Lee Byung-hun, Park Hae-soo reunite with ‘Squid Game’ creator in ‘K.O. Club’

Lee Byung-hun and Park Hae-soo are reuniting with “Squid Game” creator Hwang Dong-hyuk for “K.O. Club,” a sci-fi thriller that marks Hwang’s return to feature filmmaking nearly a decade after his last film.

Lee played the Front Man on the “Squid Game” franchise while Park earned an Emmy nomination for his role as Player 218 in its first season. The cast also includes acclaimed actors Oh Jung-se, Cho Yeo-jeong, and Kim So-jin.

For Oh (“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”), Cho (“Parasite”), and Kim (“Vigilante”) this will be their first time working with Hwang.

Short for “Killing Oldmen Club,” “K.O. Club” is set in the near-future where youth can be purchased with money. The film centers on a growing conflict between a small group of wealthy and powerful elderly people who have a grip on power and a younger generation left without opportunities.

The casting was confirmed by Firstman Studio, Hwang’s production company with producer Kim Ji-yeon. After helping bring “Squid Game” to a global audience, the company is returning to feature-film production with “K.O. Club.”

The film is Hwang’s first feature since “The Fortress,” his 2017 historical war drama, which also starred Lee. Hwang has become one of the most recognized Korean filmmakers following the worldwide success of “Squid Game.” 

He created, wrote, and directed all episodes of the Netflix series, while his earlier films include “Silenced,”  “Miracle Mile” and “Miss Granny.” His career has spanned a range of genres, showcasing both his filmmaking versatility and broad audience appeal.

“Squid Game” also earned him a place in Emmy history when Hwang became the first Asian director to receive an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series in 2022.

Production of “K.O. Club” will reportedly begin in the first half of 2027.