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TRANSCRIPT
The Fatal Encounter
- Press Kit -
GENERAL INFORMATION
Title: The Fatal Encounter (Yeokrin)
Genre: Drama
Language: Korean with English subtitles
Running Time: 135 minutes
Rating: NR
Director: LEE Jae-kyoo
Cast: HYUN Bin (as King Jeongjo) JUNG Jae-young (as Sang-chaek) CHO Jung-seok (as Sal-soo) HAN Ji-min (as Queen Jeongsun)
Presented by: LOTTE Entertainment
Produced by: Choice Cut Pictures
Distributed by: CJ Entertainment, Dreamwest Pictures
Original Release: April 30th, 2014
US Release: May 23rd, 2014.
PROLOGUE The Fatal Encounter is a historical drama about venomous palace intrigue during the Joseon Dynasty -
focusing on the story of politically embattled King Jeong-Jo (nicknamed the King of Misfortune), his
dedicated servant Sang-chaek, and nefarious courtiers and assassins.
SYNOPSIS As the year 1777 opens, King Jeong-jo enters the second year of his reign, which is consistently under
threat from the opposing Noron and Soron factions. To successfully defend his royal power, Jeong-jo
draws upon his stores of courage and relies heavily on his loyal servant Sang-chaek. In a shocking
twist, Sang-chaek turns out to be an assassin who was sent into service in order to kill Jeong-jo. After
witnessing King Jeong-jo's capacity to justly rule the people, however, Sang-chaek comes clean about
his true identity, and is banished from the court. As he leaves the palace, however, his eye catches
sight of Sal-soo, the deadliest assassin in Joseon. Sang-chaek frantically returns to the court, only to
find Sal-soo locked in combat with Jeong-jo.
PRODUCTION NOTE
South Korea's Biggest Star Hyun Bin Makes His Grand Comeback
Hyun Bin (Secret Garden, My Name Is Kim Sam Soon) takes on his first acting role since completing his
mandatory military service. He plays King Jeong-jo, whose reign was fraught with political conflicts
and threats upon his life. The actor prepared extensively for his first historical role and has drawn
accolades for his dedication. Going into production almost Immediately upon being discharged from
the army, he studied the arts of sword fighting, archery, and horseback riding for the role. JUNG
Jae-young (Welcome to Dongmakgol ), CHO Jung-seok (The Face Reader), and HAN Ji-min (Rooftop
Prince), a group of South Korea's most treasured character actors, star alongside Hyun Bin.
The Fatal Encounter : Inspired by Historical Events
The Fatal Encounter is based on the real-life assassination attempt on King Jeong-jo (1752-1800) on
the night of July 28th, 1777. On that fateful night, Jeong-jo was unable to sleep and tried to soothe his
mind by reading late into the night. When he suddenly heard a sound in the ceiling, he quickly called
his servants to investigate. To their shock, they captured an assassin hiding in the eaves. That night’s
assassination attempt became one of the most infamous in the 500-year history of the Joseon
Dynasty (1392-1897).
CAST and CHARACTERS
The King of Misfortune - King Jeong-jo
Jeong-jo was the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. As a young man, he was forced to witness the slow
death of his father Crown Prince Sado, who was effectively executed by being placed in a wooden
box by a royal decree from his grandfather King Yeong-jo. After Jeong-jo ascended the throne in
1776, he was caught in the fierce factional strife between the Noron and Soron power bases
throughout his reign and continuously subject to threats to his life and palace intrigue. Despite these
circumstances, Jeong-jo remained in power for almost 24 years and is noted for having carried out
significant and innovative reforms.
Hyun Bin
Best known internationally for his leading roles in the TV dramas My Name is Kim Sam-soon (2005)
and Secret Garden (2010), Hyun Bin has now long been established as one of the biggest stars in Korea
and across Asia.
One of his earliest leading roles, the TV drama My Name is Kim Sam-soon was a massive hit with
average ratings of over 37% through the run and 50.5% for the finale, also winning Hyun Bin the Top
Excellence Award at the MBC Drama Awards. In 2010, Hyun saw yet another surge of fame with Secret
Garden, a romantic fantasy about a fussy and arrogant department store heir and a penniless stunt
woman (played by HA Ji-won) who switch souls when it rains. The series brought in 30% ratings and
caught much interest through its fashion, catchphrases and music, and Hyun Bin was nominated for
his performance at the SBS Drama Awards and Baeksang Arts Awards.
For his comeback after 21 months away for Korea’s mandatory military service, Hyun Bin chose to star
in The Fatal Encounter, his first ever period film, in which plays the leading role of King Jeong-jo who
faces fierce party strife and assassination attempts during his reign.
FILMOGRAPHY
Movies
Come Rain Come Shine (2011), Late Autumn (2011), I Am Happy (2008), A Millionaire’s First Love (2006),
Spin Kick (2004), Daddy-Long-Legs (2004)
Television
Secret Garden (2010), Friend, Our Legend (2009), Worlds Within…(2008), The Snow Queen (2006), My
Name is Kim Sam-soon (2005), Ireland (2004), Nonstop 4 (2003), Bodyguard (2003)
CAST and CHARACTERS
The King’s Shadow - Sang-chaek
King Jeong-jo’s trusty servant, Sang-chaek was hired at a young age to manage the king’s personal
library. Since then, Sang-chaek has steadfastly been by Jeong-jo’s side through many life-threatening
situations. Although Sang-chaek was originally sent into palace service in order to get close enough
to kill Jeong-jo, after witnessing Jeong-jo’s true heart, he changes his allegiance and decides to
protect Jeong-jo at all costs.
