Han Chae-young Returns to Big Screen After 8 Years with Dark Thriller “City of Evil”
After an eight-year hiatus from cinema, actress Han Chae-young is making her long-awaited return with the upcoming psychological thriller City of Evil, set to hit theaters this June.
Directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Hyun Woo-sung, City of Evil delves into a chilling web of manipulation, trust, and betrayal. The film centers on three complex characters: Yoo-jung (Han Chae-young), a charismatic star lecturer who believes in goodness; Kang-soo (Jang Eui-soo), who rejects belief; and Sun-hee (Hyun Woo-sung), a man who manipulates others for his gain.
The teaser poster intensifies the intrigue, showcasing Yoo-jung surrounded by ominous silhouettes that hint at the brutal fate she may face. The tagline, “If you can’t escape, kill,” sets a foreboding tone, underscoring the film’s descent into a world where morality is blurred and survival is brutal.
In City of Evil, Yoo-jung’s life spirals after a one-night mistake with Sun-hee, a seemingly charming businessman introduced by a friend. What begins as discomfort escalates into a terrifying ordeal involving stalking, relationship violence, and gaslighting—crimes hauntingly relevant to real-life situations. The film is expected to raise social awareness while delivering intense psychological suspense.
Han Chae-young, known for her roles in Cinderella’s Sister, Sassy Girl Chun-hyang, Boys Over Flowers, and films like Wild Card and A Dirty Carnival, will portray the embodiment of moral strength in the film. Her return after The Star Next Door (2017) has generated significant buzz.
Hyun Woo-sung, recognized for dramas like Yellow Boots, Ladies of Storm and Again My Life, not only directs but also stars in the film—marking his directorial debut and first leading film role. Actor Jang Eui-soo, known from Queen of Masks, Bad-Memory Eraser and Where Your Eyes Linger, plays Yoo-jung’s brother and trusted ally Kang-soo.
With its gritty realism, bold narrative, and a strong cast led by Han Chae-young, City of Evil is poised to make a striking impact on Korean cinema this summer.
