The race is on to catch a legendary con man in crime thriller Master

74 September 14, 2016December 20, 2016

The race is on to catch a legendary con man in crime thriller Master

by girlfriday

You know, I’m normally sad when actors leave dramaland to return to films, but in the case of Kim Woo-bin (Uncontrollably Fond), I’m much happier to see him back in his element, being a badass in crime thrillers instead of moping around in melodramas. It looks like we’re in for a fun caper with the new crime action thriller Master, starring Lee Byung-heon (Inside Men) as a legendary con artist and Kang Dong-won (A Violent Prosecutor) as the cop determined to catch him.

The newest project from director Jo Eui-seok of hit thriller Cold Eyes is another crime chase movie, this time about catching an elusive conman who runs a crime syndicate called One Network. Lee Byung-heon is their legendary leader, President Jin, while Kim Woo-bin plays the brains of the operation, General Park. Jin Kyung (who just played Kim Woo-bin’s mom in Uncontrollably Fond) will be his mom again, but only in code name — she plays Mom Kim, One Network’s director of public relations. Something tells me her job doesn’t entail press releases.

Then on the side of the law we have Kang Dong-won, in his first role ever as a policeman. Not even a dirty one? I’m shocked. He’s a detective team leader with brains and charm, who stops at nothing to take down One Network. Eom Ji-won (The Phone) is a police lieutenant who specializes in white-collar crimes, and Oh Dal-soo (Tunnel) is a prosecutor-turned-lawyer.

In the first teaser, Lee Byung-heon asks, “A con? And what do you think that would be called in denominations of trillion?” Kang Dong-won preps his investigation team to stop them and says, “We will close this case perfectly and cut off the head that’s rotted.” With both sides prepared for battle, Kim Woo-bin announces the start of the race. Kang Dong-won’s secret weapon will be Kim Woo-bin, who will become the linchpin in this cops-versus-robbers chase. The question is: Will he betray Lee Byung-heon, or is he double-crossing the detective who’s trying to bring them down?

Master is slated to hit theaters in December.

Via Xports News

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1 tifla

September 14, 2016 at 7:08 AM

Lee Byunghun is a legend. Always looking forward to his films and his roles.

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miow

September 14, 2016 at 4:13 PM

i know his personality is Jerk . but i always love his work ( but not mention his last hollywood's projects ). his korean projects mostly impressed me .

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2 ObsessedMuch

September 14, 2016 at 7:14 AM

Ooooh! Kim Woo Bin is back! The trailer looks so interesting!

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3 shenelini

September 14, 2016 at 7:24 AM

King Dongwon + bad boy Woobin + Lee Byunghyun rocking incredibly sexy grey hair = a must watch

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muriell812

September 14, 2016 at 9:06 AM

Exactly what you said!

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Sua

September 14, 2016 at 8:53 PM

There's Lee Byeong Heong with sexy gray hair, and then there's me. Why can't I look sexy with white hair like that? -.-

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4 cheekbones

September 14, 2016 at 7:29 AM

Kim Woo-bin in a suit is a sin, really.

I think I've seen all of his projects so far, and I certainly hope I'll catch this one also.

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Nessie

September 14, 2016 at 2:16 PM

Agreed, all men in suits within this film is a sin haha After seeing Woobin do UF, it made me realize why he took on that drama. It really was an opportunity for him to show his acting chops in a different genre. It's easily to typecast him as the bad guy.

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5 blo

September 14, 2016 at 7:36 AM

Kang Dong-won! My love!

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6 faith

September 14, 2016 at 7:57 AM

at least woobin found his niche in chungmuro land...
i wonder what niche for LJS in chungmuro?

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siesta

September 14, 2016 at 8:09 AM

with his build and face KWB can be anything in chungmuro imo.. LJS is more limited in that sense (as he himself acknowledged)
but who knows, with his ever improving acting chops LJS could sell characters which we would never have thought someone with his face/overall image could play

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pogo

September 14, 2016 at 8:56 AM

Exactly, and let's not forget that the OG Flower Boy himself, Lee Jun-ki, is now a respected action/sageuk actor.

There's no saying what turns LJS' career may take - looks can be misleading.

