South Korean director Kim Hong-sun is bringing together an international production team for his latest film, The Hit List, a martial arts action feature starring Jung Woo-sung and Wi Ha-jun. Seoul-based sales company Finecut has acquired the film’s international distribution rights.
Set during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, the film is based on a popular Kakao webtoon which has attracted more than 120 million views. The story centres on Han Myeong-hoe, a powerful political figure who built his position through bloodshed, and Baek E-hwa, a woman whose life is torn apart by Han and who becomes consumed by revenge. Also caught up in the conflict is Jang Gil-do, Han’s trusted right-hand man and one of the period’s most skilled warriors.
Squid Game star Wi Ha-jun plays Grand Prince Suyang, who sets out to take the throne from his young nephew with Han’s backing. Jung Woo-sung, best known for films including 12.12: The Day, also stars.
The film sees Kim reunite with two members of the crew he worked alongside on the third series of British crime drama Gangs Of London. Cinematographer Lars Cox, whose credits include House Of The Dragon, and gaffer Kieran Waites, who has worked on The Odyssey, are both part of the production.
Kim’s previous films include Traffickers (2012), The Con Artists (2014), The Chase (2017) and Metamorphosis (2019). His 2022 action horror film Project Wolf Hunting premiered in the Midnight section of the Toronto International Film Festival before going on to screen at genre festivals in Brussels and Sitges. Finecut also handled its international sales, with the film securing distribution deals in more than 70 countries.
The film’s international success helped bring Kim to the attention of talent agency WME, which subsequently signed him. The agency also represents fellow South Korean directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho.
Filming on The Hit List began in October 2026. The film is produced by Cheum Film, Studio Take, Library Company and B&C Group, with Mascot Company presenting.
