Actor Lee Joon-gi is reportedly making his long-awaited return to the big screen. According to South Korean industry casting reports, the veteran actor is in talks to play the main villain in the upcoming historical action film Dochabi (working title). Rising star Kim Do-hoon is also reported to lead the film as the main protagonist.

The Reported Plot

The movie is set during the Joseon dynasty.

  • The Hero

    : Kim Do-hoon is in talks to play Tae San, a former military officer hiding in the mountains.

  • The Villain

    : Lee Joon-gi is courted for the role of Lee Do-gwan, a corrupt government official.
Lee Do-gwan plans to frame innocent, marginalized farmers as dangerous barbarians to hunt them down for political gain. Tae San must leave his quiet life to stop him, leading to a high-stakes battle.

Why This Project is Gaining Attention

  • End of a 19-Year Movie Hiatus:

    This would be his first major South Korean cinematic release since his breakout performance in the 2005 classic The King and the Clown. He has focused entirely on television dramas for nearly two decades.

  • First Major Villain Role

    : Famous for portraying deeply empathetic or tragic heroes, this project would mark his first time playing a cold, uncompromising villain.

  • Creative Reunion

    : Reports note that Lee has a close relationship with the production company, and the director of Dochabi previously served as an assistant director on The King and the Clown.

The Creative Team

The film is backed by a powerhouse crew:

Director

: Ahn Tae-jin, who directed the critically acclaimed, award-winning historical thriller The Night Owl.

Writer

: Hwang Sung-goo, known for writing The King's Warden.
Production for the film is reportedly looking to begin principal photography in August 2026
Lee Joon-gi is globally famous for his legendary film breakout The King and the Clown (2005). He later cemented his status as a top star through hit dramas like Iljimae (2008), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), Flower of Evil (2020), and Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (2023). Meanwhile, rising actor Kim Do-hoon gained massive international popularity through his roles in the 2023 hit series Moving and the suspense thriller The Escape of the Seven.