'I, the Executioner' star Hwang Jung-min remains confident that film will 'live up to expectations'

When "I, the Executioner" hits theaters on Sept. 13 — the beginning of Korea's Chuseok holiday — it promises to blend tradition with a fresh approach, setting the stage for a blockbuster holiday season.

From left, actor Jung Hae-in, director Ryoo Seung-wan and actor Hwang Jung-min [CJ ENM]

When "I, the Executioner" hits theaters on Sept. 13 — the beginning of Korea's Chuseok holiday — it promises to blend tradition with a fresh approach, setting the stage for a blockbuster holiday season. Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, the film is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2015 hit "Veteran," which captivated audiences with its explosive action and straightforward narrative of justice.

In "Veteran," audiences followed veteran detective Seo Do-cheol, played by Hwang Jung-min, as he relentlessly pursued a corrupt businessman who murdered a protesting union trucker. The film’s cathartic action and clear moral stance left a lasting impression. Now, nearly a decade later, Ryoo and Hwang return with "I, the Executioner," a sequel that promises to deliver even more intensity and complexity.

Speaking at a press conference at CGV Yongsan in central Seoul, Ryoo shared his thoughts on the new film.

“While the last film had a simpler story with a clear villain, 'I, the Executioner' presents a more layered narrative,” he said.

The sequel sees Do-cheol tracking a serial killer who taunts law enforcement and plunges the country into chaos. The stakes are higher, and the story is darker, promising a more intense cinematic experience.

Ryoo, known for his distinctive style that blends visceral action with emotional depth, marks a new chapter in his career with this film — his first foray into sequels.

“Balancing the familiar with the new was a challenge,” Ryoo said. “Sometimes, when storyboarding, I realized I was repeating myself, and I had to push myself to explore new directions.”

Still cut from upcoming film ″I, The Executioner″ [CJ ENM]

Still cut from upcoming film ″I, The Executioner″ [CJ ENM]

Returning to the franchise are familiar faces like Hwang as Do-cheol, Oh Dal-su as Captain Oh and Jang Yoon-ju as Detective Bong. The new addition to the cast is Jung Hae-in, who plays Park Sun-woo, an idealistic rookie officer brought in to help tackle the escalating threat.

“I felt we needed fresh blood in this film, and Jung was the perfect choice,” Ryoo said. “I had recently seen his work and was impressed by his range.” Jung, who was thrilled to join the project, expressed his excitement. “When Ryoo and Hwang approached me, I didn’t expect it to be for this film. I was so happy; it felt like something was boiling inside me.”

The action in "I, the Executioner" is as brutal and intense as its predecessor, a fact that Jung quickly learned.

“The action scenes were incredibly dense,” he said, noting the physical demands of the role.

“There was one scene where I had to slide on my knees. Thankfully, Ryoo created a safe environment, allowing me to go all-in. Being brave is important — it actually reduces the risk of injury.”

Actors Jung Hae-in, left, and actor Hwang Jung-min [CJ ENM]

Hwang, now 53, reprises his role with the same vigor he brought nine years ago. Despite his age, he wasn’t daunted by the physical demands of the role, comparing himself to a battery that just requires more frequent recharging.

“It wasn’t particularly taxing on my stamina,” Hwang said. He took special care to ensure that he looked the same as he did in "Veteran." “What aged is Hwang, not Do-cheol,” he said.

Still cut from upcoming film ″I, The Executioner″ [CJ ENM]

Still cut from upcoming film ″I, The Executioner″ [CJ ENM]

Hwang’s sense of responsibility to the role extended to maintaining the character’s iconic look, even preserving the jacket he wore in the original film, which had been kept in Ryoo’s studio closet for nearly a decade.

“I felt it was important to show the audience the same energy that they remember,” he said.

As Ryoo reflected on the project, he shared his deep connection to the characters he creates. “Whenever I shoot a film, I fall in love with the characters,” he said.

“The tragedy is when only the director feels that way, and the audience doesn’t.”

But both Ryoo and Hwang are confident that "I, the Executioner" will resonate with audiences.

“With all the waiting and effort that went into it, I want the film to succeed,” Hwang said. “I’m confident it will live up to expectations.”

Still cut from upcoming film ″I, The Executioner″ [CJ ENM]

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]