Ha Jung-woo and Ju Ji-hoon Perform Like Latin Dance in 'Unofficial Operation' (Summary)

Movie 'Bigonsik Jakjeon' Production Report Meeting

Blockbuster Operation of Two Double-Ten Million Actors
Director Kim Seong-hoon: "A Movie Perfect for Enjoying in Summer"

Actors Ha Jung-woo and Ju Ji-hoon have reunited in 'Secret Operation.' Originally known under the title 'Kidnapping,' the film is directed by Kim Seong-hoon, who also directed 'Tunnel' (2016). Will the operation of these three men resonate at the summer box office?

Director Kim explained the reason for changing the title at the production presentation of the film 'Secret Operation' held on the morning of the 4th at CGV Yongsan in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, saying, "The word 'Kidnapping' carried a certain weight."

Ju Ji-hoon (left) Ha Jung-woo
Photo by Yonhap News

He continued by introducing it as "a film with genre excitement," adding, "I hope the story of people connected by trust saving each other is conveyed in an entertaining way."

'Secret Operation' is Showbox's ambitious work for the summer box office. Director Kim expressed confidence, saying, "It's a movie that's good to enjoy in the summer." The reason he cited was the 'cinematic pleasure.'

He described it as "an extreme crisis escape story. Although it is based on a true story and deals with the heavy subject of kidnapping, it is a buddy action film where suspense, action, and humor blend well through the journey of two men."

Ha Jung-woo reunited with Kim Seong-hoon after seven years since 'Tunnel.' Playing Min-jun, a dirt spoon diplomat, he revealed his reason for joining the film: "In 'Tunnel,' I also portrayed a survival story, but I was interested in a film directed with an ironic, light, and comedic tone."

He emphasized, "When I received the script, I felt a three-dimensional vibe like 'Tunnel.' There was no reason to hesitate." He added, "Because the subject matter carries weight, it was a challenge to decide how far to express the comedy line."

Ju Ji-hoon received the script for 'Secret Operation' from director Kim Seong-hoon at the Netflix Singapore junket event in 2018. The two had previously worked together on the Netflix series 'Kingdom.'

Recalling that time, Ju Ji-hoon said, "Ha Jung-woo was already confirmed then," and "I said 'thank you' without even looking at the script."

(From left) Ju Ji-hoon, Director Kim Seong-hoon, Ha Jung-woo
Photo by Yonhap News

Playing a local taxi driver, Ju Ji-hoon prepared for his role by practicing English and Arabic. He recalled, "Arabic sounded like an alien language," and "My mind went blank." He added with a laugh, "Now I don't remember a single word."

Ha Jung-woo and Ju Ji-hoon previously led the box office success of the double ten million series 'Along with the Gods' (2017?2018). Being close friends, attention is focused on how their acting chemistry will unfold.

Regarding this, Ha Jung-woo said, "Ju Ji-hoon and I matched surprisingly well," adding, "There was great trust and faith as co-actors." Ju Ji-hoon recalled, "It was especially a site filled with camaraderie and emotion." He continued, "It was thrilling to gain a deeper understanding of the people we love."

Director Kim said, "The combination of the two actors will exceed expectations," adding, "Watching their acting on set was like watching a Latin dance, with give and take." He further said, "It felt like one was leading and then pulling back. The pleasure was so great it was a shame to keep it to myself."

Opening on the 2nd of next month, 'Secret Operation' is a buddy action film depicting the story of diplomat Min-jun (played by Ha Jung-woo) and local taxi driver Pan-su (played by Ju Ji-hoon) who travel to Lebanon to rescue a missing colleague.

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