Koo Kyo Hwan is returning to the big screen with 'REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED,' which is set to hit theaters on September 30. The actor, who recently starred in 'Colony,' is already generating buzz ahead of the film's release, with a teaser trailer that runs for less than a minute but has quickly raised expectations for the upcoming action movie. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, 'REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED' follows Seok Hwan (played by Koo Kyo Hwan), an unemployed job seeker whose only real asset is his unfounded confidence. He discovers that he possesses the ability to resurrect 72 hours after dying, only to become caught up in a mysterious pursuit. The film will explore the secrets behind Seok Hwan's supernatural ability and the various characters who become entangled in his story through intense action sequences and striking visuals. The newly released teaser opens with Seok Hwan being attacked by an unidentified group. Three days after losing his life, he suddenly opens his eyes as though nothing happened.
A caption reading, "72 hours after death, he came back to life" fills the screen as glimpses of Seok Hwan becoming increasingly powerful with every resurrection heighten curiosity about his unusual ability. From the moment Seok Hwan realizes he can resurrect, he becomes the target of those who have discovered his secret. The latter half of the teaser rapidly condenses the dangerous situations he encounters through energetic editing. One particularly memorable line comes when Seok Hwan casually asks, "Did I die the wrong way? Why is my neck so stiff?" The line captures Koo Kyo Hwan's trademark laid-back delivery even in the middle of a crisis, hinting at a character who will bring both absurdity and humor to the action. With its unusual premise, action, and comedy packed into a fast-paced story, the film is expected to attract considerable attention from moviegoers. The movie is based on the hit webtoon of the same name, which began serialization in 2016 and gained popularity for its distinctive characters and tightly constructed storyline. Baek Jong Yeol, who directed 'The Beauty Inside' and 'Believer 2,' is behind the camera. Yong Film, the production company behind 'Mercy for None,' 'Romantics Anonymous,' '20th Century Girl,' 'Believer,' 'Luck-Key,' and 'The Beauty Inside,' is producing the movie. Lotte Entertainment is handling distribution.
The previously released poster also offers a glimpse at the film's distinctive tone. Seok Hwan stands casually in the middle of a room, a lollipop in his mouth, while bullet holes cover the walls and wounds are visible across his face. The image captures his transformation from an ordinary job seeker into a superpowered man who becomes stronger every time he dies. Koo Kyo Hwan's striking new look, complete with intensely red hair, also immediately draws attention. The tagline, "I died. Then I came back to life," directly conveys the movie's central premise while teasing the hard-hitting action to come.
Another major source of anticipation is the film's ensemble cast. Alongside Koo Kyo Hwan, Shin Seung Ho, Kang Ki Young, Kim Si Ah, and Kim Sung Ryung each bring their own distinct presence to the story. Shin Seung Ho plays Black, a man who discovers Seok Hwan's existence and sets out to capture him. Known for roles including Hwang Jang Soo in Netflix's 'D.P.' and Go Won in 'Alchemy of Souls,' Shin Seung Ho portrays a ruthless character capable of manipulating others at will. His dark presence is expected to add tension to the story. Kang Ki Young takes on the role of Young Ha, Seok Hwan's best friend and a highly capable professional. The actor has earned widespread recognition through projects including 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' 'EXIT,' and 'The Negotiation.' Young Ha remains by his friend's side when Seok Hwan finds himself in danger, bringing warmth and humor to the film. Kim Si Ah plays Ye Rin, Seok Hwan's younger sister, who supports her brother's job search more than anyone and continues to believe in him regardless of the circumstances. Kim Si Ah has built a strong filmography through projects such as 'Miss Baek' and 'Kill Boksoon.' Rounding out the main cast is Kim Sung Ryung, who plays Mi Joo, a researcher involved in a mysterious project. The actress has delivered memorable performances in films including 'The Call' and 'Believer.'
At the center of the anticipation surrounding 'REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED' is Koo Kyo Hwan himself. Since making his debut in 2008, Koo Kyo Hwan has established himself as a versatile actor capable of moving between genres through projects such as 'Escape from Mogadishu,' 'Peninsula,' Netflix's 'D.P.,' and 'Escape.' His recent career has been particularly strong. In the romance film 'Once We Were Us,' which was released on the final day of 2025, he played Lee Eun Ho, a young man who finally enters college after taking the entrance exam three times. The film attracted approximately 2.6 million moviegoers. He subsequently took on a leading role in the JTBC drama 'We Are All Trying Here,' where he portrayed emotional insecurity with subtlety and depth. Then, in the disaster thriller 'COLONY,' released in May, he played a character at the center of the unfolding crisis and contributed to the film's impressive 5.95 million admissions. Having moved effortlessly between romance, drama, and thriller projects, Koo Kyo Hwan has continued to show completely different sides of himself. His distinctive manner of speaking and memorable personality have also made him a popular figure beyond acting, including through variety show appearances. 'REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED' is particularly significant because it marks his first full-scale action project. Through Seok Hwan, who becomes increasingly powerful with every resurrection, Koo Kyo Hwan is expected to combine his trademark playful energy with intense action, creating a character unlike anything he has portrayed before. He also has several upcoming projects lined up, including 'The Gardeners,' in which he will share the screen with Song Kang Ho, and the psychological thriller 'White Blast.' His prolific run is therefore expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
With 'REAWAKEN MAN: THE RED' arriving at the end of September, several major Korean films are also scheduled to hit theaters around the same period. First up is 'The Intern,' a Korean remake of the American film of the same name, which is scheduled to open on September 16. The film follows Sun Woo (Han So Hee), a young CEO who turns her three-year-old fashion brand into one of the industry's rising names. Her life changes when Ki Ho (Choi Min Sik), a senior intern, joins the company as its newest employee. The story explores how two people from completely different generations and backgrounds come to exchange perspectives that neither previously possessed.
The Chuseok holiday movie lineup will then bring two highly anticipated films to theaters.
'The Assassin(s)' is a mystery thriller directed by Hur Jin Ho, known for 'One Fine Spring Day' and 'Christmas in August.' The film follows an investigation into the circumstances and hidden forces behind the attempted assassination of the First Lady on August 15, 1974. Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, and Lee Min Ho lead the cast. Around the same time, 'Tazza: The Song of Belzebub' will arrive as the final installment in the franchise, which has spanned two decades. The film follows Jang Tae Young (Byun Yo Han), who finds success through an online casino business, and Park Tae Young (Noh Jae Won), a friend who shares his name and takes everything away from him. The two reunite in the global gambling world, setting the stage for a revenge-driven showdown. With the fall box office offering a diverse lineup ranging from action fantasy and real-life-inspired mystery thrillers to the conclusion of a long-running franchise, attention is now turning to how Koo Kyo Hwan's first major action role will perform when 'REAWAKEN MAN: THE RE
