‘Double Tens of Millions’ Director Yoon Je-kyun’s ‘Hero’ Ahn Jung-geun on Screen

Director Yoon Je-kyun, who directed 'Hero'. Photo by CJ ENM

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Yoon Je-kyun, the first director to achieve 'double ten million' viewers, returns after 8 years with 'Hero,' which brings the last year of An Jung-geun to the screen.

On the 16th, through CJ ENM, Director Yoon said, "I devoted great effort to maximize the cinematic experience while preserving the strengths of the original work," adding, "I hope this film will once again inspire gratitude toward those who sacrificed their lives for independence."

'Hero,' set to be released next month, depicts the unforgettable last year of An Jung-geun, who assassinated Ito Hirobumi in Harbin in October 1909, was sentenced to death by a Japanese court, and died as a martyr?from the time he was preparing the assassination to his final moments. The film is directed by Yoon Je-kyun, who directed the 10 million viewer films 'Haeundae' and 'Ode to My Father,' and produced hit series such as 'Confidential Assignment,' 'Himalaya,' and 'Keys to the Heart.'

Director Yoon adapted the film from the musical of the same name, which premiered in 2009. He spared no effort to vividly portray both the hero An Jung-geun and the human An Jung-geun through thorough research. The film features large-scale set productions and location shoots spanning Korea and Latvia, recreating a page of history that crosses 113 years with impressive visuals.

Actor Jung Sung-hwa, who has portrayed An Jung-geun on stage for 14 years, anchors the cast, with Kim Go-eun, Na Moon-hee, Jo Jae-yoon, Bae Jung-nam, Lee Hyun-woo, and Park Jin-joo portraying the faces of independence activists who made noble sacrifices for the country's independence. Director Yoon also said, "I wanted to work with the best actors."

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