K-Drama & Film Royalty Unite! 👑 ‘Handsome Guys’ Director Casts Song Kang-ho, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Kwang-soo & More in Hilarious New Comedy ‘The Gardeners’!
Breaking news from the heart of Korean cinema! Hello Korea can officially confirm that acclaimed director Nam Dong-hyeop, known for his unique genre-bending hit ‘Handsome Guys’, is set to helm a brand new project titled ‘The Gardeners’ (working title). And the cast? A breathtaking assembly of top-tier talent, promising an explosive synergy that has the entire industry buzzing.
On January 14, 2026, the casting lineup was unveiled, revealing a dream team led by none other than legendary actor Song Kang-ho. Joining him are the versatile Koo Kyo-hwan, Hallyu icon Song Seung-heon, variety show darling Lee Kwang-soo, the captivating Shin Hyun-been, and rising star Lee Jae-in in a special appearance. This unexpected combination guarantees an unforgettable cinematic experience.
‘The Gardeners’ (working title) promises a delightful blend of humor and chaos. The story revolves around Choi Young-il (played by Song Kang-ho), a plant-loving civil servant whose sole hobby is horticulture. His quiet life takes a dramatic turn when he partners with Kim Moon-ho (played by Koo Kyo-hwan), the neighborhood’s notorious troublemaker who seems to attract chaos wherever he goes, to jump into the world of gardening entrepreneurship. This unlikely alliance plunges their once-peaceful village into utter pandemonium.
Let’s dive into this spectacular cast and their roles:
- 🪴 Song Kang-ho: As Choi Young-il, the dedicated civil servant with a green thumb, his character is at the heart of the burgeoning horticulture business.
- 🌪️ Koo Kyo-hwan: Portrays Kim Moon-ho, the neighborhood’s lovable yet chaotic troublemaker, whose presence ensures endless comedic situations.
- 🎤 Song Seung-heon: Transforms into Han Cheong-yong, a former K-pop sensation who once dominated the music scene but now finds himself in a downfall following a significant incident.
- 💰 Lee Kwang-soo: Takes on the role of Mr. Song, a lottery shop owner who becomes Choi Young-il’s crucial partner, handling the distribution aspect of their gardening venture.
- 🤫 Shin Hyun-been: Plays Kang Mi-ae, the enigmatic owner of a restaurant who harbors a dangerous secret, adding a layer of mystery to the narrative.
- 🌸 Lee Jae-in: Makes a special appearance as Choi Eun-soo, Young-il’s daughter, completing the family dynamic.
This stellar ensemble is set to deliver explosive acting synergy under the direction of Nam Dong-hyeop. After captivating both audiences and critics with his unique directorial vision in ‘Handsome Guys’, where he masterfully blended occult and comedy genres, anticipation for his next work is incredibly high. We expect nothing less than groundbreaking storytelling from him.
Adding to the excitement, the film is being produced by Hive Media Corp, a powerhouse known for delivering both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Their impressive portfolio includes ‘Handsome Guys’, the record-breaking ‘12.12: The Day’, ‘Harbin’, ‘Deliver Us from Evil’, ‘The Man Standing Next’, and ‘Inside Men’. Their involvement alone is a testament to the project’s potential.
Speaking of talent, the legendary cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo is also joining the crew. Fresh off his Grand Prize win at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards for ‘Harbin’, Hong Kyung-pyo brings a monumental filmography including ‘Deliver Us from Evil’, ‘Parasite’, and ‘Snowpier’. His expertise promises to elevate ‘The Gardeners’ with his distinctive mise-en-scène and visual storytelling.
With such a formidable team both in front of and behind the camera, ‘The Gardeners’ (working title) is poised to be one of the most anticipated releases. The film is currently in pre-production, with a target crank-in date set for 2026. Get ready for a cinematic treat!
The combination of Nam Dong-hyeop’s genre-bending vision with such a diverse and powerhouse cast is a truly exciting prospect. We’re on the edge of our seats to see how this incredible creative energy blossoms on screen.
Stay tuned to Hello Korea for more updates on this highly anticipated film as production gears up!
Editor: Hannah Choi 🎬
