Koo Kyo-hwan Joins 'Insiders' Series as Lee Byung-hun's Character

Actor Koo Kyo-hwan has been cast in the upcoming series 'Insiders' (working title), taking on the role of Ahn Sang-goo, originally portrayed by Lee Byung-hun in the film. An industry insider confirmed on December 26 that Koo will embody the character, a political gangster who handles the dirty work for powerful figures in politics and business.

The series expands on the universe established by the 2015 film of the same name. Earlier in September, it was announced that renowned actor Song Kang-ho would play the role of Lee Kang-hee, the editorial director of the Joongguk Ilbo, a character originally played by Baek Yoon-sik. This marks the first collaboration between Song, a leading figure in Korean cinema, and Koo, who has rapidly risen to prominence.

In the film, Ahn Sang-goo is a mob boss who, after being betrayed by Lee Kang-hee, loses his right hand and ends up working as a waiter in a nightclub while plotting his revenge. While the film was set in the 2010s, the series is expected to delve into events and characters from the 1980s and 90s.

Koo Kyo-hwan debuted in 2008 with the film 'Children' and was dubbed the 'idol of independent cinema.' He gained significant attention after winning several Best New Actor awards for his role in 'Jane' (2017). Since then, he has showcased his versatility in films like 'Peninsula' (2020), 'Mogadishu' (2021), 'Kill Boksoon' (2023), and 'Escape' (2024). He also solidified his status as a popular star through his role as Corporal Han Ho-yeol in the Netflix series 'D.P.' released in 2021 and 2023.

The new 'Insiders' series will be directed by Mo Wan-il, known for his meticulous portrayal of character psychology and tension in works like the Netflix series 'In the Woods' and the dramas 'The World of the Married' and 'Misty,' for which he won the Best Director award at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards. The script will be penned by Lee Ki-chul, who has written acclaimed films such as 'Mogadishu,' 'Assassination,' and 'The Thieves,' promising a tightly woven narrative with a fast-paced storyline.

Produced by Hive Media Corp, known for its insightful films like 'Spring in Seoul,' 'Save Me from Evil,' and 'The Chief of Namsan,' the series aims to blend entertainment with artistic merit.

The original film 'Insiders,' based on the webtoon by Yoon Tae-ho, attracted a record-breaking 7 million viewers, making it the highest-grossing film rated for adults in South Korea. It received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Best Picture at the 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards and multiple accolades at the 53rd Daejong Film Awards.

The series 'Insiders' is currently in pre-production, aiming to begin filming in 2025.