{
  "id": 3946672,
  "title": "'Squid Game' director returns with 'K.O. Club,' his first film in 10 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/squid-game-director-returns-with-k-o-club-his-first-film-in-10-years",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T11:17:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/films/20260828/squid-game-director-returns-with-ko-club-his-first-film-in-10-years"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After a 10-year hiatus, the director of the acclaimed Netflix series \"Squid Game,\" Hwang Dong-hyuk, is set to make his return to the big screen with a new film titled \"K.O. Club.\" The production company Firstman Studio announced the news on Thursday and revealed an impressive cast featuring Lee Byung-hun and Oh Jung-se.\n\nThe title \"K.O. Club\" is short for \"Killing Oldmen Club,\" hinting at the film's dystopian setting. In a future where even youth can be bought, the story explores the stark conflict between the privileged few who possess immense wealth and power, unwilling to relinquish their positions, and a younger generation denied opportunities from the very beginning.\n\nHwang Dong-hyuk, known for directing \"The Fortress,\" \"Miss Granny,\" and \"Silenced,\" previously made history with \"Squid Game\" by becoming the first individual to win the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding directing for a non-English-language series. The series has become Netflix's most popular show overall, ranking equally in popularity for both English and non-English language content.\n\nAs anticipation builds for Hwang's comeback to the big screen, audiences are eager to see what the talented director will bring to this new project. The cast lineup featuring Lee Byung-hun and Oh Jung-se further adds to the excitement surrounding \"K.O. Club.\"",
  "summary": "“Squid Game” director Hwang Dong-hyuk is set to return to the big screen after 10 years. Production company Firstman Studio announced Thursday that “K.O. Club” was in the works and unveiled a cast lineup that includes Lee Byung-hun and Oh Jung-se. Short for “Killing Oldmen Club,” the film is set in a future where even youth can be bought. It centers on the conflict between the privileged few who…",
  "key_points": [
    "Hwang Dong-hyuk returns to directing after 10-year break",
    "K.O. Club title refers to \"Killing Oldmen Club\"",
    "Lee Byung-hun and Oh Jung-se star in upcoming film"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "'Squid Game' director returns with 'K.O. Club,' his first film in 10 years",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/squid-game-director-returns-with-k-o-club-his-first-film-in-10-years-3952650",
        "published": "2026-08-28T11:52:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}