Actors Um Mun-suk, Kang Ki-young, Kim Ji-eun, Jung Jin-young, Koo Sung-hwan, Hyun Bong-sik, and Kang Shin are joining forces for the chase-action film "H-521" (working title).
Blending fiction with a real incident that took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, "H-521" kicked off principal photography in November. Shot primarily on location in Almaty―the very setting that inspired the story―the film leans into gritty, on-the-ground realism.
Director Park Ruslan drew early international attention with his feature debut "Hanaan", which competed at the 64th Locarno Film Festival, won the NETPAC Award at the Hawaii International Film Festival, and took Best New Director at the Taipei Film Awards. He also nabbed the New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival for "Three", cementing his reputation behind the camera.
Anchoring the ensemble are proven scene-stealers Um Mun-suk, Kang Ki-young, Jung Jin-young, Koo Sung-hwan, and Hyun Bong-sik. They’re joined by Kim Ji-eun and breakout newcomer Kang Shin. Together, the cast promises sparks you don’t often see.
Alongside the casting and production news, the first-look stills ramp up anticipation. The images crackle with tension and unveil a striking new side of Um Mun-suk, while offering a glimpse of the film’s scale and on-the-run intensity.
“I fell for the story’s relentless tension,” Um Mun-suk shares from set. “Working within a new system and environment has me excited and on edge every day. I’ll see you in theaters next year.” Kang Ki-young adds, “I’m thrilled to show a new side of myself with this project. With our director, cast, and crew in sync, we’ll bring you something special.”
Now filming in Almaty, Kazakhstan, "H-521" is slated to hit theaters next year.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)