Netflix has unveiled intriguing behind-the-scenes details about the upcoming film Officer Black Belt.
Officer Black Belt is an action-packed movie featuring Lee Jeong-do (played by Kim Woo-bin), a ninth-degree black belt in taekwondo, kendo, and judo, who teams up with probation officer Kim Sun-min (played by Kim Sung-kyun). Together, they work as ‘black belt officers,’ monitoring individuals wearing electronic ankle bracelets 24/7 to prevent crime. The film explores the unique world of these everyday heroes, bringing to light a narrative that has rarely been depicted before.
Director Kim Joo-hwan, who had long been intrigued by the concept of ‘black belt officers,’ was driven by the question: “Can someone who values their own happiness above all else truly sacrifice their life for the happiness of others? Can an ordinary person experience such profound love?” He believed that a probation officer’s role offered a fresh perspective compared to traditional roles like police officers or firefighters, leading him to create the story of Officer Black Belt.
Kim Woo-bin and Kim Sung-kyun visited the Suwon Probation Office prior to filming to gain insights into the real-life duties of probation officers. Kim Woo-bin reflected, “Meeting real probation officers and hearing their stories made us realize the incredible work they do that we were previously unaware of.”
To fully embody Lee Jeong-do, Kim Woo-bin trained extensively in taekwondo, judo, and kendo, working closely with a martial arts director to perfect the action sequences. He expressed excitement about Lee Jeong-do’s character development, noting, “Lee Jeong-do evolves from a young man seeking only enjoyment into a dedicated martial arts instructor. His journey and the emotions he experiences were truly impactful.”
Kim Sung-kyun shared that his visit to the probation office revealed the multifaceted role of probation officers, who do more than just manage or restrain individuals—they actively help them reintegrate into society. He emphasized, “I focused on portraying the human aspect of probation officers, something that machines cannot replicate,” highlighting the challenges he faced in delivering an authentic performance.
Director Kim Joo-hwan described Officer Black Belt as “a story about an ordinary young man who discovers his ability to contribute to the world and gradually transforms into a small-scale hero.” He aimed to blend genre-specific excitement with a heartfelt message, resulting in a film that features both thrilling action and impressive spectacle.
With its fresh take on the concept of ‘black belt officers,’ the dynamic performances of Kim Woo-bin and Kim Sung-kyun, and director Kim Joo-hwan’s attention to detail, Officer Black Belt is set to premiere on Netflix on September 13.
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