Kim Hong-sun’s The Hit List is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Korean action projects on the international market. With Finecut acquiring global sales rights, a starry cast led by Jung Woo-sung and Wi Ha-jun, and a story rooted in Joseon-era power struggles, The Hit List already has the ingredients of a breakout martial arts epic for film buyers and genre fans alike.
The project also carries strong industry interest because it reunites Kim with key collaborators from Gangs Of London, while adapting a massively popular Kakao webtoon that has attracted more than 120 million views. For audiences tracking Korean cinema, prestige action filmmaking, and major TV-to-film creative crossovers, The Hit List is now firmly on the radar.
Finecut picks up international rights for The Hit List
Korean sales company Finecut has secured international rights to The Hit List, underscoring confidence in the film’s export potential. Finecut already has a strong reputation for introducing Korean genre titles to overseas markets, and its history with Kim Hong-sun gives this acquisition added weight.
That prior relationship matters. Finecut also handled Project Wolf Hunting, Kim’s brutal and widely discussed 2022 action-thriller, which went on to sell to more than 70 countries. With The Hit List, the company appears to be doubling down on a filmmaker whose visual style and action credentials continue to resonate globally.
Why this matters for the wider market:
- Korean historical action films remain highly attractive to international distributors
- Webtoon adaptations come with built-in audience awareness
- Kim Hong-sun has growing name recognition among genre fans
- Finecut’s sales track record improves the project’s worldwide visibility
What The Hit List is about
Set during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, The Hit List centers on a volatile triangle of power, revenge, and loyalty. The story follows Han Myeong-hoe, a formidable political figure who climbs through violence; Baek E-hwa, a woman remade by loss into a force of vengeance; and Jang Gil-do, Han’s trusted lieutenant and one of the era’s fiercest warriors.
Adding even more tension to the narrative is Grand Prince Suyang, played by Wi Ha-jun, who aims to seize the throne from his young nephew with Han’s support. That setup suggests The Hit List will blend court intrigue with large-scale combat and personal vendettas, a combination that often performs well with both domestic and international viewers.
A webtoon adaptation with massive reach
One reason The Hit List is drawing attention is its source material. The film is based on one of Kakao’s most popular webtoons, which has surpassed 120 million views. In today’s screen marketplace, that kind of digital readership is more than a vanity metric; it signals strong audience familiarity, franchise potential, and a world that has already proved compelling to millions.
For studios and sales agents, webtoon IP offers a key advantage: the concept has effectively been pre-tested. For viewers, it raises expectations for vivid characters, serialized storytelling energy, and a visually rich adaptation.
Kim Hong-sun builds on Gangs Of London momentum
The Hit List also stands out because of the team behind the camera. Kim Hong-sun reunites with members of his Gangs Of London crew, including cinematographer Lars Cox and gaffer Kieran Waites, both of whom worked with him on Season 3 of the UK crime action series.
That crossover is notable for fans of muscular, stylish action filmmaking. Gangs Of London has built a reputation for intense fight choreography, dynamic camera movement, and high-end visual design. Bringing some of that expertise into The Hit List could help the film deliver a historical action spectacle with international polish.
Kim Hong-sun’s expanding global profile
Kim’s filmography reflects a director comfortable across thriller, horror, crime, and action territory. His credits include:
- Traffickers (2012)
- The Con Artists (2014)
- The Chase (2017)
- Metamorphosis (2019)
- Project Wolf Hunting (2022)
Project Wolf Hunting especially elevated his international standing after premiering in the Midnight section at the Toronto International Film Festival and later screening at genre-friendly festivals including Brussels and Sitges. Following that momentum, Kim signed with WME, placing him alongside internationally celebrated Korean directors such as Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho.
Cast, production details, and why the film matters
The cast gives The Hit List additional commercial appeal. Jung Woo-sung, known for 12.12: The Day, brings gravitas and star power, while Wi Ha-jun’s global recognition from Squid Game broadens the film’s reach beyond core Korean cinema audiences.
Production on The Hit List began in October 2026. The film is produced by Cheum Film, Studio Take, Library Company, and B&C Group, and presented by Mascot Company.
Several factors make this title especially significant:
- Prestige genre credentials: Kim Hong-sun has become a filmmaker to watch in action-heavy storytelling.
- Recognizable IP: The Kakao webtoon foundation gives the film a strong fan base.
- International packaging: Finecut’s involvement boosts global sales prospects.
- Cross-market appeal: Historical drama, revenge action, and political intrigue travel well internationally.
What to watch next for The Hit List
As filming moves forward, the biggest questions around The Hit List will likely involve festival positioning, first-look footage, and eventual territory sales. Given Kim Hong-sun’s profile and Finecut’s sales strategy, the film could become a key title in upcoming international film markets.
For TV and film fans, this is more than another adaptation announcement. The Hit List represents a convergence of top-tier Korean talent, globally proven action craft, and highly marketable source material. If the finished movie captures the scale of its webtoon roots and the kinetic intensity associated with Kim’s work, it could emerge as one of the most talked-about Korean action releases ahead.
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Conclusion
The Hit List has quickly become a project worth watching thanks to its Joseon-era revenge story, bestselling webtoon origins, and the growing international stature of director Kim Hong-sun. Backed by Finecut and strengthened by major talent in front of and behind the camera, The Hit List looks poised to attract serious attention across the global TV and video landscape. The clearest takeaway: this is not just another period action film, but a strategically positioned Korean production with real crossover potential.
