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Joo Ji Hoon, renowned for his performances in works like the Along With the Gods series, The Spy Gone North, Project Silence, and Kingdom, will now be seen as a local taxi driver in Lebanon, in the upcoming K-movie Unofficial Operation.
Unofficial Operation tells the story of diplomat Min Joon (Ha Jung Woo) and taxi driver Pan Su (Joo Ji Hoon), who team up to rescue a missing diplomat in Lebanon. Directed by Kim Sung Hoon, known for his works such as Kingdom, Tunnel, and A Hard Day, the film features Ha Jung Woo and Joo Ji Hoon in the lead roles.
Pan Su is a man who arrives in Lebanon after falling victim to scams in Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. As the sole Korean taxi driver remaining in Lebanon after the civil war, Pan Su is initially reluctant to get entangled in risky situations. However, after being enticed by the lucrative fare offered by Min Joon (Ha Jung Woo), a diplomat on a mission to rescue the kidnapped colleague, Pan Su reluctantly joins the unofficial operation.
Actor Joo Ji Hoon effortlessly portrays Pan Su's greedy-for-money personality, which occasionally raises suspicions, and his sharp navigation skills and fluency in the local language. Together with Min Joon, he braves dangerous circumstances throughout their mission.
In Unofficial Operation, Joo Ji Hoon's character is expected to give comic relief and an element of unpredictability in the tension-filled film. Even during intense chases, his character remains composed and displays quick thinking, promising to impress the audience and keep them entertained throughout.
Joo Ji Hoon expressed his delight in portraying the character's evolution from a self-centered man driven by survival instincts in an unfamiliar land to someone who grows into a better person. The anticipation for his performance continues to grow.
Director Kim Sung Hoon, who reunites with Joo Ji Hoon after Kingdom, explained his choice to cast him, stating, "I envisioned Joo Ji Hoon effortlessly lifting the weight of the heavy crown atop Crown Prince Lee Chang's head, and I thought the character of Pan Su was perfect for him".
He further added, "I believe Joo Ji Hoon's ability to maintain a sense of humor in any situation will play a significant role in winning the hearts of the audience. Pan Su is a character that is 10% taxi driver and 90% Joo Ji Hoon".
Inspired by the real-life incident of a diplomat's kidnapping in Beirut, Lebanon, the film stars Ha Jung Woo and Joo Ji Hoon as the main leads. Look forward to the release of Unofficial Operation on August 2nd.
