Seo Gang-joon joins Lee Byung-hun in martial arts epic 'Nambeol', his first screen role in 5 years
Seo Gang-joon joins '남벌', a Joseon-era martial arts film led by Lee Byung-hun. His first film since 'Happy New Year' in 2021. His first historical drama.
Seo Gang-joon confirmed for '남벌' — five years since his last film
Seo Gang-joon is heading back to film. He's been cast in Nambeol (남벌), a martial arts action film directed by Lee Mo-gae, roughly five years after Happy New Year (2021). This one marks his first historical drama.
He plays Yun Gwan (윤관), the most trusted colleague and right-hand man to Lee Byung-hun's protagonist Lim Eok. The character wields dual swords, operates with cold-blooded judgment, and carries deep loyalty toward his comrades beneath a restrained exterior.
A nine-warrior ensemble heading to Tsushima
Set in early Joseon, Nambeol follows nine warriors of different abilities and ranks who travel to Tsushima to rescue prisoners taken by Japanese pirates. It's billed as a hard-boiled martial arts action film. The cast already reads like a who's-who: Lee Byung-hun, Ko Yoon-jung, Lee Do-hyun, Jo Seung-yeon (Woodz), Park Hae-joon, Lee Kwang-soo, and Lee Sang-i.
The film marks the directorial debut of cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, one of South Korea's leading DPs. Production is in final pre-production, with filming targeted to begin in the second half of 2026.
Coming off his biggest TV run yet
Seo Gang-joon spent the past couple of years in the TV lane. After military service, he returned in March 2024 with MBC drama Undercover High School (언더커버 하이스쿨). It peaked at an 8.3% viewership rating and ranked first among MBC Friday-Saturday dramas that aired in 2025. He won the Grand Prize (대상) at the 2025 MBC Acting Awards—his first career win at that level.
Nambeol is the pivot back to film. With this cast and a debut director who built his reputation behind the camera, it's one to watch.
Cheer the story
