Fists of Legend (2013 Film)

Fists of Legend (Korean: 전설의 주먹; RR: Jeonseolui Joomeok) is a 2013 South Korean action drama film directed by Kang Woo-Suk. The film is based on the webcomic Legendary Fist, written by Lee Jong-Gyu and illustrated by Lee Yoon-Gyun, which was serialized on the Daum Webtoon platform between 2010 and 2011.

Plot

The story centers on a reality television program titled Legendary Fighter, which invites former high school street fighters to compete against professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Contestants who survive a set duration against the professionals advance to a final tournament against their peers for a cash prize of $20,000.

Lim Duk-Kyu (played by Hwang Jung-Min) is a widower operating a small noodle restaurant while raising his teenage daughter, Soo-Bin. After his daughter becomes involved in a violent incident at school, Duk-Kyu finds himself in need of money to cover medical expenses and compensation. Despite his initial refusal, he eventually joins the Legendary Fighter program. His participation brings him face-to-face with his past, including a high-stakes reunion with his former high school friend, Shin Jae-Seok (Yoon Je-Moon), who also enters the competition.

Production

The film was produced by Cinema Service and distributed by CJ Entertainment. Principal photography began on July 15, 2012, at the Shin Joon-Sub boxing gym in Namwon, Jeonbuk, South Korea. Filming concluded on November 28, 2012, in Paju. During the production, actor Yu Jun-Sang, who portrays Lee Sang-Hoon, suffered a left knee injury that required surgery on October 30, 2012.