The King is the fourth directorial outing of Han Jae-rim who previously helmed the hit period drama The Face Reader (2013), with Song Kang-ho. The film follows Tae-su, a prosecutor who turns to colleague and gang connections to get ahead and wield power.
The film is already one of the most anticipated titles of 2017, due to its epic cast.
Jo In-sung, who pulled off one of the meatiest roles of his career in A Dirty Carnival (2006) and hasn't been seen on the big screen since Yoo Ha's A Frozen Flower (2008), plays Tae-su, while Jung Woo-sung, who previously appeared in the noir crime-thriller Asura directed by Kim Sung-soo and featuring Hwang Jung-min, plays Tae-su's senior.
Plot
Born in a poor family, Tae-su (played by Jo In-sung) learns that the power is the most important thing in life and decides to become a prosecutor, the biggest symbol of power in the 90's. After entering the most prestigious law school, experiencing democratic resistance in Korea, Tae-su finally reaches his goal of becoming a prosecutor but his life is no better than a salary man.
By chance, he joins a clique of the powerful prosecutors with wealth and authority. He finally gets a taste of a life of the top hierarchy, but as he enjoys the sweetness of supremacy, he also sees the cruel side of it.
Distributor Next Entertainment World (N.E.W.) is planning to release the film in January.
Sources: Next Entertainment World, 씨네21
