Koo Kyo Hwan Stars in the Film 'REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED', Premiering September 30, 2026

Kapanlagi.com - Following the success of COLONY, Koo Kyo Hwan is preparing to greet audiences again through the latest film, REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED, which will be released in theaters on September 30, 2026. This adaptation of a popular webtoon comes as an action-packed project with a tone of surprise, preceded by a teaser lasting less than a minute that immediately grabs attention.

In this film, Koo Kyo Hwan plays Seok Hwan, an unemployed job seeker with unfounded confidence until he realizes his ability to resurrect 72 hours after dying. This discovery drags him into a mysterious chase from those who know his secret.

One highlighted moment in the initial promotional material showcases Seok Hwan's relaxed demeanor in the midst of a dangerous situation.

"Did I die the wrong way? Why is my neck so stiff?" Seok Hwan expresses in the teaser.

1. First Teaser Highlights Seok Hwan's Strength

Poster REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED (credit: Lotte Entertainment)

The REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED teaser opens with Seok Hwan being attacked by a group of unknown people. Three days after losing his life, he suddenly opens his eyes and rises as if nothing happened, accompanied by on-screen text affirming his ability to come back to life 72 hours post-death.

The promotional material shows an interesting pattern: the more often Seok Hwan rises, the more his strength is depicted as increasing. This dynamic becomes the main catalyst for conflict, as he then becomes the target of parties who know this secret.

The second half of the teaser consists of a series of dangerous scenes through quick and energetic editing, including the iconic moment when Seok Hwan casually poses a question that contrasts with the urgent situation. Alongside this, the official poster emphasizes the film's unique vibe: Seok Hwan stands casually with a lollipop in his mouth, a wall behind him riddled with bullet holes, his face covered in wounds, and his hair bright red, marking his transformation from an ordinary job seeker to a figure with super abilities.

2. Supporting Cast and Their Roles

A lineup of supporting actors strengthens the story. Shin Seung Ho, known for his role as Hwang Jang Soo in D.P. and Go Won in ALCHEMY OF SOULS, plays Black, a ruthless figure who hunts down Seok Hwan after discovering his secret.

Kang Ki Young, whose name soared through EXTRAORDINARY ATTORNEY WOO, EXIT, and THE NEGOTIATION, appears as Young Ha. He is Seok Hwan's loyal friend who stands by him in times of danger, while also injecting warmth and humor into the main character's journey.

Meanwhile, Kim Si Ah, known through MISS BAEK and KILL BOKSOON, plays Ye Rin, Seok Hwan's sister who consistently believes in and supports her brother's struggle to find work. Completing the main lineup, Kim Sung Ryung, who has appeared in THE CALL and BELIEVER, plays Mi Joo, a researcher involved in the mysterious project behind this film's story.

3. Behind the Scenes and Release Schedule

REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED is directed by Baek Jong Yeol, the filmmaker behind THE BEAUTY INSIDE and BELIEVER 2. The production is handled by Yong Film, the production house that previously worked on MERCY FOR NONE, ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS, 20TH CENTURY GIRL, BELIEVER, LUCK-KEY, and THE BEAUTY INSIDE. The distribution of this film is under Lotte Entertainment.

The release schedule is set for September 30, 2026, coinciding with the busy period of Korean film releases leading up to and during the Chuseok holiday. On September 16, THE INTERN will be released first as the Korean remake of the American film of the same name, telling the story of Sun Woo (Han So Hee), a young CEO of a fashion brand whose life changes with the arrival of Ki Ho (Choi Min Sik), a senior intern.

The holiday season will also be enlivened by THE ASSASSIN(S), a mystery thriller directed by Hur Jin Ho that delves into the investigation behind the assassination attempt on the First Lady on August 15, 1974, starring Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, and Lee Min Ho. Additionally, TAZZA: THE SONG OF BELZEBUB concludes the two-decade franchise with a conflict between two characters with the same name, Jang Tae Young (Byun Yo Han) and Park Tae Young (Noh Jae Won), in the global gambling scene.

4. Koo Kyo Hwan's Career Journey and Upcoming Projects

Since his debut in 2008, Koo Kyo Hwan has been known as a versatile actor who smoothly jumps between genres through titles like ESCAPE FROM MOGADISHU, PENINSULA, D.P., and ESCAPE. By the end of 2025, he starred in ONCE WE WERE US, which garnered around 2.6 million viewers, and then led the JTBC drama WE ARE ALL TRYING HERE.

Most recently, he had a significant role in the disaster thriller film COLONY, released last May, which recorded 5.95 million viewers. REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED became his first full-scale action project, allowing him to blend his signature playful style with more intense action choreography.

Looking ahead, Koo Kyo Hwan is preparing for the project THE GARDENERS alongside Song Kang Ho, as well as the psychological thriller film WHITE BLAST. With a competitive box office landscape at the end of September, the public is eagerly awaiting his appearance as REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED officially premieres.

(kpl/rsp)