"This action is overwhelming"... Kim Woo Bin, the cheat code of 'Martial Arts Officer'
“It was overwhelming. There were many physically demanding scenes. Once he mastered the physical aspect, it became convincing.” – Director Kim Joo Hwan
Actor Kim Woo Bin transformed into a martial arts master, holding a combined 9th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Kendo, and Judo. It took just three months, with daily training sessions. He even gained 8kg to embody a commanding presence capable of subduing opponents.
Kim Woo Bin commented, “You can't become a 9th-degree black belt in just a few months, but I wanted to give it my all. I put a lot of thought into how to showcase the character's abilities in each moment.”
His efforts were in preparation for his role as a Martial Arts Officer, a job that involves 24-hour surveillance of individuals wearing electronic ankle monitors to prevent crime.
Kim Woo Bin shared, “After meeting with real martial arts officers, I realized how difficult their job is. I approached filming with a sense of gratitude for them.”
'Martial Arts Officer' is an action film centered around a character named Lee Jeong Do, a martial arts expert who watches over individuals wearing electronic ankle monitors to prevent crime.
This profession is somewhat unfamiliar. Kim Woo Bin admitted, “I didn’t know much about it either. After meeting them and learning more, I realized how admirable their work is.”
Kim Woo Bin plays the character of Lee Jeong Do, someone who values fun above all else in life. He became a martial arts officer simply because it seemed fun.
However, as he works to protect the happiness of others, his character gradually changes. Kim Woo Bin recalled, “It was impressive to see how this young man, who once only pursued fun, finds fulfillment and a sense of duty in his new job.”
The key point of the film is the character growth of Lee Jeong Do. To highlight this transformation, Kim Woo Bin gained 8kg and bleached his hair, emphasizing the character's change.
“Because he’s someone who is searching for happiness, I thought it would be better if he didn’t have a chiseled body, but rather looked a bit bulkier and swollen,” Kim Woo Bin explained. “I intentionally went to set in that state, and I also bleached my hair.”
As Lee Jeong Do grows in his role as a martial arts officer, his appearance changes. He loses weight and dyes his hair black, presenting a more mature image.
“Jeong Do is a character who undergoes significant change. I hoped that this process would be conveyed well to the audience,” Kim Woo Bin explained, adding that he had many discussions with the director about how to express this transformation.
The action scenes weren’t easy either. Director Kim Joo Hwan, known for his stylish, impactful boxing action scenes in the Netflix series 'Bloodhounds' (2023), introduces upgraded martial arts action in this film. The director stated, “The action is centered around the character. Since it’s based on martial arts, we focused on footwork. There are many fun action scenes, including Taekwondo moves utilizing long legs and close-quarters Judo.”
Despite his natural physical strength, Kim Woo Bin didn’t rely solely on his physique. He made sure that his character’s talents emerged naturally in each scene. He shared, “It wasn’t easy. I even asked the director, ‘Does someone like this really exist in the world?’”
The action sequence involving throwing a jar required the most effort. The director revealed, “We researched the material of the jar thoroughly. We had to consider how much gochujang (red chili paste) should be inside to avoid injuries. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
He continued, “This action heavily relied on the actor. Kim Woo Bin prepared thoroughly, and with his excellent physique, even a little was enough to make it look impressive.”
Director Kim Joo Hwan has previously focused on bromance, seen in works like 'Bloodhounds', 'Midnight Runners' (2017), and 'My Puppy' (2023). This time, he explores a mentor-student dynamic.
Kim Sung Kyun plays Kim Seon Min, a probation officer who works closely with Lee Jeong Do. He is a serious and responsible character, striving to create a safer society, adding weight to the narrative. Kim Sung Kyun explained, “He’s not just someone who subdues criminals. He protects citizens, sometimes scolding or comforting like a big brother, and carries out his duties with determination. I focused on portraying his human side.”
To Jeong Do, Seon Min is an irreplaceable mentor. Kim Sung Kyun noted, “The director’s bromances usually involve friends. This time, the chemistry comes from the relationship between a mentor and a character who grows through that mentorship, making it stand out.”
Their on-screen chemistry was explosive. Kim Woo Bin shared, “Whenever Seong Kyun hyung was on set, I felt like my acting improved, and the atmosphere was great. He’s like an energy drink to me.”
Kim Sung Kyun added, “I always looked forward to going to set. Our conversations never stopped. Kim Woo Bin is like a breath of fresh air.”
Beyond the lively set atmosphere, the film delivers a heartwarming message. 'Martial Arts Officer' poses the question, “Can someone who values their own happiness above all else sacrifice their life for the happiness of others? Can even an ordinary person have such grand love?”
Director Kim expressed, “In a world where empathy is becoming rarer, I believe there is a little hero inside all of us. When we bring that out, the world becomes a better place. I hope you enjoy this as a humorous, action-packed story.”
Lastly, Kim Woo Bin expressed, “We worked hard on this film. I hope our moments are conveyed well to the audience.” Kim Sung Kyun confidently added, “It turned out well enough that your time watching it won’t be wasted.”
'Martial Arts Officer' will be released on the 13th.
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