The prequel to the film 'Inside Men,' titled 'Inside Men: The Birth of Villains' (working title), has confirmed its cast.
Production company Hive Media Corp announced that actors Ha Jung-woo, Ahn Bo-hyun, Park Hae-joon, and Jung Sung-il will star in 'Inside Men: The Birth of Villains.'
Set in the late 1980s, the film depicts the origins of the 'insiders' within a massive cartel formed by the media, capital, and power. It serves as the official prequel to the highest-grossing film rated for adults, 'Inside Men,' shedding light on how the power cartel came into existence.
Ha Jung-woo will portray Lee Kang-hee, a newspaper reporter who dreams of uncovering corporate corruption but is pushed into a lesser role due to external pressures. He becomes involved in the beginnings of the power cartel that shapes South Korea through his relentless investigative skills and sharp insights.
Ahn Bo-hyun will play Ahn Sang-goo, a talent agency CEO who rises from humble beginnings in pursuit of success and revenge. This character represents the younger version of Ahn Sang-goo, played by Lee Byung-hun in 'Inside Men.' He is driven by a desire to protect what is precious to him while navigating the ruthless entertainment industry, often collaborating and clashing with Lee Kang-hee, portrayed by Ha Jung-woo.
Park Hae-joon has been cast as Jang Pil-woo, a first-term lawmaker who transitions from a career as a prosecutor. He is an ambitious figure seeking to ascend to the core of power through dangerous dealings with major media outlets.
Jung Sung-il will take on the role of Oh Hyun-soo, the chairman of the Future Group, who builds his empire through any means necessary. He aims to stand at the pinnacle of the cartel, leveraging vast capital and power.
The film will be co-directed by Kim Min-beom and Kim Jin-seok. Kim Min-beom has previously served as an assistant director on projects like 'Seoul's Spring' and 'Flu,' while Kim Jin-seok has worked on films such as 'Harbin,' 'The Man Standing Next,' and 'Veteran,' and is adapting the Disney+ original series 'Made in Korea.'
Hive Media Corp is producing the film, known for its works including 'Harbin,' 'Deliver Us from Evil,' 'The Man Standing Next,' 'Inside Men,' 'Seoul's Spring,' and 'Made in Korea.' Co-production will involve SLL, which has produced the 'Crime City' series, Netflix's 'All of Us Are Dead,' and the drama 'The Youngest Son of a Conglomerate.'
'Inside Men: The Birth of Villains' is currently in pre-production, aiming to begin filming in 2026.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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