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| ▲ This image, provided by CJ ENM, shows Korean actor Jung Hae-in, one of the lead cast of Ryu Seung-wan's crime action film "I, the Executioner (Veteran 2)." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Sept. 11 (Yonhap) -- As the highly anticipated sequel to the 2015 crime-action hit Veteran, Ryu Seung-wan's "I, the Executioner (Veteran 2)," set to release on the 13th, promises both continuity and novelty. One of the most significant new additions is actor Jung Hae-in, who plays rookie detective Park Sun-woo, joining the team led by veteran detective Seo Do-cheol (Hwang Jung-min).
Park Sun-woo, driven by a strong sense of justice and a relentless pursuit of criminals, mirrors Seo Do-cheol in many ways. However, his impulsive actions soon cause tension, leading Seo to reconsider his initial admiration for the young detective. "The pressure was immense," Jung admitted during an interview on the 11th. "Given how successful the first film was, it would be a lie to say I wasn't burdened."
Despite the challenges, Jung Hae-in focused on immersing himself in the role while on set. "Once I was in front of the camera, I focused solely on the performance, and the pressure faded away," he shared. His portrayal of Park Sun-woo, a character shrouded in mystery, stands out, as Jung skillfully balances an innocent smile with a chilling gaze.
"Park Sun-woo is chaos incarnate," Jung explained, adding, "If I had to describe him with a color, it would be cold blue." He highlighted a scene where Park is illuminated by blue light while escorting a criminal, symbolizing his character's icy demeanor. Director Ryu, while guiding Jung to create a "slightly unsettling and strange impression," deliberately left Park Sun-woo’s backstory ambiguous, allowing Jung to explore the character’s complexity without overcomplicating his portrayal.
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| ▲ This still photo of film "I, the Executioner (Veteran 2)," provided by CJ ENM, shows its lead actor Jung Hae-in. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Jung Hae-in also delivered intense action sequences alongside Hwang Jung-min, including a standout scene where Park engages in a brutal fight with a serial murder suspect, tumbling down a staircase. "The action itself wasn’t too hard since I had prepared extensively, but the cold weather was tough," he laughed, recalling the shoot, which took place from December 2022 to April 2023.
Working closely with Hwang Jung-min was a rewarding experience for Jung. "Watching his performance up close was like a masterclass in acting," he revealed. "Even when the camera wasn’t on him, he was fully engaged, making it easier for me to perform. That dedication left a deep impression on me."
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| ▲ This still photo of film "I, the Executioner (Veteran 2)," provided by CJ ENM, shows its lead actors Hwang Jung-min (L) and Jung Hae-in. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Jung also felt fortunate to work with director Ryu Seung-wan, known for his mastery of action films. Recalling the moment he was offered the role, Jung said, "I couldn’t believe it was real." He eagerly accepted the part, even before the script was finalized, after a nearly three-hour conversation with the director. "It was the first time I accepted a role without reading the script," he said.
Now, as the film approaches its release, Jung feels like he’s "standing on a test platform," awaiting audience reactions. "It’s up to the viewers to judge the film," he concluded. "But after seeing it at the preview, I’m confident it turned out well and won’t disappoint."
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