Discover the Thrilling World of ‘Humint’: Park Jung-min’s Transformation into a North Korean Agent

Actor Park Jung-min expressed his gratitude to director Ryoo Seung-wan for casting him in the film ‘Humint’ during a recent press event.

On February 9, Park met with reporters at a café in Seoul’s Jongno district to discuss the upcoming release of ‘Humint.’
The film tells a gripping tale of individuals with conflicting agendas clashing in Vladivostok, where secrets and truths are submerged in the icy waters of the sea. Park delivers a powerful performance as Park Gun, a captain in North Korea’s Ministry of State Security.
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with director Ryoo, Park shared, “I first met the director while working on a short film. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our collaboration has evolved, with him now entrusting me with such complex roles.”
In ‘Humint,’ Park showcases his versatility through a range of high-octane action sequences, including intense gunfights, car chases, and parkour-inspired stunts. When asked about the most challenging scene, he revealed, “The fight with the Russian mafia boss in the abandoned airport underground was particularly grueling. The conditions were brutal – no restrooms, poor cell reception, and a severely neglected space. Unlike my previous visit during ‘Harbin’ filming, we utilized the entire area this time. Being at the tail end of production, it was both mentally and physically exhausting.”

While Ryoo is known for his spectacular action sequences, ‘Humint’ also features a compelling romantic subplot. Park, who shares intimate scenes with co-star Shin Se-kyung, praised her performance: “Shin Se-kyung possesses an almost magical quality. There’s something captivating about her gaze and voice that creates an instant connection. During our pre-production photoshoot, her experience in romantic roles really shone through as she took the lead.”

He added, “Our time together in Latvia allowed us to develop a genuine rapport. Shin Se-kyung’s natural charm significantly elevated our shared scenes. Her guidance was invaluable in helping me portray a romantic dynamic I’d never explored before.”

‘Humint’ has generated significant buzz, partly due to Park’s recent romantic turn at last year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards. Director Ryoo previously expressed his delight at Park’s rising popularity. In response, Park quipped, “Perhaps the reason I haven’t taken on such roles before is that no one was bold enough to cast me in them.” He added sincerely, “I’m deeply grateful that Director Ryoo sees this potential in me and trusts in my ability to deliver.”

As Park emerges as a new romantic lead, he reflected on memorable love stories in cinema. “While it’s hard to pick a favorite, the most impactful romance film for me is ‘The Letter,’ which I watched in my youth. Starring Park Shin-yang and Choi Jin-sil, it left me in tears. I think it might be the last time a romance film made me cry. For some reason, it’s stayed with me all these years.”

Audiences can experience Park Jung-min’s unique blend of romance and action in ‘Humint,’ set to hit theaters on February 11.

Reported by Kang Ji-ho (khj2@tvreport.co.kr) / Photos courtesy of Sam Company