Latest news with #SecretIdol
Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
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 What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Korea Herald
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Lee Jung-jae's studio teams with 'Lord of the Rings' producer for K-pop spy film
'Squid Game' star expands into global production with genre-blending thriller Artist Studio, the production banner headed by actor Lee Jung-jae, has signed a development partnership with UK-based Imaginarium Productions to co-create a global K-pop spy thriller, the companies announced Monday. The collaboration will bring "Secret Idol" (working title) to the screen -- a live-action thriller that blends the glitzy world of K-pop with high-stakes espionage. The plot centers on a secret agent who goes undercover as a K-pop trainee to take down an international crime ring. The two companies are collaborating from script development through production, with discussions underway for casting Hollywood actors and securing global distribution and international co-production deals, officials said. Lee, who began as a fashion model before becoming a household name in Korean cinema, rose to global fame through his Emmy-winning performance in Netflix's "Squid Game." In addition to his recent appearance in Disney+'s "The Acolyte," Lee made his directorial debut in 2022 with the spy action film "Hunt." In 2016, he co-founded the management agency Artist Company with longtime friend and fellow actor Jung Woo-sung ("Steel Rain," "12.12: The Day"). Its production arm, Artist Studio, now operates within Lee's expanded entertainment group following recent consolidation. The company served as distributor for two films last year: "Following" and "One Win." Imaginarium Productions was founded in 2011 by Andy Serkis -- known for his motion-capture roles in "The Lord of the Rings" and "Planet of the Apes" -- and Jonathan Cavendish, producer of "Bridget Jones's Diary." The company is currently prepping "The Hunt for Gollum," a "Lord of the Rings" prequel with Warner Bros.
Pink Villa
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Squid Game star Lee Jung Jae's agency teams up with UK studio for Secret Idol: All we know about K-pop spy thriller
South Korea's Artist Company has entered into an ambitious creative partnership with the U.K.'s Imaginarium Productions. This newly announced collaboration, revealed on May 26, sets the stage for the production of Secret Idol. It is an innovative live-action film that seeks to merge the pulsating energy of the K-pop industry with the intense suspense of a global espionage thriller. Founded by Korean film icons Lee Jung Jae and Jung Woo Sung, Artist Company has become a respected name in the Korean entertainment landscape. Long before Lee Jung Jae 's international breakout role in Squid Game, the studio had already been making waves as a talent-driven production house, It represents a roster of top-tier Korean actors such as Kim Hye Yoon, Lim Ji Yeon, Park Hae Jin, Won Jin Ah, Choi Yi Hyun, among others. With this new international venture, the company takes a bold step into the global film market. This signals its intent to become a cross-border creative powerhouse. The film at the heart of this partnership, Secret Idol, offers a unique and genre-defying premise. In this, a covert intelligence operative goes undercover as a K-pop trainee, immersing themselves in the hyper-competitive idol training system. At the same time, they pursue a high-stakes mission against a dangerous global crime syndicate. The story promises to bring high-octane action with plot twists. It will also provide a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the pressure-cooker world of K-pop, where stardom comes at a cost and appearances are everything. What sets this project apart is not only its original concept but also the deep level of collaboration between the two production companies. Artist Company and Imaginarium Productions are working closely together from the earliest stages of development. They are co-creating the story, visual style, and production plan. There is already talk of assembling an international cast, with interest in including both Korean and Western talent. Additionally, both companies are in discussions with potential global distributors and co-producers, aiming to give Secret Idol a truly international release. Imaginarium Productions was co-founded in 2011 by performance-capture pioneer and actor-director Andy Serkis and producer Jonathan Cavendish. The studio's portfolio includes feature films like Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, The Ritual, as well as The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself. Currently, the company is in pre-production on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Meanwhile, Secret Idol stands out as a project with the potential to break new ground. With its fresh concept, strong creative backing, and cross-continental collaboration, the film could serve as a cultural bridge between East and West. Fans of both K-pop and spy thrillers are already buzzing with anticipation. They are eager for more details as production ramps up.
