Secret Idol: What We Know About The New K-pop Spy Film Under Lee Jung Jae's Studio
It seems more Korean-made movies are going global, thanks to exciting partnerships with international companies. Recently, news outlets revealed that a South Korean production studio led by 'Squid Game' star Lee Jung Jae (이정재) has partnered up with a UK-based production company to work on a K-pop spy film.
Tentatively titled 'Secret Idol', the movie is about a spy who goes undercover as a K-pop idol trainee. The movie is still in its early stages, but there are already a few notable details about the project. Here's what we know about the film so far:
It's A Collaboration Between Lee Jung Jae's Studio & A Top UK Production Company
The upcoming movie is a collaboration between Artist Studio and Imaginarium Productions. The partnership includes the early stages of story development and coordinating production strategies. The two companies are currently discussing the movie's casting, global distribution and expansion of international production partnerships.
Artist Studio, led by Lee Jung Jae, is the content production division of the actors' agency, Artist Group. Meanwhile, Imaginarium Productions was co-founded by actor-director Andy Serkis and producer Jonathan Cavendish. The company is known for its expertise in performance capture and tech-driven storytelling. Some of its current projects include a 'Lord Of The Rings' prequel.
The Movie Revolves Around A Young Spy-Turned-Kpop Trainee
According to news outlets, the live-action film blends the K-pop world with the teen spy action genre. The story follows a secret agent who infiltrates the K-pop industry by going undercover as a K-pop trainee. The character has to navigate fierce competition behind glamorous stages while taking on a global crime syndicate.
Lee Jung Jae Might Also Sign On As Producer & Director
There's no news on what Lee Jung Jae's role is in the movie besides his studio's involvement. However, there is a high chance that the star might sign on as the executive producer for the project and even the director. If true, this wouldn't be the first time Lee Jung Jae helmed a spy movie. The actor's directorial debut was the 2022 South Korean film, 'Hunt', which follows two National Intelligence Service (NIS) agents.
Fans Want BTS Jin & T.O.P In The Cast
Since the movie revolves around the K-pop industry, it's no surprise that fans want a K-pop star in the cast. Some commonly mentioned names in fans' casting include BTS Jin (진) and former Big Bang member T.O.P (Choi Seung Hyun/최승현). Interestingly, T.O.P has played an assassin in the 2009 hit Korean drama 'IRIS' and has co-starred with Lee Jung Jae in 'Squid Game', so he might be a top contender for the spy role.
Since the project is in its planning stage, there's probably another year or two before 'Secret Idol' could see a premiere date. What are your thoughts on the movie so far?
Sources: Allkpop, Chosun, Instagram
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