The hit webtoon Salsangbu, which has surpassed 120 million cumulative views, is heading to the big screen. Director Kim Hong-sun, known for his work on The Con Artists and Project Wolf Hunting, has officially launched production for his new film Salsangbu, revealing a heavyweight cast lineup featuring Jung Woo-sung, Jung Sung-il, Baek Yoon-sik, and Wi Ha-jun.
Salsangbu is a hard-boiled bloody action historical drama centered around Han Myeong-hoe (played by Jung Woo-sung), the supreme power of Joseon who seized control through bloodshed, Baek Ihwa, who lost everything to him and became the incarnation of revenge, and Jang Gil-do, Han Myeong-hoe’s right-hand man and the greatest swordsman in Joseon. Based on the popular Kakao Webtoon of the same name, the film blends historical facts with bold imagination to create a groundbreaking worldview.
Star-Studded Cast and Complex Characters
The combination of actors immediately captures attention. Jung Woo-sung takes on a major transformation as Han Myeong-hoe, who secures absolute power at the end of a bloody purge. An ice-cold figure willing to make any sacrifice for power, combined with overwhelming martial arts skills, Jung Woo-sung plans to bring a completely unprecedented version of Han Myeong-hoe to life.
Jung Sung-il heightens narrative tension as Ban-seok, a man harboring a deep grudge against Han Myeong-hoe and plotting revenge. Meanwhile, Baek Yoon-sik brings his signature weighty presence as Ji-hak, the mentor who trained Joseon’s greatest warrior.
Intense Rivalries and Global Production Team
Suyang-daegun is portrayed by actor Wi Ha-jun. Known for his warm charm that captivates audiences, Wi Ha-jun radiates a chilling sense of intimidation as Suyang-daegun, a man harboring fiery ambitions for the throne. Choi Gwi-hwa plays Han Myeong-hoe’s closest confidant Yoon Gyeong, while Park Ji-hwan takes on the role of Park Paeng-nyeon, a steadfast and upright loyal subject who engages in a fierce confrontation with Han Myeong-hoe.
A formidable lineup of talented actors also joins the project, including Choi Mu-sung (as Baek Mu-han), Go Chang-seok (as Kim Jong-seo), Jo Bok-rae (as Yu Hwa-mok), Choi Daniel (as Seong Sam-mun), Hyun Bong-sik (as No Gwang), and Lee Seong-wook (as Ha Wi-ji).
Meanwhile, the casting for Baek Ihwa, who tracks the secrets hidden within Han Myeong-hoe’s hit list and becomes the Yakwi, and Han Myeong-hoe’s right-hand man Jang Gil-do remains shrouded in mystery, heightening curiosity.
Director Kim Hong-sun, who showcased his unique genre sensibilities through works like The Con Artists, Metamorphosis, and Project Wolf Hunting, continues his global streak by serving as the lead director for the UK series Gangs of London Season 3 and signing with major Hollywood agency WME.
A global blockbuster production team has also united for the project, featuring cinematographer Lars Cox of Netflix’s The Witcher and One Piece, alongside lighting director Kieran Waites of the Fast & Furious series and The Odyssey. The film is scheduled to premiere next year.
