Actor Lee Byung-hun is set to appear as a warrior in the upcoming period action film “Nambeol,” the film’s production company Hive Media Corp said Wednesday.

“Nambeol,” the working title for the martial arts action film, is set in the early Joseon era (1392-1910), following nine warriors of different abilities and social classes as they head to Tsushima Island to rescue captives kidnapped by Japanese pirates.


Directed by Lee Mo-gae, the actor would play Im Eok, the leader of the nine warriors.

The film will also be Lee Mo-gae’s directorial debut. He has previously worked as a cinematographer in films “12. 12: The Day” (2023), “Exhuma” (2024) and “Yadang: The Snitch” (2025).

The film will be Lee Byung-hun’s third project with Hive Media Corp after “Inside Men” (2015) and “The Man Standing Next” (2020). The production company was also behind the film “12.12: The Day,” which surpassed 10 million ticket admissions.

“Nambeol” is currently in its preproduction stage, with filming set to begin in the second half of this year.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]