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siesta

September 14, 2016 at 6:14 PM

yup. but more than looks i think what he really needs is to break free from his image, to take a risk and choose a role that is very different from his previous ones, something like wolf boy for SJK or attorney(?) for siwan.. if he could downright ugly-fy himself so people won't be distracted from his acting (nope, dalpo's mane of shame does not count lol).. playing joon-gil in HYB was quite risky but i want something more drastic haha

reading his interview i gotta wonder if he's actually limiting himself from such roles out of fear/self-consciousness or smthg

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pogo

September 14, 2016 at 7:30 PM

I think 'serial killer' counts as very, very different from his past roles lol. I can't wait for his next movie!

kanz

September 15, 2016 at 5:32 PM

I hope LJS would take sageuk projects next, The Face Reader is not enough!
Then he could try his luck playing law enforcement officers like police/lawyer/prosecutor with shady past or something that will make us guesses until the end. Or downright son of the b*tch like YAI in Veteran.

faith

September 14, 2016 at 9:00 AM

well. with W2W. we definitely he has a creepy smile... will pretty and harmless antagonist suit him?hehehe

SERIAL KILLER LJS coming through!!

sorry if i derail this comment section with LJS

woobin is still a bae,,, and this will guarantee hit on theater with KDW and LBH name on it!!

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faith

September 14, 2016 at 9:02 AM

*we definitely know*

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fab

September 15, 2016 at 3:38 AM

Thankfully Chungmuro is much more than blockbusters, and with LSJ's acting he can put in memorable performances in almost all genres.

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sergio

September 14, 2016 at 2:31 PM

this niche is too small for KWB.

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missjb

September 14, 2016 at 10:19 PM

Based on his performances in W, Lee Jung Suk is in chung mu ro for eye candy... his acting is not there yet for challenging role

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Purrpal

September 15, 2016 at 1:56 AM

Meh. I think LJS's acting is top-notch. Just check out The Face Reader (2013). His story arc moved me to tears.

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faith

September 15, 2016 at 4:23 AM

heh.... his story in face reader is too depressing for me to rewatch :(

but i do remember funny tidbit about this movie...LJS said he looks ugly wearing saeguk hairstlye...especially when it showing his forehead.
i wonder if he interested doing saeguk drama next..

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7 Kiara

September 14, 2016 at 8:09 AM

I'm excited for Oh Dal-su but I'm so tired of action crime thriller. Waiting for patiently for Chunmong to come out.

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8 zia

September 14, 2016 at 8:13 AM

They film here in the Philippines for this movie! Unfortunately, I was not able to see them. huhuhu

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endo

September 14, 2016 at 9:35 AM

jeongmal?!

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CaLex

September 14, 2016 at 6:47 PM

really? aww,, i would have wanted to meet Kang Dong Won

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profilerrynn

September 15, 2016 at 1:28 AM

OMG!! I remembered that. Like I only live Makati and yet I was surprised when I saw pictures of him in Greenbelt... So close yet so far...
http://www.mb.com.ph/kim-woo-bin-spotted-in-makati-manila/

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9 Lux

September 14, 2016 at 8:45 AM

Wow, the trailer's out already! It seems like yesterday when they went to Manila to film (...and here is the part where it dawns to me that 2016 is ending soon.......)

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10 pogo

September 14, 2016 at 8:58 AM

It's funny to think how much I've come to enjoy Kang Dong-won after he emerged from the army.

I like the cast on this one, it should be a fun caper if nothing else.

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11 Folding_Castles

September 14, 2016 at 9:05 AM

I'm hoping to pitch a movie idea to Kang Dong Won's agency. The movie will be a 90 minute continuous shot of his face and it's tentatively titled "You're Welcome".

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Diana Hansen

September 14, 2016 at 9:15 AM

i'd watch it!

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damianna

September 14, 2016 at 9:22 PM

Needs.To.Happen.

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Purrpal

September 15, 2016 at 1:58 AM

I can watch this on loop forever~!

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12 CatoCat

September 14, 2016 at 9:08 AM

The trailer and back ground music looks cool. Kim Woo Bin looking more appealing here.

Note: It would be better if actors pics their name could be mentioned The way they are mentioned in News Post of the week. This will help to identify who is who.

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13 blues

September 14, 2016 at 9:10 AM

Will there be a day when we can see Kang Dong-won twice a week?

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faith

September 14, 2016 at 9:23 AM

maybe.... if the drama worth of his standard...
i heard he uncomfortable doing rom-com...is that correct?

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pogo

September 14, 2016 at 9:23 AM

Not if he can help it, apparently he's said as much.

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mary

September 14, 2016 at 1:17 PM

I went to his actor profile and it lists 16 movies.

So a new fan can set aside 8 weeks and watch him 2x a week just like a kdrama. XD

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purpleowl

September 14, 2016 at 5:50 PM

Lol, thanks for the advice, mary!

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kanz

September 15, 2016 at 5:34 PM

I hope tvN will offer him some good roles. If he's uncomfortable doing romcom and romance in general, he could play in action/thriller/mystery or sageuk right??

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14 sergio

September 14, 2016 at 10:35 AM

I have such a big problem, with people trying to box KWB into one role, not giving him freedom, to do every genre, that he wants. He is an actor with good potential, don't make him stick in one role, just because you like it. He is young and can try everything, be it successful or not.

