Actor Go Youn-jung [Provided by AAP]
Actor Go Youn-jung [Provided by AAP]

Actor Go Youn-jung has been cast in director Lee Mo-gae's martial arts action film "Nambeol."

Production company HiveMedia Corp announced Wednesday that Go will join the film's lineup.

Set in the early Joseon period, "Nambeol" follows nine warriors of varying skills and social standing who sail to Tsushima Island to rescue captives taken by Japanese pirates. Lee Byung-hun was previously announced as Im Eok, the leader of the group.

Go will play Aeryeong, a woman who loses her family in a pirate raid and heads to the front lines herself to save her younger sibling held captive on Tsushima.

Known for reinventing herself with each project — through "Sweet Home," "Hunt," "Alchemy of Souls," "Moving" and "Resident Playbook" — Go is set to serve as another emotional anchor in the film, playing a resilient, self-driven character who pursues her own goals amid the chaos of the era.

This year, she has shown a wide acting range across two Netflix productions, "Can This Love Be Translated?" and "Everyone Is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness," portraying characters from endearingly lighthearted to deeply wounded yet gradually hardening.

"Nambeol" also marks the directorial debut of cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, whose distinctive visual style shaped acclaimed films including "12.12: The Day" (2023), "Exhuma" (2024) and "Yajeok" (2025). Lee has received the cinematography and lighting award at the 43rd and 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards, the cinematography award at the 31st and 29th Blue Dragon Film Awards, and the arts award in the film category at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards.

"Director Lee will showcase his exceptional directorial sensibility in this film, capturing a grand narrative alongside intense action and visuals," the production company said.

"Nambeol" is currently in pre-production, with principal photography targeted for the second half of this year.


balme@heraldcorp.com