[Edaily Reporter Choi Hee-jae ] Director Kim Hong-seok’s upcoming film, “The Killing List,” has unveiled a star-studded cast featuring Jung Woo-sung, Jung Sung-il, and Baek Yoon-sik.

On the 5th, the production companies—Chaeum Film, Take Film, and Library Company—stated, “Actors Jung Woo-sung, Jung Sung-il, Baek Yoon-sik, Wi Ha-joon, Choi Gwi-hwa, Park Ji-hwan, Choi Mu-sung, Ko Chang-seok, Jo Bok-rae, Daniel Choi, Hyun Bong-sik, and Lee Sung-wook have joined the cast of the film ‘The Book of Life’,” “Director Kim Hong-seon and a global production team have joined forces and begun filming.”

“The Book of Life” is based on the popular Kakao Webtoon of the same name, which has surpassed 120 million cumulative views.

The film “The Book of Life and Death” is a hard-boiled, blood-soaked action historical drama centered on “Han Myeong-hoe” (Jung Woo-sung), the most powerful figure in the Joseon Dynasty who seized power through bloodshed; “Baek Yi-hwa,” who had everything taken from him and became “Yagui,” the embodiment of revenge; and “Jang Gil-do,” Han Myeong-hoe’s right-hand man and the greatest warrior of Joseon.

First, Jung Woo-sung takes on the role of “Han Myeong-hoe,” who seized absolute power following a bloody purge, embarking on a radical transformation. Possessing both cold-blooded strategic acumen and overwhelming martial arts prowess, “Han Myeong-hoe” is a ruthless character who will stop at nothing—including any sacrifice—to maintain his power. Jung Woo-sung is set to bring to life a “Han Myeong-hoe” unlike any seen before, with his ruthless charisma and commanding presence.

Jung Sung-il plays “Ban Seok,” who harbors a deep grudge against “Han Myeong-hoe” and is plotting his revenge. As a character who, together with the secret organization “Hwajeopmong,” puts a meticulous plan into action to bring down “Han Myeong-hoe,” he adds to the drama’s tension.

Baek Yoon-sik takes on the role of “Ji Hak,” a master blacksmith and mentor who once made a name for himself as Joseon’s greatest warrior and has now trained “Baek Mu-han” (played by Choi Mu-sung), Joseon’s current greatest warrior. Though he has left his glorious past behind and lives in seclusion, he is a character who unexpectedly turns the tide of the story at a crucial moment.

Wi Ha-joon appears as “Prince Suyang,” a character driven by an unyielding ambition for the throne, exuding a chilling aura of intimidation.

Choi Gwi-hwa takes on the role of “Yun Gyeom,” Han Myeong-hoe’s closest confidant and a key figure in the inner circle of power. He returns as a ruthless character who shows not an inch of mercy to those who threaten Han Myeong-hoe.

Park Ji-hwan plays “Park Paeng-nyeon,” a key figure among the Six Loyal Ministers who risked their lives to restore King Danjong to the throne. As an upright and loyal minister who never wavers in his convictions even in the face of immense power, he engages in a fierce confrontation with “Han Myeong-hoe.”

Choi Mu-seong plays “Baek Mu-han,” “Han Myeong-hoe’s” childhood friend and Joseon’s greatest swordsman. He is a character who meets a tragic fate caught between power and friendship. Go Chang-seok takes on the role of “Kim Jong-seo,” the renowned general known as the “Great Tiger of the North” who ruled over Joseon, adding intense charisma and gravitas to the series.

Jo Bok-rae transforms into “Yu Hyeol-mok,” the leader of a ruthless assassination organization that carries out “Han Myeong-hoe’s” orders. As a cold-blooded killer with neither mercy nor compassion, he maximizes the drama’s brutality through merciless slaughter, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals.

Choi Daniel takes on the role of “Seong Sam-mun,” who stands against “Han Myeong-hoe” alongside “Ban Seok” and “Park Paeng-nyeon” (played by Park Ji-hwan). As a character who prioritizes his convictions over his life to resist injustice, he stands at the center of a massive movement to restore King Danjong to the throne.

Hyun Bong-sik plays “Noh Gwang,” a close confidant of “Han Myeong-hoe” who operates covertly at the heart of power, adding another layer of conflict to the drama. Lee Seong-wook portrays “Ha Wi-ji,” who joins forces with “Park Paeng-nyeon (Park Ji-hwan)” and “Seong Sam-mun (Choi Daniel)” to plot the restoration of King Danjong, showcasing unwavering integrity and resolve.

Meanwhile, the casting for “Baek Yi-hwa”—who has transformed herself into a “Yagui” to seek revenge by uncovering the secrets hidden in “Han Myeong-hoe’s” death list—and “Jang Gil-do,” “Han Myeong-hoe’s” right-hand man and Joseon’s strongest warrior, remains shrouded in mystery. Expectations are high to see who will portray these two characters, who will drive the intense action and unpredictable plot at the center of a fate entangled in blood.

Director Kim Hong-sun, who has established a unique style through uncompromising direction and groundbreaking action, is at the helm of the film *The Killing List*. Director Kim Hong-sun, who has showcased his own intense genre style through films such as *The Conspirators*, *The Technicians*, *We Will Catch You*, *Transformation*, and *The Wolf Hunt*, has expanded his reach overseas by serving as the lead director for Season 3 of the British crime action series *Gangs of London*.

In particular, after garnering attention at major international film festivals with *The Hunt for the Wolf* and proving his prowess as a genre director, he accelerated his global career by signing with WME, a major Hollywood entertainment agency representing world-renowned Korean masters such as directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho.

In *The Killing List*, he plans to present a new action noir that breaks the mold of traditional historical dramas by depicting the raw, blood-stained reality of power and a desperate struggle for survival through his signature unflinching action and intense mise-en-scène.

The addition of an international production team with experience in Hollywood and global blockbusters is also generating high anticipation. Joining the project are cinematographer Lars Cox, who has worked on the HBO original series *House of the Dragon*, the Netflix series *The Witcher*, and *One Piece*, as well as lighting director Kieran Waite, known for his work on Christopher Nolan’s *Ocean’s 11* and the *Fast & Furious* series.

*The Killing List* is expected to captivate audiences with its unique world-building—a blend of historical facts and bold imagination—and its intense characters, unlike anything seen in previous historical dramas. Filming has already begun, with a theatrical release targeted for 2027.