Korean cinema icon Song Kang-ho, once the undisputed king of the box office, is gearing up for a comeback that could turn the tide on his recent string of disappointments.
The 58-year-old actor has been confirmed to star in the upcoming film “The Gardeners” (working title), according to production company Hive Media Corp on Thursday. The movie will be directed by Nam Dong-hyub, a rising director known for last year’s surprise hit “Handsome Guys.”
Song’s career is legendary. He has starred in many films that were both local commercial hits and critical darlings that received global praise, and has long been a key collaborator with acclaimed directors like Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook and Kim Jee-woon.
His work in films like “Memories of Murder” (2003) and “Snowpiercer” (2013) captivated audiences, and his performance in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” (2019) cemented his status as an international powerhouse. He also won Best Actor at the 75th Cannes Film Festival for his role in “Broker” (2022), further solidifying his prominence in the industry.
Despite his impressive career, the actor has recently faced a series of box office challenges. His latest film, the sports comedy “One Win” (2024), struggled to find an audience. That followed close on the heels of “Cobweb” (2023), another disappointing performance, and a less-than-enthusiastic reception for his 2024 debut streaming series “Uncle Samsik.” This string of underperforming projects has led some to wonder if his influence on the film industry is diminishing.
In “The Gardeners,” Song will portray Choi Young-il, a humble civil servant with a passion for plants. However, his quiet life gets turned upside down when an unexpected debt forces him to team up with a local troublemaker to start an unusual gardening business.
The collaboration with Nam as director is raising expectations. Nam captivated both critics and audiences in his directorial debut with “Handsome Guys,” a Korean remake of the 2010 American black comedy horror flick “Tucker & Dale vs. Evil.”
The film, which wove together elements of horror and comedy with a fresh and inventive style, earned awards including Best New Director at the 23rd Director’s Cut Awards. The upcoming partnership between an established veteran actor and a rising director is expected to create a powerful synergy.
The production is helmed by Hive Media Corp, a studio known for its track record of both critical and commercial hits, including “12.12: The Day” (2023) and “Inside Men” (2015). The company said the film is currently in preproduction and is scheduled to complete shooting next year.
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