For the Emperor (2014 Film)

For the Emperor (Korean: 황제를 위하여; RR: Hwangjereul Wihayeo) is a 2014 South Korean action-noir film directed by Park Sang-Joon. The film is set in the port city of Busan and explores the criminal underworld through the story of a disgraced athlete drawn into a powerful gang.

Promotional poster for For the Emperor — Promotional poster for the 2014 film For the Emperor.

Plot

The narrative follows Yi-Hwan, played by Lee Min-Ki, a former professional baseball player whose career is destroyed after his involvement in a game-fixing scandal. Stripped of his status and livelihood, he is recruited by Jung Sang-Ha, portrayed by Park Sung-Woong, a ruthless boss who operates a lucrative money-lending and gambling enterprise in Busan. As Yi-Hwan climbs the ranks of the criminal organization, he becomes entangled in the violent power struggles of the city while developing a complex relationship with a local bar owner, Yeon-Soo.

Production

The film was produced by Opus Pictures and distributed by United Pictures. Principal photography took place in Busan, South Korea. Filming commenced on December 6, 2013, and concluded on February 15, 2014. The film was released in South Korean theaters on June 12, 2014, with a runtime of 104 minutes.

Lee Min-Ki as Yi-Hwan — Lee Min-Ki stars as the protagonist Yi-Hwan.

Park Sung-Woong as Jung Sang-Ha — Park Sung-Woong portrays the gang leader Jung Sang-Ha.

Cast

Lee Min-Ki as Yi-Hwan
Park Sung-Woong as Jung Sang-Ha
Lee Tae-Im as Cha Yeon-Soo
Kim Jong-Goo as Han-Deuk
Lee Jae-Won as Kyung-Soo
Han Jae-Young as Tae-Moo
Lee Yoo-Joon as Sang-Ha's subordinate

Lee Tae-Im as Cha Yeon-Soo — Lee Tae-Im plays the role of bar owner Cha Yeon-Soo.

Kim Jong-Goo as Han-Deuk — Kim Jong-Goo appears as Han-Deuk.

Lee Jae-Won as Kyung-Soo — Lee Jae-Won plays the character Kyung-Soo.

Han Jae-Young as Tae-Moo — Han Jae-Young portrays the character Tae-Moo.

Lee Yoo-Joon appears as a subordinate in Sang-Ha's gang.

Still from For the Emperor — A scene from the film production.