Synopsis The Point Men Starring Hyun Bin, South Korean Christian Volunteer Crisis In Afghanistan

Film The Point Men (Photo: Yonhap)

JAKARTA - The Point Men film will premiere in South Korean cinemas on January 18, 2023. This film is an inspiration to a true story, namely based on the crisis of hostage 23 South Korean Christian volunteers carried out by the Taliban group in Afghanistan in 2007.

The 43-day hostage-taking situation left two men dead due to clashes with two extreme religious beliefs. But in the film, the story will focus on humanist efforts made by two main characters who try to save Koreans safely.

"Initially I turned down an offer to direct the film, because it involves sensitive topics," said director Yim Soon-rye, quoted from Yonhap, Wednesday, December 21.

After further consideration, Yim decided to accept the offer by shifting the focus of the story, from focusing on the hostages to focusing on the role of diplomats and state intelligence agents struggling to free them.

In the film, veteran actor Hwang Jung-min plays Jeong Jae-ho, a competent foreign ministry official in negotiations for overseas interests. He was sent to Afghanistan to save the hostages.

Hwang admitted that it was difficult to play the role considering the many dialogues in English. In the film, he said, many thought his character was part of the state intelligence agency, even though Jeong was a diplomat.

"I studied the character gradually, because I think there must be a reason why the director asked me to play that role," he said.

Hwang also admitted that he immediately accepted the offer to cooperate with the director, even without any conditions. The Point Men marked his first reunion with the director after Hwang debuted as the main actor in Yim's Waiki Brothers (2001) film.

Apart from Hwang, The Point Men also stars Hyun Bin who plays the character Park Dae-shik, a competent National Intelligence Agency agent related to the Middle East and Central Asia. In the film, Park collaborates with Jeong.

According to Hyun, he chose to be involved in this film project because he had never worked with Hwang and director Yim. Hyun also admitted that she had changed a lot after making the film.

"I receive positive energy and learn different perspectives in making films while working with Hwang," he said.

Meanwhile, actor Kang Ki-young also completed the lead cast in The Point Men. Kang himself is famous for his role as a senior lawyer in the Extraordinary Attorney Woo series. At The Point Men, Kang's character will add to the touch of comedy and play an important role as a translator during negotiations.