Son Suk-ku, Ha Jung-woo Board Yoon Jong-bin’s ‘The Generals’ for Netflix

Netflix has begun production on “The Generals” (working title), a Korean political drama directed by Yoon Jong-bin in which Son Suk-ku and Ha Jung-woo play real-life historical figures Roh Tae-woo and Chun Doo-hwan.

The film is Yoon’s first feature since “The Spy Gone North” in 2018. The director previously collaborated with Netflix on “Narco-Saints,” the 2022 crime series that earned wide global viewership. “The Generals” reunites him with Ha Jung-woo, who also appeared in that series.

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The narrative centers on Roh Tae-woo, a man who cultivates a public image as an everyman while working the levers of influence alongside military strongman Chun Doo-hwan. The film traces his long-running bid to step out of Chun’s shadow and claim the top seat himself, examining the web of alliances, rivalries, and institutional maneuvers that defines his ascent.

Son Suk-ku, known internationally for “D.P.” and “A Killer Paradox,” takes the lead role of Roh. Ha Jung-woo, a recurring presence in Yoon’s filmography whose credits include “Assassination” and “Along with the Gods,” plays Chun Doo-hwan, Roh’s former military academy classmate turned authoritarian ruler. Ji Chang-wook, recently seen in “The Worst of Evil,” portrays Heo Hak-seong, a younger academy graduate whom Roh views as a persistent obstacle. Hyun Bong-sik, a veteran of both “Narco-Saints” and “A Killer Paradox,” appears as Jung Ho-joong, a classmate close to both Roh and Chun. Seo Hyun-woo, who featured in Park Chan-wook’s “Decision to Leave,” rounds out the ensemble as Park Cheol-woong, a prosecutor in Roh’s inner circle.

“The Generals” is produced jointly by Moonlight Film, whose slate includes “Narco-Saints” and “Karma,” and Sanai Pictures, behind “Hunt” and “Revolver.” The film will stream exclusively on Netflix.