‘Humint’ Action Director Lee Won-haeng: Realistic Tension & Jo In-sung’s Strengths
Vladivostok, Russia – The action thriller ‘Humint’ is captivating audiences with its commitment to realism and emotionally resonant fight choreography, a feat achieved through close collaboration between director Ryoo Seung-wan and stunt director Lee Won-haeng. The film, enjoying a sustained run at the box office thanks to positive word-of-mouth, distinguishes itself from typical action fare by prioritizing plausibility and character-driven intensity over stylistic flourishes.
Lee Won-haeng, in a recent Q&A, detailed his approach to crafting the film’s action sequences, emphasizing the importance of grounding the spectacle in the psychological states and circumstances of the characters. “The most important value of the action in ‘Humint’ is ‘realistic tension’,” Lee explained. “Various elements such as guns, fighting, and chases appear, but the focus is more than anything on ensuring the persuasiveness of the situation. Rather than exaggerating the style, I wanted to preserve the vivid sense of the characters actually colliding and being consumed.”
This dedication to realism extended to minimizing the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), opting instead for practical effects and meticulously coordinated live action. Lee noted that this approach demanded a high level of concentration from both the actors and the crew, particularly during close-quarters combat scenes. “Elements such as timing, distance, and camera movement had to be precisely coordinated rather than flashy movements,” he said. “Sometimes greater tension arises from restrained movements. We focused on the fact that one small detail determines the reality and completeness of the action.”
The director-stunt director relationship is a key component of ‘Humint’s’ success. Lee described Ryoo Seung-wan as a director who views action not merely as a genre requirement, but as an integral part of the story’s emotional core. “Director Ryoo Seung-wan views action as an important element that functions within the flow of story and emotion, rather than simply as a genre attraction,” Lee stated. “He provides guidance on the scene based on the emotion, tension, and rhythm, and the martial arts director designs and adjusts the action accordingly. I think he is a director who emphasizes reality rather than simply stylish action.”
The film’s two lead actors, Zo In-sung and Park Jeong-min, brought distinct qualities to their respective action roles. Lee highlighted Zo In-sung’s “excellent basic body balance and stability of movement,” as well as his extensive action experience, which allowed him to quickly grasp and adapt to the choreography. “Jo In-seong played a decisive role in enhancing the persuasiveness of the scene through constant thinking and active communication,” Lee added.
Park Jeong-min, in contrast, approached the action with a more raw and emotionally charged physicality. Lee explained that his first scene was designed to effectively convey tension and atmosphere, focusing on the weight and rhythm of his movements rather than overt displays of strength. “Even if it was not a flashy movement, we tried to imprint the character’s presence only with the weight and rhythm of the scene,” Lee said. He also noted Park’s ability to move beyond technical proficiency and embody the emotional state of his character.
Lee also discussed the challenges of filming on location overseas, specifically the need to bridge communication gaps with local crew members and ensure consistent safety standards. “The biggest variable in overseas filming goes beyond simple climate or natural environment, but lies in communication with local staff,” he explained. To address this, the team utilized storyboards and pre-visualization techniques to clearly illustrate the action sequences and synchronize movements with the camera work.
When asked about his favorite scene, Lee singled out a staircase action sequence as particularly memorable, noting that it was the first action filmed on location and effectively captured the intensity of a confrontation between characters Park Gun (Park Jung-min) and Assistant Manager Lim (Jung Yu-jin). “Effort was put into the bold movement of jumping off and throwing one’s body between stairs rather than simply running down the stairs,” he said, “and the director also considered these realistic points as important.”
‘Humint’ is currently screening in theaters nationwide, offering audiences a gripping blend of espionage, action, and character-driven drama. The film’s success underscores a growing appetite for action cinema that prioritizes authenticity and emotional depth, a trend that Lee Won-haeng and Ryoo Seung-wan appear to have tapped into with remarkable precision.