On Sept 10, a press briefing was held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Seoul for Netflix’s upcoming film “Officer Black Belt.” The event featured director Kim Joo-hwan alongside lead actors Kim Woo-bin and Kim Sung-kyun.
“Officer Black Belt,” directed by Kim Joo-hwan—known for “Midnight Runners” and the Netflix series “Bloodhounds”—follows the story of Lee Jung-do (played by Kim Woo-bin), an ordinary man who holds nine black belts across taekwondo, kendo, and judo. He is offered the role of a “martial arts officer” by probation officer Kim Sun-min (played by Kim Sung-kyun), tasked with monitoring individuals wearing electronic monitoring bracelets to prevent crimes. The film provides a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked roles of martial arts officers and probation officers, highlighting their everyday heroism.
Since 2008, South Korea has used electronic monitoring devices to track high-risk repeat offenders. Martial arts officers collaborate with probation officers, stepping in when situations escalate to verbal or physical confrontation. They not only assist in supervision but also provide support during interviews.
Director Kim Joo-hwan revealed his inspiration for the film came after noticing someone in his neighborhood wearing an electronic bracelet. To accurately portray the world of martial arts officers and probation officers, he consulted with professionals in the field during the film’s development.
Both Kim Woo-bin and Kim Sung-kyun acknowledged that they were initially unfamiliar with these roles. To get into character, they met with real-life officers, giving them a newfound appreciation for the work behind the scenes.
Kim Woo-bin, who plays Lee Jung-do, shared, “I was intrigued by my character’s journey—from someone who used to just hang out with his friends to someone who finds meaning and duty in his new role. I hope the audience connects with that change.” He underwent rigorous martial arts training, spending three to four hours a day practicing for three months. He also gained around 8 kg and changed his hair color to fully embody the character’s commanding presence.
Kim Sung-kyun shared his enthusiasm for collaborating with Kim Joo-hwan, stating, “I’ve always admired the vibrant, well-crafted storytelling in Director Kim’s previous works, so I was excited to join this movie. I was also looking forward to working with Kim Woo-bin.” After visiting a probation office, he realized that probation officers do more than just monitor offenders—they also serve as mentors, providing both guidance and support. “I aimed to reflect that in my portrayal,” he added.
Officer Black Belt is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on Sept 13.
