Hwang Dong-hyuk Returns to Film With "K.O. Club," Reunites With Lee Byung-hun

"Squid Game" director Hwang Dong-hyuk is returning to the big screen for the first time in a decade with a new film, "K.O. Club." The project reunites him with several familiar faces, including Lee Byung-hun, Oh Jung-se, Park Hae-soo, Cho Yeo-jeong, and Kim So-jin, all of whom have been confirmed to star in the film.

"K.O. Club" stands for "Killing Oldmen Club." Set in the near future, the film imagines a world where money can buy youth itself. It follows the clash between a small group of wealthy, powerful elders who refuse to step aside and a younger generation left with no opportunities.

The film marks Hwang's first movie project in 10 years. His previous work spans acclaimed titles like "The Fortress," "Miss Granny," and "Silenced," all of which earned both critical praise and commercial success. He later became one of the biggest names in global television, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series with "Squid Game," the first non-English-language series to take the prize. His new film takes a sharp look at generational conflict, a subject that fits his track record of building bold worlds and dissecting society through them.

Lee, who worked with Hwang on the "Squid Game" series, is back for another round. He has stretched his range across recent titles like "No Other Choice" (Eojjeolsuga Eopda) and "The Match" (Seungbu), and fans are waiting to see what kind of character he will take on Hwang's new world.

Oh Jung-se also joins the cast. He is known for his work in "Wild Sing" (Waildeu Sing), "We Are All Trying Here" (Moduga Jasinui Mugachihamgwa Ssaugo Itda), "Good Boy," and "It's Okay to Not Be Okay." Park Hae-soo reunites with Hwang after season one of "Squid Game," with recent credits including "The Scarecrow" (Heosuabi), "The Price of Confession" (Jabaegui Daega), and "Karma" (Agyeon).

Cho Yeo-jeong and Kim So-jin round out the lead cast. Cho has moved between film and series work in recent years, with credits including "Murderer Report" (Sarinja Ripoteu), "My Daughter Is a Zombie" (Jombiddal), "Hidden Face," "Parasite," "The Affair Was Just the Beginning" (Jigeum Bullyuni Munjega Animnida), and "Made in Korea." Kim has a impressive film resume with "The Man Standing Next," "Another Child" (Miseongnyeon), "The Drug King," and the series "Through the Darkness."

The film is produced by Kim Ji-yeon, the producer behind the "Squid Game" series, through Firstman Studio, the company she founded with Hwang.

"K.O. Club" is scheduled to begin production in the first half of 2027.