Uncle Samsik (2024)
In Song Kang-ho’s first drama series since his on-screen debut in 1997, the prolific actor, one of Korea’s most lauded celebrities, blasts his way onto Disney+/Hulu next month. Paired with Byun Yo-han – you may remember him as the reluctant fiancé, Kim Hee-sung, in Mr Sunshine – they explore South Korean history, giving us an at least partly romanticized view of how it’s grown to its current splendor.
What is Uncle Samsik about?
Set in the 1960s, a stormy time in South Korean history, an elite Korean Military Academy graduate returns to the country after studying economics in the US where he builds a dream of seeing his home country become an industrial powerhouse. He meets Park Doochill – Uncle Samsik – a dubious man who can make things happen.
Park is nicknamed ‘Uncle Samsik’ for his ability to ensure his family was able to eat 3 meals a day, even during the war – a feat not easily achieved by any ordinary man at that time.
However, the determined Kim San pairs with him to build on their common goal of a prosperous tomorrow. But how successfully can San reach his goal if the questionable Uncle Samsik is pulling the strings?
When will Uncle Samsik be released?
Streaming from May 15th on Hulu (US), Disney+ and Disney Hotstar (internationally), the series will kickoff with a generous 5 episodes, followed by a release of 2 instalments per week until a 3-part finale totaling 16 episodes on June 19th, 2024. It looks as though the full series may appear all at once on Hulu from May 15.
Who is included in the cast of Uncle Samsik?
Song Kang-ho (Parasite, The Drug King, A Taxi Driver), is one of Korea’s most recognized celebrities and host of 2023’s Busan International Film Festival. An early collaborator with Director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite, Snowpiercer), many of his first screen roles consigned him to play underworld characters and later antiheroes. So he seems to be in his niche with this drama.
Byun Yo-han (Mr. Sunshine, Believer 2) plays the determined topper Kim San, the face Uncle Samsik can operate behind. Lee Kyu-hyung (Hi Bye, Mama; All of Us Are Dead) is political candidate, Kang Seong-min. While Jin Ki-Joo (My Perfect Stranger, From Now on, Showtime) plays the equally intelligent Joo Yeo-jin, Kim San’s lover. Jun Han-min is played by Seo Hyun-woo (Love and Leashes, Flower of Evil), another military soldier with an elite distinction.
Who is the director of Uncle Samsik?
Filmmaker Shin Yeon-sik (Men of Plastic, One Win) is both the writer and director of Uncle Samsik, his first TV drama. Having collaborated last year with Song Kang-ho on Cobweb and One Win both, the two have joined hands to break the small screen with this new drama.
Uncle Samsik trailer:
Check out the unsettling trailer for Uncle Samik here:
Are you ready for Uncle Samsik? What’s been your favorite Song Kang-ho movie?
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