A human drama to close out 2025, "Sinuiakdan" (director: Kim Hyeong-hyeop | distributor: CJ CGV㈜ | producer: Studio Target Co., Ltd.) has revealed a casting lineup dubbed "The Divine Move" that perfectly syncs with its lead actors.
The film "Sinuiakdan," produced by Studio Target and directed by Kim Hyeong-hyeop, which opens on Dec. 31, depicts the story that unfolds when the North Korean state security department creates a fake praise troupe to earn foreign currency. The press stills released today focus attention by capturing the distinctive personalities of the troupe members who join the "fake band" with their own different backgrounds.
First, actor Nam Tae-hoon, who has shown strong performances moving between film and drama, takes on the role of bassist Kim Chang-su and attempts a radical acting transformation. In the released stills he is seen staring somewhere with a terrified expression, arousing curiosity. "I hate pretending to be a Jesus freak so much it kills me!" Kim Chang-su, who becomes so overimmersed in the fake performance that he even sees visions of a cross, is pure and timid and is expected to give audiences a bittersweet laugh.
Veteran actor Seo Dong-won, who has been a consummate supporting presence across screen and television, plays accordionist Bae Guk-seong. A college classmate of bandleader Kim Seong-cheol (played by Tae Hang-ho), he cherishes his old instrument like a treasure, saying, "My accordion is junky... there isn't one like it in Joseon." Combined with Seo Dong-won's sly and realistic everyday acting, expectations are rising for his decisive "one shot" amid the risky operation.
Here, veteran actor Choi Seon-ja, possessing overwhelming charisma, plays dance team (flag squad) member Yang Seon-ja, adding weight to the story. A former decorated actor, Yang Seon-ja approaches the fake revival meeting more seriously than anyone, saying, "If you're going to lead a chant you need to look at the Bible and know a thing or two..." Her passionate flag dance, which will take the audience's breath away, is expected to leave a strong impression.
Newcomer Go Hye-jin plays dance team member Ri Su-rim and exudes a mysterious charm. She sheds tears saying, "I was crying because reading this kind of reactionary book feels shameful before the great general," but behind her obedient appearance she hides an inscrutable look that creates tension. Viewers will be curious about the real reason she circles around the band.
Actor Shin Han-gyeol plays violinist Ri Jeong-hui, representing the face of youth full of discontent with life in the demoted troupe. "How long do we have to keep looking like this?" he says, pouring out realistic complaints; his portrayal brings the forcedly mobilized troupe members' sorrows to life and draws sympathy. Also, Kang Seung-wan plays keyboardist Choi Jeong-cheol.
Producer Studio Target said the ensemble created by the 12 troupe members centered on Park Si-hoo, Jung Jin-woon and Tae Hang-ho is the film's biggest point of interest, adding that the supporting actors' back-and-forth banter, each packed with individual personalities, will deliver nonstop fun throughout the running time.
The film "Sinuiakdan," whose perfectly coordinated performances by trusted actors are eagerly anticipated, will be in theaters on Dec. 31.
[Photo] clockwise from top left: Nam Tae-hoon, Seo Dong-won, Choi Seon-ja, Kang Seung-wan, Seo Han-gyeol, Go Hye-jin (film stills)
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