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faith

September 14, 2016 at 10:43 AM

well he definitely smexy everytime he does this kind of cunning and smart roles...

does he ever imply that he wants to do any other type of character before?
i heard a lot of not-so-good thing about sidus...are they that controlling about the type of roles he can choose?

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sergio

September 14, 2016 at 2:30 PM

I think all agencies to some extend control their young stars and KWB is not yet there to dictate his every step, so who knows. But Sidus was known for having pretty scary reputation in the past, I dunno about how much they changed nowadays with new CEO. But I do think, that he jumped to take roles in Uncontrollably Fond and Master himself. First was written by well-known melodrama writer, with challenging role and overall melodrama/romance genre was something new to him (and imo, he did a perfect job), while Master is opportunity to work with some big and respected names in industry, even if concept and role nothing special.

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pogo

September 15, 2016 at 1:11 PM

Uncontrollably Fond was written by Lee Kyung-hee, who has had a SidusHQ actor in every single one of her projects since Sang-doo.

While I'm sure working with a hit melo writer was a draw for him, I really doubt that he took up UF against his agency's wishes, or that they discouraged him.

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sergio

September 16, 2016 at 3:54 AM

I don't know, if scenario like LKH asked KWB be her leading man (has been conformed by UF production company Samhwa Network) and after reading synopsis he liked it, saw it as opportunity to work with acclaimed writer, then discussed it with his company and they all agreed it's good idea and moved together with it to create a drama didn't come into your mind. You know, scenario where no one forced anyone and no one opposed anyone, while working on melodrama still KWB own desire. Huh, fantastic, right?

15 mk

September 14, 2016 at 10:44 AM

I love Jin Kyung so much. Her cameo in Assassination was amazing.

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16 mary

September 14, 2016 at 1:18 PM

That small sound effect at the end of the trailer had me looking under my desk thinking I dropped a key (even if I didn't have one on me right now)...

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Flightey Gazelles

September 15, 2016 at 4:08 AM

lol!

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17 Killerpearls

September 14, 2016 at 4:03 PM

Kim Woo-Bin in a suit ????

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18 spazmo

September 14, 2016 at 4:17 PM

YAY Kang Dong Won!!!!
<3

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spazmo

September 14, 2016 at 4:18 PM

what's with that 17... oops.

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mary

September 15, 2016 at 12:17 PM

You were reset 16x?

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19 rowanharper

September 14, 2016 at 4:20 PM

Love the cast- and so much eye candy. Maybe I'll have to watch this one when it comes out. I hope Jin Kyung and KWB have lots of scenes together. They had great acting chemistry in UF.

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20 Franbergh II

September 14, 2016 at 4:35 PM

finally the real Kim Woo Bin! ?

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21 purpleowl

September 14, 2016 at 5:53 PM

Not going to lie, I miss dramaland Woob. Excepting UF because I'm still watching, I haven't seen him since Heirs.

I'll get the Chungmuro one of these days.

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22 lindl

September 14, 2016 at 7:59 PM

So! Much! Pretty!

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23 summer

September 14, 2016 at 8:11 PM

I'm not against woo bin. I love him but he is not yet reach to same level of acting together with KDW and LBH.

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missjb

September 14, 2016 at 8:42 PM

I understand if you say Lee Byung Hun, but Kang DOng WOn? please... SOng Hye Kyo outshine him in My brilliant Life. After watching him in UF, if KWB really determine he can outshine Kang Dong WOn.

And really Kim Woo Bin? I hate it when he is acting like a bad guy, his facial expression make it obvious "i'm the bad guy" facial exp. like in Heirs, at times, It's just too much. He can show emotion more than that. Being the bad guy doesn't mean he should make it obvious.

he should be stick with the right director like Park Hyun Suk. Because he turn down alot of that expression in UF..

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sergio

September 14, 2016 at 10:32 PM

@missjb You always down play/down water KWB acting and understanding what and where he is acting. The Heirs had all that a bit of loud acting from him (after School 2013, it was indeed loud acting), because it aimed for simplistic characterization of sarcastic and a lot of time dispicable character. He suppose to act entertaining and simple to undersand. KES likes to write scripts with this kind of characters a lot (even leads fall victim sometimes) and it was aimed to immature audience. Even in White Christmas, he suppose to be that red hair-noisy personality-obviously mad and troubled character.
Now script from LKH and genre itself asked from him more subtitle, more mature acting and considering, that half of the cast (including leading lady and a lot of secondary characters) had trouble with acting, even under PD's instructions, I doubt it was his doing. Probably he just supported KWB, while he himself has good deal of understanding his characters and their feelings, because I will be honest, but I think a lot of trouble with UF was on how dry PD interpreted script and couldn't elevate material more.

