The movie “The Fatal Encounter” will show a different aspect of King Jeongjo from previous depictions, making it draw much attention. As the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty, Jeongjo ascended to the throne following his grandfather King Yeongjo as the son of a father who died incarcerated in a rice chest. He is one of the most loved reformist kings in the history of the Joseon Dynasty for having overcome a tragic family history, strengthened the throne, fostered competent people, and led the abolition of the class discrimination system. His life has already been depicted in many dramas and movies.

“The Fatal Encounter” focuses on a different aspect of the king when he was still young and only a year since having ascended to the throne. In particular, it tells the story of the most threatening assassination attempt of Jeongjo as a motif to show the political situation and risks he had to undergo and overcome. Jeongjo, who was at risk of assassination throughout his life because of the fierce party strife between the Noron and Soron camps, actually used the library as his sleeping room and spent many nights reading books or exercising without being able to rest in sleep. Instead, he trained his body and mind at night. The movie shows the true life of Jeongjo as a strong man with a will to realize his causes through ceaseless self-training while agonizing over the blood-sucking threat of assassination.

After the release of the teaser preview, the scene showing the back muscles of Hyun Bin, who plays the role of Jeongjo, created an explosive buzz. The scene was shot to show Jeongjo’s situation and psychology. The movie is expected to showcase a highly dense story structure and powerful drama throughout the 24 hours wherein Jeongjo and many historical personalities, such as Queen Jeongsun, Jeongjo’s mother Hyegyeonggung Hong-ssi(Lady Hyegyeong, Queen Heongyeong), and Hong Guk-yeong, as well as fictional personalities, such as Sangchaek, Salsu, Gwangbaek, and Wolhye, confront each other. “The Fatal Encounter” to newly focus on a different aspect of King Jeongjo will be released on April 30. Its cast includes Hyun Bin, Jung Jae-young, Jo Jung-suk, Han Ji-min, Park Sung-woong, and Jung Eun-chae.