'Hansan Redux' Director Kim Han-min: "Broadly Exploring Human Yi Sun-sin and Ordinary Heroes"

Director Kim Han-min. Photo by Lotte Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Director Kim Han-min expressed confidence that the director's extended version of 'Hansan: Rising Dragon,' titled 'Hansan Redux,' which adds 21 minutes and 15 seconds, "will be a work that shows more of Yi Sun-sin's anguish and strategic thinking."

'Hansan Redux,' set to be released on the 16th, deals with the untold stories of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's anguish and those who fought in the naval battle that determined Joseon's fate during the early stages of the Imjin War in 1592.

On the 9th, Director Kim conveyed through Lotte Entertainment, "We have more broadly covered the story of the human Yi Sun-sin, the common heroes who fought alongside the admiral, and the conflicts and ambitions of the Japanese commanders." He added, "We expanded the perspective to include stories of common heroes who were active alongside Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the same period, such as the militia. We also added more about the conflicts and situations caused by the ambitions of each Japanese commander to enhance the plausibility of the characters." He also said, "We brought the turtle ship's role to life and spectacularly enhanced the completeness of the naval battle."

He also mentioned Yi Sun-sin's mother and General Kwon Yul. The director explained, "The mother is the only person to whom Admiral Yi Sun-sin can open his heart and relieve the burden of war." He continued, "General Kwon Yul, famous for the Battle of Ichigo Hill and the Siege of Haengju, was portrayed by me, the director, who temporarily put down the megaphone and appeared directly."

Regarding the summer hit 'Hansan: Rising Dragon,' which attracted 7.26 million viewers, he said, "I was deeply moved by the unwavering affection for Korean cinema and felt great fulfillment as a filmmaker."