“I spent a lot of time figuring out how to bring something new to the table,” says director Ryoo Seung-wan about “I, the Executioner,” opening in Philippine cinemas this week

Nicknamed the “Action Kid” by the Korean film industry, director Ryoo Seung-wan has transcended genre boundaries with his innovative approach and penetrating insight into society, rightfully earning his place as a leading figure in Korean genre cinema, with notable works including “Smugglers,” “Escape from Mogadishu,” “The Unjust” and “Veteran,” prequel to this year’s “I, the Executioner.”  

Nine years after the box-office hit “Veteran,” Detective Seo Do-cheol (once again played by Hwang Jung-min) returns to the same world in the sequel “I, the Executioner.” In the film, the detective and his Major Crimes Investigation Division continue to tirelessly track down criminals day and night, often at the expense of their personal lives. When the murder of a professor reveals links to past cases, suspicions of a serial killer arise, plunging the country into turmoil. As Major Crimes delves into the investigation, the killer taunts them by publicly releasing a teaser online, indicating the next victim, and intensifying the chaos. To tackle the escalating threat, the team brings in idealistic rookie officer Park Sun-woo (Jung Hae-in), leading to unexpected twists as they solve the case. In “I, the Executioner,” Ryoo vividly depicts the intricacies of a society in flux, where the parameters for criminal punishment and the proliferation of media content blur the lines of public judgment.

Global spotlight on director Ryoo Seung-wan’s action crime thriller “I, the Executioner,” an official selection at this year’s Festival de Cannes and Toronto International Film Festivals

Starring Hwang Jung-min and Jung Hae-in, the sequel to the 2015 box office hit “Veteran” opens in Philippine cinemas September 25

Jung Hae-in and Hwang Jung-min play police officers in “I, the Executioner.”

Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s new action crime movie “I, the Executioner,” starring Hwang Jung-min and Jung Hae-in, has garnered global attention by receiving consecutive invitations to the Cannes Film Festival in May, and the Toronto International Film Festival this month.