Netflix’s New Korean Political Drama The Generals Starring Son Suk-ku and Ha Jung-woo

Netflix has launched production on a new Korean political drama titled The Generals (working title), a film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yoon Jong-bin and starring Son Suk-ku and Ha Jung-woo in pivotal roles. The project marks Yoon’s first feature film since The Spy Gone North in 2018 and reunites him with Netflix following the success of the 2022 crime series Narco-Saints, which garnered significant global attention.

The film centers on two real-life historical figures from South Korea’s modern political history: former presidents Roh Tae-woo and Chun Doo-hwan. Son Suk-ku will portray Roh Tae-woo, described in Netflix’s official materials as a man who cultivated a public image as an everyman while navigating the complexities of power alongside military strongman Chun Doo-hwan. Ha Jung-woo takes on the role of Chun, depicted as the authoritarian ruler who wielded absolute power during his tenure. The narrative explores Roh’s long-standing ambition to emerge from Chun’s shadow and ascend to the highest office, delving into the intricate web of alliances, rivalries and institutional maneuvers that defined his political journey.

Cast and Creative Team

The film brings together a cast of prominent actors, including Ji Chang-wook, who plays a military academy junior regarded by Roh as a persistent obstacle, and Hyun Bong-sik, known for his role in The Match, who portrays a mutual friend of both Chun and Roh. The collaboration between Yoon Jong-bin and Ha Jung-woo spans multiple projects, including The Unforgiven (2005), Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time (2012), and the Netflix series Narco-Saints (2022). Son Suk-ku, recognized internationally for his roles in D.P. and A Killer Paradox, leads the film as Roh Tae-woo, while Ha Jung-woo, whose filmography includes Assassination and Along with the Gods, takes on the role of Chun Doo-hwan.

Historical Context and Themes

The Generals revisits a turbulent chapter in South Korea’s modern history, focusing on the political dynamics of the late 20th century. Roh Tae-woo served as the country’s 13th president from February 1988 to February 1993, while Chun Doo-hwan ruled from September 1980 to February 1988. The film’s narrative examines the power struggles and political maneuvering that characterized their relationship, offering a dramatized exploration of the events that shaped South Korea’s transition from military rule to democratic governance.

Yoon Jong-bin is known for his work in historical and political dramas that revisit significant moments in Korean history. His previous film, The Spy Gone North, was a critically acclaimed espionage thriller based on true events, further establishing his reputation as a filmmaker capable of blending historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. The Generals continues this tradition, promising to deliver a nuanced portrayal of the figures and forces that defined an era.

Production and Release

Production on The Generals is currently underway, though Netflix has not yet announced an official release date. The film is produced under the banner of Netflix in collaboration with Spring Company, Just Entertainment, and Stannum. Given the platform’s global reach, The Generals is expected to attract a wide international audience, particularly among viewers interested in historical dramas and political narratives.

The project underscores Netflix’s ongoing investment in Korean content, following the success of previous original productions such as Narco-Saints and Squid Game. With its focus on a pivotal period in South Korean history, The Generals is poised to contribute to the growing body of Korean political dramas that explore the complexities of power, ambition, and historical legacy.