The film 'Veteran 3' was coordinating its first shooting schedule, and it was confirmed that the postponement was due to director Ryu Seung-wan's condition.
According to OSEN reporting on the 11th, the film 'Veteran 3' (directed by Ryu Seung-wan, produced by Oeyunaegang) had been preparing to crank in originally in April, but the first shooting schedule was pushed back. According to multiple film industry sources, this schedule change was not due to production setbacks or internal problems but was made to adjust director Ryu Seung-wan's condition.
Sources told OSEN, 'It is true that the first shoot of 'Veteran 3' was originally scheduled for April, but it is now being coordinated for a later date,' adding, 'Because this is a work with a strong commitment to the continuity of the series, there should be no problem with production itself.'
In fact, director Ryu Seung-wan has recently been focusing on a busy promotion schedule following the release of his new film 'Humint.' With the film still meeting audiences and him handling consecutive official schedules, it is read as a decision to steady his condition and enter preparation for 'Veteran 3' more stably rather than immediately starting the next film's shooting.
Above all, 'Veteran 3' draws more attention as a representative franchise that has proven both box-office appeal and popularity among Korean commercial film series. 'Veteran' was hugely loved when it surpassed 13 million viewers upon its release in 2015, and 'I, The Executioner,' released in 2024, also proved the series' strength again by surpassing 7.5 million viewers. As a result, the production of the third installment moved forward relatively quickly.
Ryu Seung-wan's distinctive straight-ahead action, fast-paced development, and clear moral dichotomy have become the hit formula representing the 'Veteran' series. With Hwang Jung-min having anchored the series throughout as Detective Seo Do-chul, expectations naturally center on his return in 'Veteran 3' as well.
In particular, the addition of Lee Jun-ho as a new villain heightens expectations. Earlier, it was reported that Lee Jun-ho received an offer to appear in 'Veteran 3,' and he later directly revealed that he had confirmed participation in the next work, creating a stir. Following season 1's Yoo Ah-in and season 2's Jung Haein, season 3 has drawn interest in what resolute villain Lee Jun-ho will present.
In fact, the 'Veteran' series has seen each season driven by intense villain characters that led the tension of the works. Especially since news of Park Sun-woo (played by Jung Haein)'s escape was delivered in the post-credits scene of 'I, The Executioner,' audience curiosity has grown about how the new season will connect with the existing narrative.
Ultimately, this delay in the crank-in is close to a reorganization for director Ryu Seung-wan to finish promoting his previous work and enter the third installment of the series in a more stable condition. As the 'Veteran' series has already proven both box-office success and topicality, interest inside and outside the film industry continues about how 'Veteran 3' will set sail after coordination.
[Photo] Provided by CJ ENM / OSEN DB
[OSEN]