[E-Daily Starin Reporter Choi Hee-jae ] Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, creator of the global hit series “Squid Game,” is set to release his first new film in 10 years, “KO Club.” He has also unveiled the cast, further heightening anticipation.

“K.O. CLUB” is an acronym for “Killing Old Men Club.” Set in the near future where even youth can be bought with money, the story depicts the conflict between a small group of elderly people—who hold wealth and power and have no intention of stepping down—and a younger generation that has been left with no opportunities.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk is making his return to the big screen after a decade. He has proven his ability to balance artistic merit and popular appeal with films such as *The Fortress*, *The Stranger*, and *The Crucible*. In particular, *Squid Game*, which sparked a global phenomenon after its release on Netflix, set the record as the platform’s most popular series of all time, including both English- and non-English-language titles. Director Hwang solidified his standing by earning 14 nominations at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards for “Squid Game” and achieving the remarkable feat of becoming the first non-English series to win six awards.

The cast lineup is also eye-catching. Lee Byung-hun, a top-tier actor whose talent speaks for itself in films like *I Can’t Help It* and *The Match*, reunites with Director Hwang Dong-hyuk following the *Squid Game* series. Oh Jung-se, who has made an indelible mark in films like “Wild Thing” and dramas such as “Everyone Is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness,” “Good Boy,” and “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” adds depth to the story. Park Hae-soo, who delivered intense, immersive performances in films like *The Scarecrow*, *The Price of Confession*, and *Bad Blood*, reunites with director Hwang Dong-hyuk following *Squid Game* Season 1.
Jo Yeo-jeong, who has brought to life one-of-a-kind characters in every project—from the films *The Murderer’s Report*, *Zombie Daughter*, *Hidden Face*, and *Parasite* to the series *It’s Not About the Affair* and “Made in Korea,” and Kim So-jin, who has built a solid foundation through films such as “The Man Standing Next,” “Minors,” “The Drug King,” and the drama “Those Who Read the Mind of Evil,” have also joined the cast, promising explosive acting synergy. With these five actors—each having established their own irreplaceable niche—coming together under one roof, expectations are high for the intense ensemble performance they will deliver in Director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s new world.
Production of “K.O. CLUB” will be handled by First Man Studio, founded by Kim Ji-yeon—producer of the “Squid Game” series—and Director Hwang Dong-hyuk. First Man Studio, which created the “Squid Game” series that sparked a global phenomenon, is actively producing a variety of projects, including the Coupang Play series “It’s Not About the Affair,” currently streaming.
"K.O. CLUB" is scheduled to begin filming in the first half of 2027.