“The Fatal Encounter,” also known as “The King’s Wrath,” will soon be seen on American theater screens. The highly anticipated period film will be released in 25 North American theaters on May 23rd.
The film will introduce American audiences to Hallyu star Hyun Bin. North American drama lovers already know the actor from his roles in “My Lovely Kim Sam Soon,” “Secret Garden,” and “Worlds Within.”
“The Fatal Encounter” is a Joseon-era historical drama based on the real-life assassination attempt on King Jeong Jo, the 22nd ruler in the Joseon Dynasty. Hyun Bin plays King Jeong Jo, a ruler who has been nicknamed the King of Misfortune. First he sees his father executed by a decree from his grandfather. Then he gets caught in a fierce political battle between two rivaling political factions. This causes plenty of palace intrigue, with a fair share of plots and counter-plots.
Before the assassination attempt, the only person that the king trusts is his court servant, the eunuch Gap Soo, who is known as the King’s Shadow. But what he does not know is that Gap Soo was once an assassin. When a secret group of assassins is ordered to kill the king, Gap Soo feels compelled to reveal his past. Despite his past loyalties, he swears to protect the king.
The film’s cast includes Jung Jae Young, seen in “Welcome to Dongmakgol,” as Gap Soo. Jo Jung Suk, who appeared in “The Face Reader,” plays the assassin. Han Ji Min, who co-starred with Park Yoochun in “Rooftop Prince,” plays Queen Jeongsun. The queen is the consort of the King’s grandfather and his political rival.
It’s Hyun Bin’s first starring role since completing his mandatory military service and he worked out for months to prepare for the role. The teaser trailer, which highlighted his well-developed abs, caused such a stir when was released that it was shared across drama streaming platforms such as Viki and DramaFever. The trailer garnered over 10,000 views within the hour.
The film is expected to join the ranks of Korea’s treasured period films, including the 2012 film “Masquerade” and the highly acclaimed 2013 film “The Face Reader.”
Fans of the director Lee Jae Gyu are also anticipating this film. He directed the dramas “Damo,” “Fashion 70s,” “Beethoven Virus” and “The King 2 hearts.”
For more information on show times, you can visit https://www.CJ-Entertainment.com or the official U.S. Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AsianMoviesNMore.
Check out the trailer and tell us whether you will be on the lookout for this film.