Actor Joo Won is reportedly in discussions to star in the upcoming historical action film The Sword: A Legend of the Red Wolf, potentially alongside Park Bo Gum. On January 6, Korean media outlet News1 reported that the film is preparing to begin production, with Joo Won positively considering the role. His agency, Ghost Studio, confirmed, “Joo Won is in positive talks to appear in The Sword: A Legend of the Red Wolf.”
Set two years after the fall of Goguryeo’s Pyongyang Castle, the film follows a warrior who has lost his memory and becomes entangled in a ruthless struggle among five factions competing for the Sword of Godumakhan, a legendary weapon deeply tied to Goguryeo’s history. The story blends large-scale conflict with personal fate, promising an epic historical narrative driven by action and intrigue.
The project marks the latest work from director Kim Han Min, known for his successful historical blockbusters such as War of the Arrows, The Admiral: Roaring Currents, Hansan: Rising Dragon, and Noryang: Deadly Sea. Given his track record, expectations are already high for the film’s scale and execution.
Joo Won is reportedly considering the role of Gyepilharyeok (Qibi Heli), a figure of Göktürk origin who later becomes a warrior of the Tang Dynasty. Caught in the turbulence of the era, the character ultimately betrays Goguryeo and sides with its enemies, adding moral complexity and dramatic tension to the story. Previously, Park Bo Gum was revealed to be in talks for a leading role, with Cha Seung Won also rumored to be part of the cast.
Having demonstrated his versatility through dramas such as Bridal Mask, Alice, and Stealer: The Treasure Keeper, Joo Won’s potential involvement in The Sword: A Legend of the Red Wolf has already sparked anticipation, as audiences look forward to his next transformation on the big screen.
