Actor Lee Hoon Returns to Screen in ‘Emergency Martial Law 12.3’

Actor Lee Hoon has been cast in the upcoming political drama film Emergency Martial Law 12.3 (subtitled PM 10:24), marking his return to acting following a three-year career hiatus. Production company IP Box Media announced on August 23 that filming for the project is scheduled to begin in September, featuring a cast that includes Gong Hyung-jin, Lee Sang-hoon, Shim Hoon-gi, and Kwon Se-hyun.

What is the premise of ‘Emergency Martial Law 12.3’?

The film reconstructs the events of the December 3, 2024, martial law declaration in South Korea through a fictionalized lens. According to the production team, the narrative explores the motives and behind-the-scenes decision-making processes that led to the emergency declaration in the 21st century. Director Park Kyung-soo, who is handling both the screenplay and direction, stated that he chose Lee Hoon for the project due to the actor’s long-standing reputation for reliability with the public.

What role will Lee Hoon play?

Lee Hoon is set to portray the Chief of Staff, a central character who stands in direct opposition to President Gye-young, played by Gong Hyung-jin. The character is depicted as a vocal opponent of the martial law decree until the moment it is officially announced. This role serves as a comeback for Lee, who previously discussed his professional struggles during an appearance on the KBS Joy program Ask Anything in April 2024.

Context of the actor’s career hiatus

During his April television appearance, Lee Hoon revealed that he had faced significant financial instability due to a string of canceled projects. He explained that for the past three years, multiple productions he was slated to appear in were scrapped, leaving him without a steady income. Lee noted the professional difficulty of the situation, stating that actors often commit their entire schedule to a project during preparation, which prevents them from pursuing other employment. He expressed a high level of desperation at the time, telling viewers he was willing to lower his appearance fees to secure work.

Key Details of the Production

• Production Company: IP Box Media
• Director: Park Kyung-soo
• Cast: Lee Hoon, Gong Hyung-jin, Lee Sang-hoon, Shim Hoon-gi, Kwon Se-hyun
• Scheduled Start: September 2024

The film’s focus on the December 2024 political climate places it within a growing category of South Korean cinema that interprets contemporary national events through dramatic storytelling. By casting actors like Lee Hoon, who have publicly navigated career challenges, the production aims to bring a sense of gravity to its depiction of political conflict.