The movie 'Hi-5', which drew attention due to the grants of actor Yoo Ah-in, has been confirmed for release.
On the 21st, the team behind the movie 'Hi-5' (directed by Kang Hyung-cheol, provided/distributed by NEW, produced by Annapurna Pictures) confirmed its release date for June 3 and unveiled the launch poster.
'Hi-5' is a comic action film about five individuals who accidentally gain different superpowers due to organ transplants and the story unfolds as they encounter those who seek to exploit their abilities. The film, directed by Kang Hyung-cheol, known for 'Scandal Makers' and 'Sunny', is generating expectations with its unique setting.
The released poster features the silhouettes of the five characters, each armed with distinct personalities, along with their team name 'Hi-5' filling the background. The characters include 'Wan-seo', a taekwondo girl who received a heart transplant; 'Ji-seong', a writer aspirant who received a lung transplant; 'Seon-nyeo', a fresh manager who received a kidney transplant; 'Yak-seon', an FM task force leader who received a liver transplant; and 'Gi-dong', a hipster and unemployed person who received a cornea transplant. All five people received their organs from a mysterious donor, gaining superpowers that shine through symbols representing their abilities, accompanied by the tagline, 'We have received superpowers', heightening anticipation for the extraordinary feats of those who suddenly gained special abilities.
The film 'Hi-5' is the new work of director Kang Hyung-cheol, who has captivated audiences with unique themes and vibrant characters in previous films like 'Scandal Makers', 'Sunny', 'Tazza: The Hand of God', and 'Swing Kids'. The film is already drawing attention in the film industry. Moreover, a stellar cast of versatile actors has come together, including Lee Jae-in, a promising newcomer with a wide acting spectrum seen in ‘SVAHA: The Sixth Finger’, ‘Racket Boys’, and ‘It’s Night’, Ahn Jae-hong, who has repeatedly transformed with charming and unique performances in ‘Melo is My Nature’, ‘Mask Girl’, and ‘Chicken Gangjeong’, the irreplaceable actress Ra Mi-ran, known for her remarkable performances in ‘Honest Candidate’ and ‘Jung Eun-ji’, as well as the multi-talented actor Kim Hee-won, who has received praise for his impressive acting in ‘The Man from Nowhere’ and ‘Collateral’, along with his recent directorial success in 'Light Shop'. In addition, veteran actors Oh Jung-se, known for creating legendary characters in ‘Extreme Job’ and ‘When the Camellia Blooms’, and Park Jin-young, who has proven solid acting skills through ‘Yumi's Cells Season 2’ and ‘The Witch’, also join the cast, further heightening expectations.
The film has garnered attention with actor Yoo Ah-in starring in a leading role. Earlier, between 2020 and 2022, Yoo was charged with violating drug management laws (stimulants) after administering propofol 181 times and illegally receiving sleep medication in someone else’s name 44 times from 2021 to 2022. He was sentenced to one year in prison, two years of probation, a fine of 2 million won, 1.548 million won in confiscation, 80 hours of community service, and 40 hours of drug treatment lectures during the appeal process, after which he was released. However, the prosecution has submitted an appeal, and the case awaits a ruling from the Supreme Court.
'Hi-5' finished filming back in 2021; however, due to Yoo Ah-in's controversy, it will finally be released after four years. Nonetheless, NEW has stated that Yoo Ah-in will "not participate in the promotional schedule for the project." Thus, it remains to be seen whether 'Hi-5', with its brilliant premise of ‘superpowers’ derived from organ transplants, charming characters delivering joyful laughs, strong teamwork, and exhilarating action, will receive a fair evaluation from audiences as the first entertainment action film of this summer.
[Photo] Provided by NEW.
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