Acclaimed actors Song Kang‑ho, Koo Kyo‑hwan, Song Seung‑heon, Lee Kwang‑soo, Shin Hyun‑bin, and Lee Jae‑in have all officially joined the ensemble cast of the upcoming film The Gardeners (working title).

The story revolves around a quiet neighborhood upended by unexpected chaos when a civil servant whose only hobby is growing plants teams up with a notorious local troublemaker to launch a unique gardening business. Song Kang‑ho leads the cast as Choi Young‑il, while Koo Kyo‑hwan plays Kim Mun‑ho, a charismatic provocateur whose antics tend to stir trouble wherever he goes. Known for his standout roles in Once We Were Us, Escape from Mogadishu, and D.P., Koo’s dynamic energy promises unpredictable chemistry alongside Song Kang‑ho.

Song Seung‑heon takes on the role of Han Cheong‑yong, a once‑famous pop star whose fall from grace followed a scandalous incident. The role is expected to showcase a bold transformation for Song, who has continued to build a diverse body of work in projects like The Hidden Face and My Troublesome Star.

Lee Kwang‑soo, beloved for his layered presence in both dramas and variety shows including The Manipulated and GBRB: Reap What You Sow, will portray Boss Song, the lottery shop owner who helps distribute Choi Young‑il’s horticultural venture, adding vitality to the narrative.

Shin Hyun‑bin, celebrated for her performances in The Ugly, Revelations, Beasts Clawing at Straws, Tell Me That You Love Me, Reborn Rich, and Hospital Playlist, will embody Kang Mi‑ae, an elegant yet shrewd restaurant owner with a dangerous secret that injects fresh tension into the story.

Adding depth to the cast, Lee Jae‑in, known for her memorable turns in Concrete Market, Hi-Five, Our Unwritten Seoul, and Spring Fever, will make a special appearance as Choi Eun‑soo, Young‑il’s daughter, enriching the film’s emotional layers.

Directed by Nam Dong‑hyeop, whose genre‑blending comedy‑occult hybrid Handsome Guys garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards, The Gardeners promises to deliver sharp humor and thrilling tension with stylish flair.

The production is backed by Hive Media Corp, a powerhouse behind diverse genre hits such as 12.12: The Day, Harbin, and Made in Korea. With cinematography by Hong Kyung‑pyo (Parasite, Snowpiercer, Deliver Us from Evil), the film is poised for visual excellence as well as narrative depth.

Anticipation continues to build as The Gardeners moves through pre‑production, with filming scheduled to begin in 2026.

Sources: Daum