[Photos] ‘Killing Time’: Fake hidden-camera pranks turn into real murders in the final act of a staged broadcast that goes too far — opens on the 21st

When the fake becomes real … the chilling start of a nightmare

A sensational “hidden-camera” segment on an internet broadcast transforms into an out-of-control murder scene in “Killing Time,” a horror-action film set to open on the 21st.

The internet channel “Killing Time,” run by Yeon-woo (Ryu Hye-young) and Joo-won (Nam Yoon-soo), makes money by livestreaming fake “hidden-camera” content. After thrilling audiences with sensational ghost-themed videos, the pair face fierce public backlash over the unexpected death of a participant and are forced to suspend the broadcast. Seeking a comeback, they plan a new project at a grim abandoned hospital. But when a real murder takes place there, the production team begins a desperate fight for survival against an unknown entity.

A dystopian world meets a breathless race against time

The film is a Korean remake of the acclaimed 2016 Australian movie “Scare Campaign.” Director Jang Jun-yeop described it as a “time-attack thriller in which the characters are attacked by an unknown entity inside the isolated setting of an abandoned hospital” during a press screening and news conference held on the 13th at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. He added that the film “maximizes the tension of the moment when artificially created fear turns into a real threat.”

The film makes full use of the abandoned hospital’s claustrophobic setting, bringing to the screen suspense reminiscent of a game of hide-and-seek and tightly choreographed “action.” Jang said the production team sought to “weave the differences between the original and Korean sensibilities into a ‘dystopian’ worldview, heightening the genre’s thriller appeal. In the process, we added a large number of dynamic action sequences.”

Maximum genre thrills as cast members push their performances to the limit

Actor Ryu Hye-young takes on the role of Yeon-woo, the film’s central character, and tackles the most intense “action genre” of her career. “I’ve long wanted to perform demanding action scenes, so I’m honored to finally satisfy that desire through this film,” Ryu said. She added, “I started ‘slow running’ while preparing for this project, and it has become the key to maintaining my fitness.” Ryu, who has also demonstrated her athletic ability on numerous recent variety shows, delivers a visceral performance in the film while minimizing the use of stunt doubles.

Nam Yoon-soo, who has built a solid filmography through dramas including “Today’s Webtoon” and “Love in the Big City,” takes on his first “leading role on the big screen” since his debut. “I was fascinated by the distinctive, multidimensional personalities of each character in the screenplay, and I wanted to take on the unique challenge of a traditional ‘thriller,’” Nam said of his decision to join the project. He added, “Because film requires you to face the audience’s reaction directly, I feel both nervous and excited” ahead of the release.

Polished production gives rise to a finely crafted thriller built to overwhelm audiences

The production team, led by director Jang Jun-yeop, devoted meticulous attention to production design, lighting and sound design to convey both visual horror and psychological pressure. Jang called the film “a finely crafted thriller made with care through the combined efforts of every actor and ‘crew’ member,” urging prospective audiences to look forward to its release.