Michelle Topham 
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) has confirmed new crime thriller I, the Executioner has just passed 5 million admissions only nine days after the movie was released on September 13th.
That makes the South Korean film has reached that milestone faster than any other film released this year – including smash hits Exhuma and The Roundup: Punishment, both of which took 10 days to pass the 5 million admissions threshold.
Exhuma went on to earn almost 12 million admissions (11,913,725) during its theater run earlier in the year, while The Roundup: Punishment is now at 11,501,621. (via KOFIC)
In other words, the way I, the Executioner is selling movie theater tickets, it is very likely it will surpass both of those films’ final admissions tally as well.
I, the Executioner is directed by Ryoo Seung Wan (I, the Executioner prequel Veteran and Escape from Mogadishu) and stars Hwang Jung Min and Jung Hae In.
It was produced by Filmmaker R & K, the company set up by producer Kang Hae Jung and her husband director Ryoo Seung Wan 19 years ago after their pitch for The City Of Violence was turned down by a major studio.
Since then, the company has produced 19 films that have garnered 135 awards. Not bad for a company set up by two people who were frustrated with the way many South Korean film studios operated, eh?
KOFIC describes the I, the Executioner plot like this:
Detective Seo Do-cheol (Hwang Jung Min) and his Major Crime Investigation Division tirelessly track down criminals day and night, often at the expense of their personal lives.
When the murder of a professor reveals links to past cases, suspicions of a serial killer arise, plunging the country into turmoil. As Major Crimes delves into the investigation, the killer taunts them by publicly releasing a teaser online, indicating the next victim, and intensifying the chaos.
To tackle the escalating threat, the team brings in idealistic rookie officer Park Sun-woo (Jung Hae In), leading to unexpected twists in the case’s trajectory.
There is still no word when I, the Executioner will be released in the west, but it will likely be soon.
About the Author
Rachel M. Reeves 
