The Fatal Encounter (2014 Film)

The Fatal Encounter (Korean: 역린; RR: Yeokrin) is a 2014 South Korean historical drama film directed by Lee Jae-kyu. The film centers on the political instability during the early reign of King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty, focusing on the assassination attempts he faced.

Promotional poster for The Fatal Encounter.

Plot

Set during the first year of King Jeongjo's reign, the narrative depicts a monarch struggling to maintain power amidst intense political opposition. King Jeongjo (played by Hyun-Bin) relies on a limited circle of trusted allies, including his eunuch Sang-chaek (Jung Jae-young) and the commander of the royal guard, Hong Kook-young (Park Sung-woong). Simultaneously, Queen Jungsoon (Han Ji-min) and various Noron faction vassals orchestrate plots to remove the King from power. The story also follows Eul-soo (Cho Jung-seok), an assassin trained by Gwang-bae (Cho Jae-hyun), who is coerced into targeting the King under threat to his loved one, Wol-hye (Jung Eun-chae).

Production

The film was directed by Lee Jae-kyu and written by Choi Sung-hyun. Principal photography for the production commenced on September 10, 2013. The film was distributed by Lotte Entertainment and released in South Korea on April 30, 2014.

Cast

Hyun-Bin as King Jeongjo
Jung Jae-young as Kab-soo
Cho Jung-seok as Eul-soo
Han Ji-min as Queen Jungsoon
Cho Jae-hyun as Gwang-bae
Park Sung-woong as Hong Kook-young
Kim Sung-ryoung as King Jeongjo's mother
Jung Eun-chae as Wol-hye

Reception and Awards

The film was screened at several international events, including the 13th Asian Film Festival of Dallas, the 18th Fantasia Film Festival, and the 19th Busan International Film Festival. It received the award for Best Art Design at the 51st Daejong Film Awards in 2014.

Scene from the film — A scene from the film.