'Even Gangsters Have Dreams?': 'The Boss' Aims to Be the Perfect Chuseok Comedy

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When we think of gangster movies, we typically imagine bloody fights, a brutal climb to the top, and an inevitable struggle for power. Violence and betrayal are often the central themes.

But the new film The Boss, directed by Ra Hee-chan, is a different kind of action comedy. Instead of a blood-soaked power struggle, it's a hilarious battle of concession, as the characters fight to avoid becoming the new boss. The film's humor stems from each character's desperate attempts to pursue their personal dreams.

A Chuseok Gift Set of Unconventional Gangsters

On September 1st, the cast and director of The Boss held a production briefing at Megabox Seongsu in Seoul. The event was attended by Jung Kyung-ho, Jo Woo-jin, Park Ji-hwan, Lee Kyu-hyung, and director Ra Hee-chan, among others. The film tells the story of the 'Sikgupa' gang members, who are competing to become the next boss. However, each member is trying to pass the title to someone else in pursuit of their own dreams.

The film's plot is set in motion by the sudden death of the current boss, Dae-soo (Lee Sung-min). This opens the door for an unexpected and comical succession struggle.

Jung Kyung-ho stars as Kang-pyo, the top candidate for the new boss. "Kang-pyo is a free spirit and a pure person," Jung explained. "Once he's passionate about something, he's all in." After being released from prison, Kang-pyo becomes obsessed with tango, refusing to become the boss and declaring his commitment to a life of dance. Jung revealed, "The original idea was for him to be a pianist, but we changed it to dancing because we thought it would be a funnier visual point." He even became genuinely captivated by tango during filming. Park Ji-hwan recalled, "On set, Jung Kyung-ho looked like a professional dancer. He was that serious about tango."

Jo Woo-jin plays Soon-tae, the gang's second-in-command and the head chef of the 'Mimiru' Chinese restaurant. Soon-tae also rejects the boss position, as he is more passionate about cooking than fighting. To prepare for the role, he learned the basics from master chefs Yeo Gyeong-rae and Park Eun-young. "I learned how to handle fire, make noodles, and use a wok. I studied hard to make it feel authentic," Jo said.

Park Ji-hwan takes on the role of Pan-ho, the third-in-command. He is the most loyal member and loves the gang more than anyone. He desperately longs to be the boss, but no one takes him seriously. Pan-ho compared his character to a "gas tank." He explained, "His desires are so transparent that it makes others uneasy, but it also means he's willing to risk his life to protect the gang."

Lee Kyu-hyung stars as Tae-gyu, an undercover police officer who infiltrates the gang as a delivery worker for 'Mimiru.' His goal is to dismantle the gang from the inside. Ten years into his undercover work, he suffers an identity crisis between his life as a cop and his relationships within the gang. Lee Kyu-hyung noted, "There are scenes where Tae-gyu struggles with his identity, and those moments are a great source of comedy."

A Cast of Comedic Powerhouses

Director Ra Hee-chan said that casting was his top priority for the film. "I wanted irreplaceable actors. I knew that a story about people who don't want to become the boss could be challenging," he explained.

The film features a star-studded cast of veterans including Lee Sung-min, Oh Dal-su, and Go Chang-seok. Jo Woo-jin praised the "grand feast of diverse characters," describing the film as "a comprehensive gift set for Chuseok."

The actors' improvisational skills also added to the film's appeal. Jo Woo-jin noted that the cast proposed ideas on the spot and made multiple changes during filming. "Every actor was always ready to react to their scene partner," he said. Park Ji-hwan recalled, "No one was just sitting around. Everyone was constantly thinking about how to make a better scene."

The positive on-set atmosphere is expected to translate to the screen. Lee Kyu-hyung said, "The film set felt like home. I believe the actors' great chemistry will be fully captured in the movie."

The film is set to be released next month, aiming to capitalize on the Chuseok holiday season. The cast expressed confidence in its box office success, describing it as a film the whole family can laugh at together. Jo Woo-jin concluded, "This movie is perfectly suited for a bountiful Chuseok holiday. Please enjoy it with your family at the theater." Park Ji-hwan added, "On a special day like Chuseok, we need a movie that everyone can laugh at together. I hope 'The Boss' can fill that role."