'The Ugly': Kwon Hae-hyo reunited with Park Jung-min in next, actor to play blind artisan in moving tale of loss and mystery
, known for work on "Train to Busan," shifts from high-action thrills to a more intimate narrative. It centres on Im Young-gyu, portrayed by veteran actor
, a blind master craftsman skilled in seal carving.
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Relying entirely on touch, Young-gyu creates intricate pieces with remarkable precision, earning recognition as an extraordinary artisan despite his lack of sight.
The story follows Young-gyu's son, Im Dong-hwan, played by Park Jung-min, as he investigates the mysterious death of his mother, whose remains were secretly buried for 40 years.
Park Jung-min
takes on dual roles, portraying both the son and a younger version of Young-gyu.
Grief, Craft, and the Beauty in Imperfection
Newly released stills from the film depict Young-gyu in contrasting moments: one focused intently on his craft, using tactile sensitivity to produce detailed work, and another showing him in deep grief at his wife's delayed funeral. For Kwon Hae-hyo, this marks his first role as a blind character. He aimed to convincingly portray someone who, despite being born without sight, crafts beautiful seals, challenging perceptions of possibility and artistry.
To achieve authenticity, he studied seal carving and synchronised his movements with Kwon Hae-hyo's performance, which Kwon described as awe-inspiring in its detail and commitment.
Park Jung-min's performance adds complexity, embodying Young-gyu's youthful determination to overcome challenges while wearing special lenses and a wig for transformation. As the son, he pursues revelations that reshape family history.
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The film draws from Yeon Sang-ho's 2018 graphic novel, incorporating elements of mystery and ethical dilemmas. It also reunites Kwon Hae-hyo and Park Jung-min, who previously collaborated in the 2019 film "Tazza: One Eyed Jack".
Behind the Scenes: Budgets, Buzz, and Key Collaborations
"The Ugly" was produced on a modest budget of 200 million KRW, equivalent to approximately 1.2 crore INR. According to Wikipedia, filming concluded in just three weeks with a small team, demonstrating efficient storytelling without extensive resources.
While pre-release, sources like IMDb indicate a runtime of 1 hour 42 minutes, filled with thriller elements and emotional depth.
The ensemble includes
as the enigmatic wife and mother, whose obscured identity connects to the film's theme of societal flaws and hidden truths. Directed with Yeon Sang-ho's characteristic intimacy, the movie is scheduled for a September 2025 release and has been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival, generating anticipation.
Why This Story Resonates with the Young and Restless
"The Ugly" examines themes of imperfection and concealed realities in a visually driven society, prompting reflection on overlooked aspects of life. It combines emotional intensity with subtle humour, making it relevant for those navigating personal uncertainties and seeking narratives that blend mystery with introspection.
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