. Upon hearing that Park exercised every morning before filming to look “cool” for his role, Zo playfully commented, “Did you think being cool was easy? I’ve been running and exercising for 30 minutes every morning before going to set for years. It’s tough, but it’s something I have to do every day. Welcome to the path of suffering, Jung Min.”
Despite praise for his action scenes, Zo stayed humble. “I never dreamed of being an action actor. Honestly, I don’t even know if I’m good at it. Other actors can do this, too. I’m just thankful that Director Ryoo says I’m good.”
Zo also talked about his shift toward genre films and more serious roles. “I’m more interested in ‘people’ themselves than in love as I get older,” he admitted.
He also shared his thoughts on age-gap romances. “I don’t want to get caught up in self-absorbed romance. For example, a romance with someone 12 years younger would be uncomfortable for the audience, especially as a man in my mid-forties. I think such romances are for younger actors. I believe I should take on projects that suit my age.”
He concluded by mentioning renowned writer Noh Hee Kyeong, saying, “If there were a ‘melodrama for adults’ that fits my age, maybe… but a script with that kind of depth would likely only come from someone like her.”
>> Zo In Sung, Park Jung Min Lead Ryoo Seung Wan’s Spy Thriller ‘Humint,’ Set for Lunar New Year 2026
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