"'Korean Historical Drama Version of Leon' Feeling"... Jang Hyuk Completes 'Geomgaek' with Unstoppable Action [Comprehensive]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "I felt a vibe similar to the movie 'L?on.' It’s like how L?on, in the harsh and cold world of killers, has no choice but to walk a path for his daughter."

Actor Jang Hyuk fills 'The Swordsman' with realistic action performances.

On the morning of the 17th, an online live press conference for the movie 'The Swordsman' was held. Attending the event were actors Jang Hyuk, Kim Hyunsoo, Jung Man-sik, and director Choi Jae-hoon.

'The Swordsman' is a real chase action film that begins when Tae-yul, Joseon's greatest swordsman who withdrew from the world after King Gwanghae was dethroned, picks up his sword again to find his missing daughter.

Jang Hyuk plays Tae-yul, the greatest swordsman who cut ties with the world during the chaotic Joseon era after King Gwanghae’s dethronement, where top swordsmen from neighboring powers have lost their convictions and are in turmoil. Tae-yul, who wanted to live an ordinary life away from the world, is awakened again by his daughter Tae-ok (played by Kim Hyunsoo). When the Qing royal family and their group capture his daughter, he draws the sword he had vowed never to use again.

In the film, Jang Hyuk performed actual sword fighting action scenes. He said, "We coordinated the sword action, but the hand movements and distance were different. We checked the movement lines, and there was a sharpness that the sword gave. The character’s gaze that matched the sword was different from bare-handed action."

Regarding the one-to-many action scenes, director Choi Jae-hoon said, "While preparing with Jang Hyuk, we talked about doing this scene in one continuous take. That way, it would differentiate from existing action scenes and bring the scene itself to life."

He added, "Actually, sword action requires moving about three times faster than fist action to maintain precision. Honestly, it’s not easy, but Jang Hyuk pulled it off. It was truly amazing."

Also, to portray the swordsman who cannot see ahead, Jang Hyuk wore contact lenses to express cloudy eyes. He said, "Wearing the lenses was uncomfortable. Because they didn’t fit well, I felt a sense of alienation," adding, "The environment was well prepared, and the co-actors responded well."

Kim Hyunsoo, who played Tae-yul’s daughter Tae-ok, shared, "When I read the script, unlike others, the character approached me as confident and someone who charges straight ahead when seeing injustice, even in dangerous situations. It was attractive and different from roles I had played before."

She continued, "I was the only one without action scenes. I watched the film for the first time at the screening yesterday (the 16th), and the seniors’ spectacular action was so cool. If given the chance, I want to try it too. In the next work, I want to play a strong character who can protect herself," she said with a smile.

Indonesian actor Joe Taslim, known for his roles in 'Fast & Furious: The Maximum' and 'Star Trek Beyond,' plays the Qing royal family member 'Gurutai,' who covets the chaotic Joseon, and shares action chemistry with Jang Hyuk in 'The Swordsman.'

Jang Hyuk said, "In action scenes with multiple people, the most important thing is not that one person is good, but that everyone synchronizes well. Joe Taslim was well-trained, and basically had good speed and rhythm. The choreography with unexpected moves matched well. I remember the action scenes ended earlier than expected."

He added, "Joe Taslim is a friend who kept training. To put it in football terms, cooperation is needed for each position, and that kind of teamwork was well matched," expressing satisfaction.

Lee Minhyuk, a member of the male group BTOB and an actor, appears as the young version of Jang Hyuk’s character. Director Choi Jae-hoon said, "I didn’t know he was so good at sports. He auditioned a lot and was highly recommended by people around him. The first condition was that no stunt double could be used, so he had to act himself. After casting, I realized Minhyuk had great athletic ability among idols. I was more surprised than I imagined."

He continued, "Jang Hyuk needs no introduction, but he’s an incredible guy. Among idols, he’s known for his athleticism. It was a huge relief. He handled the action well. Since the film doesn’t have many lines, a lot had to be expressed through the eyes, and the synchronicity I felt with Jang Hyuk was also felt with Minhyuk," showing satisfaction.

Lead actor Jang Hyuk nodded in agreement. "It’s true that Minhyuk has good athletic ability. Even so, he really put in a lot of effort. I watched him closely, and the fact that he could do that much was because he worked hard. Without his effort, it would have been impossible. He was desperate to understand the character. People who don’t know might say, ‘He’s just naturally like that,’ but he’s a hardworking guy."

Finally, Jang Hyuk asked for anticipation for 'The Swordsman.' "I felt a lot like 'L?on' (1995). L?on had no choice but to go for his daughter in the harsh and cold world of killers, and I felt that kind of vibe. It might also be seen as a film about love for someone," he said. "I hope many people will watch it in theaters with smiles like before, but since that’s not possible now, I hope that day comes soon."

'The Swordsman' opens on September 23.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.