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missjb

September 15, 2016 at 7:29 AM

Well.... Is it okay if I critics his acting? He is in the process to grow as an actor. compare to his peers model turn actor aound his age, , he is one of the most promising. But At times he is just act like to make it obvious he is the bad guy. No wonder he get typecast because of that... It's a minor complain I had for him in the past...

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sergio

September 16, 2016 at 3:29 AM

I didn't say you can't. Doesn't mean I can't disagree with you.

sergio

September 14, 2016 at 10:10 PM

There is nothing in KWD and LBH acting (and in action movie non the less), that KWB can't match in acting, charisma and handsomeness departments.

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pogo

September 15, 2016 at 1:08 PM

This isn't a popular opinion, but I have to agree - Kang Dong-won has really taken great pains to stretch himself as an actor beyond the appeal of his sheer physical presence.

It's worth remembering that by Kim Woo-bin's current age, Kang Dong-won had already done Maundy Thursday, Duelist, Voice of Murderer, M and Woochi - wildly varying projects and roles all. No typecasting boxes for him!

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summer

September 15, 2016 at 9:06 PM

@pogo

true that !!! I dunno why woo bin fans feel defensive but KDW also come from modeling and look at where he's at. I love KWB don't get me wrong but he has to be smart about choosing project.

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sergio

September 16, 2016 at 3:46 AM

@pogo, as always against KWB, what's new lol
I think I clearly commented over this part "I’m much happier to see him back in his element, being a badass in crime thrillers instead of moping around in melodramas". But yeah, it's better to jump on "KWB plays same role" for you. Not even gonna comment on other part, because it would lead to your answer and I have no desire to discuss with you further.
@summer, I do think, that KWD and LBH great actors, but I don't think, that they're some unreachable stars, with whom you can't play unless you're some award winning senior. All these upcoming stars start from somewhere, there was a time, when LBH and KWD played with much experienced actors. This is a simple big budged crime thriller. You're the one, who is protecting KWD and LBH, like they're some virgins. Also what KWB's choosing projects has to do with him not being good enough to play with KWD and LBH... Nevermind, I'm sick of this place.

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pogo

September 16, 2016 at 11:12 PM

@sergio - you are both hilarious and inaccurate.

I'm a huge Kim Woo-bin fan (receipts going back almost 4 years if you need them), and offering up a simple opinion on his acting not quite being at the level to match Kang Dong-won at the same age, does not mean I'm "against" him. And neither does disagreeing with your claims that other actors are inferior to him.

You're probably best off not coming to dramabeans anymore, since you clearly can't handle civil disagreement.

24 primaoptima

September 14, 2016 at 11:40 PM

IMO Kim Woo-bin is a better actor than LJS but LJS can carry a drama more than him.

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sergio

September 15, 2016 at 12:03 AM

I feel like I'm defense force beyond KWB or what. Can't help it, if I'm disagree. In LJS first leading role he had LBY to carry on drama and support him, also with less melodramatic script. Neither do I think, KWB fall short in leading man department. On the other hand, what LJS has to do with movie Master, that you all bring him into conversation.

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faith

September 15, 2016 at 4:29 AM

i think im the one who start this LJS...im sorry if you are offended... dont worry woobin is not some wooden actors in dramaland and chungmuro ... he still can hold his worth in front of other veteran actors... dont worry...

I bring LJS in this because of im remembering their friendship and the different of niche they have in drama and chungmuro and im just curious what will LJS niche is because Woobin looks so comfortable and badass everytime he acts in the film

once again im sorry for taking the attention away from main purpose of this article.

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sergio

September 15, 2016 at 4:46 AM

I'm not worried. KWB already was good in Friend 2 (his drunk scene was so good) holding out aganist much experienced actors, while being greener in acting, than before. He proved once more, that he shines the best, when his partners acting also great, when he acted aganist JK and YOS in UF. What KWB is lacking is meeting that one script and that one director, who cloud showcase his true potential and talent at maximum.

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sergio

September 15, 2016 at 4:47 AM

And I do think, that talks about LJS unnecessary. They don't come as package deal.

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missjb

September 15, 2016 at 7:33 AM

Well, Lee Jong SUk is a mediocre actor, there I said it. No way He can carry SHin Joon Young Char like Woo Bin did.

pogo

September 15, 2016 at 12:59 PM

@missjb - you'll never know if LJS could carry the role of Shin Joon-young, for the simple reason that he wasn't cast in it.

And he's carried a messier drama than UF more or less on his own before this - quite a feat for a supposedly mediocre actor.

sergio

September 16, 2016 at 3:26 AM

@missjb, lmfao, you will anger LJS fans and they will eat you alive. They will tell you how wrong you're to judge LJS for one or other reason, but then will go and judge other actors for exact same reasons. One this note, I'm done with this place.