"Public Enemy Returns" to Shake up the B.O.

The first Korean blockbuster of the summer, "Public Enemy Returns", opens June 19th, just in time to shake up a national box office that has been dominated by Hollywood fare for several weeks. Director Kang Woo-suk brings forth his third installment in the successful franchise that began with "Public Enemy" in 2002.

Star actor Sol Kyung-gu ("Oasis", "Silmido") reprises his original role as Chul-joon, a quick-tempered, tenacious detective on the prowl. Sol also starred in the 2005 installment, "Another Public Enemy", yet playing a completely different character in that film. The new film was penned by writer-director Jang Jin, bringing his trademark humor and wit to the action feature.

The latest film pits detective Chul-joon against Lee Won-sul (played by Jung Jae-young) the chairman of Geo-seong Group. Lee, an affectionate family man running several seemingly legitimate businesses, is really a longstanding mafia boss at the helm of a criminal enterprise. Lee Moon-sik and Yoo Hae-jin join the talented cast.

The feature was produced by KnJ Entertainment with Cinema Service. Major investor CJ Entertainment is distributing. "Public Enemy Returns" will have its International Premiere on July 3 at the 2008 New York Asian Film Festival.

Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)

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