K-drama fans, brace yourselves. Lee Kwang Soo is officially stepping into “Nambeol,” and he’s joining a cast stacked enough to make any 2026 watchlist. His agency, King Kong by STARSHIP, confirmed the news on July 29, putting an end to days of speculation.
Set during the early Joseon dynasty, “Nambeol” isn’t your typical period drama — it’s a hard-boiled martial arts action film following nine warriors of different ranks and skills on a mission to Tsushima Island to rescue captives taken by Japanese pirates. Think grit, gunpowder, and a rescue mission with real stakes.
Lee Kwang Soo will play Hwa Bong, an explosives expert attached to the punitive expedition unit — a sharp departure from the comedic roles that made him a household name.
Who’s In “Nambeol” So Far
| Actor | Character | Role in the Story |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Byung Hun | Im Eok | Leader of the warriors |
| Go Youn Jung | Ae Ryeong | Strong-willed, independent fighter |
| Lee Do Hyun | Bo Gyeong | Leads the punitive expedition |
| WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn) | Cheot Nom | Skilled archer, sharpshooter |
| Park Hae Joon | Miyoshi | Leader of the pirate group |
| Lee Kwang Soo | Hwa Bong | Explosives and gunpowder expert |
What makes this project even more interesting is who’s behind the camera. “Nambeol” marks the directorial debut of Lee Mo Gae, the cinematographer behind hits like “12.12: The Day” and “Exhuma.” Going from framing action to directing it himself is a big leap, and industry watchers are curious whether his visual eye translates into strong storytelling.
>Lee Byung-hun is a South Korean actor known for a filmography spanning film, television, and web series, and his presence alone gives “Nambeol” serious box-office pull. Pairing that pedigree with Lee Kwang Soo’s comic timing turned action-ready could make Hwa Bong one of the film’s most memorable characters.
The film is currently in pre-production, with filming set to begin in the second half of 2026 — so a release is still a while away. Until then, fans can revisit Lee Byung Hun’s global appeal in projects like Squid Game, and if you want more on that universe, TechnoSports has you covered with its Squid Game Season 3 update. TechnoSports Entertainment.
