Actor Seo Kang Joon will no longer be joining the upcoming historical action film Nambeol, starring Lee Byung Hun, after discussions about his possible appearance ended without a casting agreement.
On November 11, production company Hive Media Corp officially confirmed that Seo Kang Joon had been in talks for a role but ultimately decided not to participate in the project.
A representative of the company stated, "It is true that Seo Kang Joon discussed appearing in Nambeol, but he ultimately decided not to join the film."
The company also clarified that Seo Kang Joon was never officially confirmed as part of the cast, meaning his decision should not be considered a withdrawal from an already accepted role.
Previously, reports indicated that Seo Kang Joon was being considered to play the right-hand man of Im Eok, the leader of a group of warriors portrayed by Lee Byung Hun.
The potential casting had attracted attention because it would have brought the two actors together in a historical action production.
It would also have marked Seo Kang Joon's return to the big screen approximately five years after his appearance in the 2021 film A Year-End Medley.
However, with the discussions now concluded, viewers will have to wait for another opportunity to see Seo Kang Joon in a new film.
The specific reason he decided not to join Nambeol has not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Nambeol is a historical martial arts action film set during the early Joseon Dynasty.
The story follows nine warriors from different social backgrounds and with different abilities as they travel to Japan's Tsushima Island to rescue captives taken by Japanese pirates.
Lee Byung Hun leads the cast as Im Eok, alongside Go Youn Jung, Lee Do Hyun, WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn), and Park Hae Joon.
The film also marks the directorial debut of cinematographer Lee Mo Gae, known for his work on 12.12: The Day, Exhuma, and Hunt.
Production preparations are underway, with filming targeted for the second half of 2026 as casting continues.
Although Seo Kang Joon will not be part of the lineup, Nambeol is moving forward with its confirmed cast and preparations for production.
Actor Seo Kang Joon will no longer be joining the upcoming historical action film Nambeol, starring Lee Byung Hun, after discussions about his possible appearance ended without a casting agreement.
On November 11, production company Hive Media Corp officially confirmed that Seo Kang Joon had been in talks for a role but ultimately decided not to participate in the project.
A representative of the company stated, "It is true that Seo Kang Joon discussed appearing in Nambeol, but he ultimately decided not to join the film."
The company also clarified that Seo Kang Joon was never officially confirmed as part of the cast, meaning his decision should not be considered a withdrawal from an already accepted role.
Previously, reports indicated that Seo Kang Joon was being considered to play the right-hand man of Im Eok, the leader of a group of warriors portrayed by Lee Byung Hun.
The potential casting had attracted attention because it would have brought the two actors together in a historical action production.
It would also have marked Seo Kang Joon's return to the big screen approximately five years after his appearance in the 2021 film A Year-End Medley.
However, with the discussions now concluded, viewers will have to wait for another opportunity to see Seo Kang Joon in a new film.
The specific reason he decided not to join Nambeol has not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Nambeol is a historical martial arts action film set during the early Joseon Dynasty.
The story follows nine warriors from different social backgrounds and with different abilities as they travel to Japan's Tsushima Island to rescue captives taken by Japanese pirates.
Lee Byung Hun leads the cast as Im Eok, alongside Go Youn Jung, Lee Do Hyun, WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn), and Park Hae Joon.
The film also marks the directorial debut of cinematographer Lee Mo Gae, known for his work on 12.12: The Day, Exhuma, and Hunt.
Production preparations are underway, with filming targeted for the second half of 2026 as casting continues.
Although Seo Kang Joon will not be part of the lineup, Nambeol is moving forward with its confirmed cast and preparations for production.
