Park Bo-gum Begins Gladiator Acting

Director Kim Han-min's new film, "The Sword: The Sword of Godumakhan," has officially begun filming. The movie is an action historical drama set in the immediate aftermath of Goguryeo's fall, depicting the story of a man who loses his memory, becomes a slave, and participates in a gladiatorial tournament for a legendary sword.

Park Bo-gum attempts a transformation by playing the role of 'Chilseong,' a warrior who has lost his memory. Chilseong is thrown into a slave arena after Goguryeo's collapse and survives without knowing his past. Joo Won will confront Park Bo-gum as 'Gyepilharyeok,' a cold and strong warrior representing the Turkic people in the gladiatorial tournament.

Additionally, Jung Jae-young will play 'Heuk Sugang,' the leader of the Goguryeo restoration army, and Lee Sun-bin will portray 'Maya,' a member of the restoration army. Vietnamese actor Tran Thanh, Kim Jae-chul, Choi Gwi-hwa, and Park Myung-hoon are also among the diverse cast. The film is slated for release in 2027.

"The Sword: The Sword of Godumakhan" is expected to showcase gladiatorial combat incorporating AI technology, featuring the clash of diverse martial arts and tactics from 16 tribes. Director Kim Han-min stated, "With 'The Sword: The Sword of Godumakhan,' I want to capture on screen the sharp yet weighty energy of a 'sword' cutting through the chaotic era after Goguryeo's fall."

The film will depict the process of a legendary northern sword becoming a symbol of hope on a grand scale, set in 668 AD, immediately after Goguryeo's fall, in the ancient Goguryeo territory of Liaodong. In particular, with Goguryeo gladiatorial combat at its forefront, it is expected to provide overwhelming visual spectacle through a gladiatorial tournament involving 16 northern tribes such as the Khitan, Malgal, and Turkic peoples, and their unique martial arts and action battles.