‘Nambal’ Finalizes Casting of Go Yoon-jung! Builds a Perfect Lineup Following Lee Byung-hun

The film 〈Nambal〉, following Lee Byung-hun, has confirmed Go Yoon-jung’s casting, adding weight to the lineup. 〈Nambal〉 is a hardboiled martial-arts action set in the early Joseon period in which nine swordsmen—each with differing abilities and ranks—move toward Tsushima to rescue captives who have been kidnapped by Japanese pirates. Earlier, Lee Byung-hun, a leading actor in South Korea, announced he would join as Im Eok, the leader of the swordsmen, and with Go Yoon-jung’s casting added, expectations are rising that it will create an even more powerful synergy.

Ae-ryeong, played by Go Yoon-jung, is set to take on the role of someone who loses her family in an attack by Japanese pirates and then runs directly onto the battlefield to save her younger brother detained in Tsushima. The character will be a self-driven and resilient figure who pushes toward her goal even amid a chaotic era, and is expected to form yet another emotional axis for the work. From high-intensity action to deeply layered drama—Go Yoon-jung has introduced a new face in every project, including [Sweet Home], 〈Hunt〉, [Alchemy of Souls], [Moving], [Tomorrow Will Be a Good Day for Future Wise Majoring Students], [Can This Love Be Translated?], and [Everyone Is Fighting Their Own Uselessness]—and through 〈Nambal〉, she plans to leave a strong impression again as a steely female character who breaks the rules of historical dramas. 

〈Nambal〉 is drawing major attention as the directorial debut of Im O-gae, the cinematographer who has showcased a distinctive mise-en-scene in heavyweight works such as 〈Spring in Seoul〉, 〈Exhuma〉, 〈Hunt〉, 〈The Opposition〉, and 〈Emergency Declaration〉. After winning the Art Award in the Film category at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards, the cinematography lighting award at the 43rd and 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards, and the cinematography award at the 31st and 29th Blue Dragon Film Awards, among others, he has had his exceptional instincts recognized. In this project, he is set to deliver standout directing skills by incorporating not only intense action and visuals but also a sweeping narrative. 

Meanwhile, 〈Nambal〉 is produced by Hive Media Corp., a comprehensive content production company that has steadily released well-made works that balance both entertainment and artistry, including the films 〈Spring in Seoul〉, 〈Harbin〉, 〈Escape from Mogadishu〉, 〈The Prosecutor’s Files〉, 〈Inside Men〉, and Disney+ original series [Made in Korea], adding even more credibility. 

Keeping the momentum going, 〈Nambal〉—as news of the casting of Lee Byung-hun and Go Yoon-jung further heightens expectations—is in pre-production with plans to begin principal photography in the second half of 2026.