"Bi-gwang" is a family drama-thriller directed by Lee Ji-won, releasing in Korean theaters September 2, 2026, starring Ryu Seung-ryong and Ha Ji-won as a once-celebrated couple whose lives are upended, first by the sudden appearance of a daughter from outside the marriage, and later by a shocking case that threatens to take her away for good. Combining multiple Korean entertainment outlets, the film opens the month's crowded September lineup and marks a notable screen comeback for Ha Ji-won, who hadn't led a theatrical release in roughly six years before this project.
Story
The film follows Hwang Jung-goo (Ryu Seung-ryong), a former star baseball player, and Nam-mi (Ha Ji-won), once one of the era's biggest stars, whose marriage collapses after Jung-goo's daughter from outside the relationship, Dong-joo (Kim Si-ah), suddenly enters their lives. Eight years later, Dong-joo — now a teenager — becomes caught up in a shocking case that threatens to upend her life entirely, and Jung-goo throws everything he has into uncovering the truth to save her. The film's title refers to "bi-gwang," a specific card in traditional Korean hwatu card games associated with rain and light — a reference the film's director and cast have described in press interviews as tied to the story's themes of family bonds only becoming whole when its members come together.
Cast
Ryu Seung-ryong plays Hwang Jung-goo, and reportedly took the role specifically because of how much he responded to the script, despite having said he wanted to avoid father roles or emotionally heavy crying scenes following his work on the series "Moving." Ha Ji-won plays Nam-mi, a former top star who has settled into acting as a means of making a living rather than the height of fame she once held — a role marking her return to film after roughly six years away from the big screen. Kim Si-ah plays the teenage Dong-joo, with Lee Yoo-joo playing the character as a child in earlier scenes. The supporting cast includes Kim Hae-sook, Kim Sun-young, Kim Young-min, Yoo Jae-myung as a conglomerate head and former team owner connected to Jung-goo's baseball past, Lee Ju-won as a detective investigating the case, and Park Myung-hoon as one of Jung-goo's longtime fans.
Behind the Scenes
"Bi-gwang" is directed by Lee Ji-won, best known for the film "Miss Baek," marking her second collaboration with Ha Ji-won after the two also worked together on the 2026 drama series "Climax" — a project actually filmed roughly four years after "Bi-gwang" wrapped, but which ended up airing first due to scheduling. The film's production was delayed from an original planned 2020 start due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately shooting in 2021, meaning the film reaches theaters roughly five years after filming concluded.
Bi-gwang at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 2, 2026 |
| Director | Lee Ji-won ("Miss Baek") |
| Lead Cast | Ryu Seung-ryong, Ha Ji-won, Kim Si-ah |
| Genre | Family drama, thriller |
| Notable Note | Ha Ji-won's first film lead in about six years |
| Production Timeline | Filmed in 2021 following a pandemic-related delay; released five years later |
FAQ
What does the title "Bi-gwang" mean?
It references a specific card in traditional Korean hwatu card games associated with rain and light; the director and cast have connected the title to the film's themes of a family becoming whole once its members are together.
Is this Ha Ji-won's first film in a while?
Yes — "Bi-gwang" marks her return to a theatrical film lead role after roughly six years focused primarily on television work.
Why did the film take so long to release after filming?
Production was originally planned for 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with filming ultimately taking place in 2021; the film reaches theaters about five years after wrapping.
Sources: TV Report, Cosmopolitan Korea, and Namu Wiki's film entry for "Bi-gwang."