Director Kim Hong-sun, recently known for his work as the lead director on the third season of the British crime drama Gangs of London, has officially begun principal photography on his new Korean martial arts action film, The Hit List (working title, Salsaengbu).
Production for the period epic commenced on November 5, 2026. The project marks a high-profile return to domestic cinema for Kim, who is reuniting with several international technical collaborators from his time in London. Cinematographer Lars Cox, known for House of the Dragon, and lighting director Kieran Waites, who worked on The Odyssey, have joined the production to bring a distinct visual style to the Joseon-era setting.
The film features a star-studded cast led by Jung Woo-sung and Wi Ha-jun. Jung portrays Han Myeong-hoe, a historical figure known as a ruthless and influential strategist during the Joseon period. Wi Ha-jun, a breakout star from Squid Game, takes on the role of the ambitious Grand Prince Suyang, the figure who would later become King Sejo. While some industry reports characterize Wi’s role as a special appearance, he remains a central figure in the production’s narrative focus.
According to reporting from Zapzee, the cast is further bolstered by Jung Sung-il, recognized for his performance in The Glory, and veteran actor Baek Yoon-sik. The story is an adaptation of the popular Kakao webtoon Salsaengbu by author Kim Jong-hoon, which won the grand prize at the inaugural Daum Online Comic Competition and has amassed more than 120 million views.
Set against the backdrop of the Gyeyu Coup, a bloody power struggle in 1453, the film is expected to lean into Kim’s signature “hard-boiled” action style. The narrative follows a protagonist seeking revenge against the backdrop of political upheaval, utilizing the historical “Salsaengbu”—a list of enemies to be eliminated—as a central plot device.
Finecut has already secured the international distribution rights for the film, signaling strong market interest in the collaboration between a director with Western crime-drama credentials and a top-tier Korean cast. Production is being handled by Film Chaeum and Studio Take.
As noted by The Korea Times, the project is part of a growing trend of Korean directors utilizing international crew members to enhance the technical scale of domestic productions. The blend of traditional martial arts and a gritty, revenge-driven storyline aligns with Kim’s previous work in the action genre, including the 2022 film Project Wolf Hunting.