Kim Myung Min has spoken about his return to the big screen after seven years with the upcoming film Tristes Tropiques, a project that also marks his reunion with director Park Hoon Jung.
The production follows the members of an assassin organization of the same name, Tristes Tropiques, who grew up like brothers under the command of their master. Following his death, the members swear a bloody revenge while suspicions begin to arise among them.
Who is the Master played by Kim Myung Min
Kim Myung Min brings to life the Master, a wise man of the jungle who strikes fear into everyone around him. As the absolute ruler of the tropics, he is also the founder of the assassin organization Tristes Tropiques, created after taking in abandoned children.
The Master is described as a ruthless and cold-blooded figure who never reveals his emotions. To fully embody the character, Kim Myung Min underwent an intense preparation process that included transforming his appearance with white hair, which accentuates the character's unsettling aura.
Additionally, the actor delivers his lines in English, combining New Zealand and Australian accents, a choice that reinforces the Master's mysterious and exotic presence.
Elegant yet lethal action
In line with the vision of director Park Hoon Jung, who sought elegant yet restrained action that flows like a dance, Kim Myung Min trained intensely to perfect the movements of a master whose fluid grace hides deadly lethality.
Cinematographer Kim Young Ho praised the actor's work, noting that his action scenes display enormous destructive power, speed, and brutality, but that his performance simultaneously conveys a sense of stillness within the movement, making the Master an even more formidable character.
Kim Myung Min’s return to cinema
This production marks Kim Myung Min's return to the big screen seven years after his role in The Battle of Jangsari, released in 2019.
His reunion with director Park Hoon Jung also represents their first collaboration in nine years, since the film V.I.P., released in 2017.
Regarding this new collaboration, Kim Myung Min expressed the confidence he maintains in the director: Working with director Park Hoon Jung is always enjoyable. Tristes Tropiques is the culmination of everything he has learned over the years, a work into which he has poured everything he has to offer.
Describing his character, the actor added: The Master is the jungle, and the jungle is the Master. He is ruthless but completely rational.
Tristes Tropiques release date
Tristes Tropiques will be released in theaters on November 25.
Frequently asked questions about Tristes Tropiques
When does Tristes Tropiques premiere in theaters?
The film will arrive in theaters on November 25, as confirmed by the production.
What character does Kim Myung Min play in Tristes Tropiques?
Kim Myung Min plays the Master, the founder of the assassin organization Tristes Tropiques and a feared, ruthless, and rational figure who dominates the tropics.
Who directs Tristes Tropiques?
The film is directed by Park Hoon Jung, who previously worked with Kim Myung Min on the 2017 film V.I.P.
What is the film Tristes Tropiques about?
The plot follows the members of the assassin organization Tristes Tropiques, raised as brothers under their master. After his death, the members seek revenge while suspicions grow among them.
Is this the first time Kim Myung Min has worked with director Park Hoon Jung?
No. Both had previously collaborated on the film V.I.P., released in 2017, so Tristes Tropiques marks their reunion nine years later.
