A 20 Billion Won Korean Film That Nearly Got Scrapped Finally Unveils Its First Look

''HI-5'' directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol has finally lifted the veil by releasing its first trailer. Scheduled to premiere on June 3, this comic action film follows the story of five individuals who gain superpowers through organ transplants. Despite its hefty production cost of around 20 billion KRW, the film faced delays and the threat of cancellation due to lead actor Yoo Ah-in’s drug scandal.

The trailer, unveiled on April 28, kicks off with a scene where Taekwondo girl Wan-seo (played by Lee Jae-in) soars into the sky. After receiving a heart transplant, Wan-seo gains special abilities and asks, "Did anything change after your surgery?" leading to encounters with other newly-powered individuals. Ji-seong (Ahn Jae-hong), who underwent a lung transplant, showcases extraordinary lung capacity, while Seon-nyeo (Ra Mi-ran) and Yak-seon (Kim Hee-won) reveal their unique abilities after kidney and liver transplants, respectively.

Ji-seong's line, "The villain is among us," introduces Yeong-chun (Park Jin-young), a cult leader who, after a pancreas transplant, gains exceptional powers and relentlessly pursues the five. The fierce showdown between Yeong-chun, who dreams of becoming a supreme being, and the five distinct superhumans heightens the dramatic tension. Notably, the trailer excludes footage of Yoo Ah-in, who is currently on trial for drug-related charges.

Yoo was cast as Ki-dong, a hipster slacker able to detect electronic waves through a corneal transplant, but he will not participate in the film’s promotions. Nevertheless, his silhouette still appears in the official poster alongside the four others, sparking curiosity about his role in the movie.

''HI-5'' completed filming in 2021 but was indefinitely postponed due to Yoo’s scandal during post-production. As a result, director Kang Hyeong-cheol, known for hits like ''Scandal Makers'', ''Sunny'', and ''Tazza: The Hidden Card'', is returning with a new film for the first time in seven years since ''Swing Kids'' in 2018.

The story follows five individuals with vastly different personalities and values as they clash after gaining superpowers, eventually opening up to one another and forming a true bond. Packed with visually spectacular special effects, the film promises refreshing laughs and thrilling action, perfect for cooling down the summer heat.

Director Kang remarked in 2021, after completing filming, "Every movie is a series of challenges, but ''HI-5'' was the biggest challenge since my debut. I hope our efforts will be transformed into joy for the audience." Yoo Ah-in also reflected at the time, saying, "Just like the characters coming together as one, I had a meaningful and happy time with my fellow actors. Thanks to director Kang’s warm leadership, I was able to trust the team deeply, and although filming ended, it feels like a new beginning."

Meanwhile, after starring in ''The Match'', Yoo Ah-in is set to have two films released this year, including ''HI-5''. He was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, and fined 2 million KRW for drug charges during an appeals trial in February. However, the prosecution has appealed, and the final decision is pending from the Supreme Court.

After much delay and concern, ''HI-5'' will finally meet audiences on June 3. Attention is focused on how the unique combination of actors Lee Jae-in, Ahn Jae-hong, Ra Mi-ran, Kim Hee-won, Park Jin-young, and Oh Jung-se, along with Kang Hyeong-cheol’s signature energetic directing style, will come together to create a fresh synergy.

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