JUNG Jae-young
Jung Jae-young’s performances across genres illustrate his infinite talent and have made him an
irreplaceable part of Korean cinema. Since his university days, he has honed his craft and established
himself as an actor to be reckoned with. He is widely known as “the man of a thousand faces” for his
ability to completely fall into any character.
FILMOGRAPHY
Movies
Broken (2014), Plan Man (2013), 11 a.m. (2013), Our Sunhi (2013), Confessions of Murder (2012),
Countdown (2011), Glove (2011), Moss (2010), Castaway on the Moon (2008), Public Enemy Returns
(2008), The Divine Weapon (2008), Welcome to Dongmakgol (2005), Someone Special (2004), Silmido
(2003) Guns and Talks (2001)
CAST and CHARACTERS
Deadliest Assassin in Joseon Dynasty - Sal-soo
Raised as a cold-blooded killer at a secret assassin society, Sal-soo is Joseon’s deadliest assassin. He
eliminates his targets with ease and leaves no trace behind. Though at first he hesitates to take on
task of assassinating King Jeong-jo, Sal-soo strikes a deal with his master that would set him free from
the secret assassin society.
CHO Jung-seok
Cho started his acting career in theater, starring in the Korean rendition of Spring Awakening (2009)
and Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2011), and stage adaptation of The Harmonium in My Memory (2012),
among many other musicals and plays. After nearly a decade on the stage, Cho made his film debut
as comedic supporting actor in 2012 box office hit Architecture 101, which became his breakout role.
His versatility was further showcased by more serious turns in the television series The King 2 Hearts
(2012) and You’re the Best, Lee Soon-shin (2013), as well as film The Face Reader (2013) and now The
Fatal Encounter (2014).
FILMOGRAPHY
Movies
The Face Reader (2013), Almost Che (2012), Architecture 101 (2012)
Television
You Are the Best! (2013), The King 2 Hearts (2012), What’s Up? (2011)
CAST and CHARACTERS
Venomous Conspirator - Dowager Queen Jeongsun
Dowager Queen Jeongsun is King Yeong-jo’s second wife from the Noron faction and played a major
role in influencing the execution of Crown Prince Sado, King Jeong-Jo’s father. She is one of the
major co-conspirators in the assassination attempts against Jeong-jo.
HAN Ji-min
After minor roles in All In (2003), Dae Jang Geum (2003), Han had her breakout role in the revenge
series Resurrection in 2005. This was followed by her other memorable roles in period dramas Capital
Scandal (2007) and Yi San (2007), contemporary dramas Cain and Abel (2009) and Padam Padam
(2011), and romantic comedy Rooftop Prince (2012).
FILMOGRAPHY
Movies
Plan Man (2014), Detective K: Secret of Virtuous Widow (2011), Cadaver (2007), Blue Swallow (2005)
Television
Rooftop Prince (2012), Padam Padam… The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats (2011), Cain and Abel
(2009), Scandal in Old Seoul (2007), Yi San (2007), Great Expectations (2006), Super Rookie Ranger
(2006), Rebirth (2005), A Jewel in the Palace (2003), All In (2003)
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
LEE Jae-kyoo
LEE Jae-kyoo first garnered recognition for Damo (2003), a Korean drama which cultivated an
unprecedented fanbase. For the drama’s excellence and his directorial skills, LEE received a Baeksang
Arts Award for Best New Director
Following Damo, he directed the hit dramas Beethoven Virus (2008) and The King 2 Hearts (2012),
which drew accolades for their cinematic quality.
Finally, viewers can meet Director Lee Jae-kyoo’s film masterpiece The Fatal Encounter on the silver
screen. Pulling together Korea’s most talented actors with the year’s finest production, The Fatal
Encounter is the subject of great attention and fanfare.
Excelling at subtlety, Lee Jae-kyoo uses his directorial skill to create a deep and lasting impression on
the audience. The Fatal Encounter, packs immense emotional power against the unfurling backdrop
of sensuous, beautiful imagery and represents the birth of a great director, who could lead the next
generation of Korean cinema.
SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY
Movies
The Influence (2010)
Television
The King 2 Hearts (2012), Beethoven Virus (2008), Fashion 70’s (2005), Damo: The Legendary Police
Woman (2003)
LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT presents
a CHOICE CUT PICTURES production
Executive producer CHA Won-chun
Producer LEE Yong-nam
Director LEE Jae-kyoo
Starring HYUN Bin JUNG Jae-young CHO Jung-seok HAN Ji-min
Cinematography GO Rak-sun
Lighting CHA Sang-kyun
Editing SHIN Min-kyung
Production Design ZO Hwa-sung
Production Sound YI Sang-june
Music LEE Sung-hyun
© 2014 LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT All Rights Reserved.