Finecut Boards The Hit List From Gangs Of London Director

South Korean sales company Finecut has acquired international distribution rights to director Kim Hong-sun’s upcoming martial arts action feature The Hit List, Deadline reported on 8 November 2026. Starring Jung Woo-sung (12.12: The Day) and Wi Ha-jun (Squid Game), the film adapts a Kakao webtoon that has surpassed 120 million views. Kim, known internationally for helming Project Wolf Hunting and episodes of UK crime thriller Gangs Of London Series 3, commenced filming in October 2026. For Malaysian audiences tracking international action cinema, the project marks a significant period production uniting prominent Korean screen talent with international technical heads, though domestic distribution plans remain unannounced.

Key Facts

South Korean sales company Finecut has acquired worldwide sales rights to director Kim Hong-sun’s Joseon-era martial arts action feature The Hit List. Principal photography commenced in October 2026, adapting a high-profile webtoon property with over 120 million views for international theatrical and home entertainment distribution.

What Is the Plot and Production Pedigree of The Hit List?

The Hit List is a Joseon-era martial arts film charting the bloody political ascent of Han Myeong-hoe, a vengeful woman named Baek E-hwa, warrior Jang Gil-do, and Grand Prince Suyang. Filming commenced in October 2026 under director Kim Hong-sun, backed by producers Cheum Film, Studio Take, Library Company, and B&C Group.

The narrative adapts a popular Kakao webtoon that has accumulated more than 120 million views. Wi Ha-jun portrays Grand Prince Suyang, an ambitious royal maneuvering with the backing of Han Myeong-hoe to usurp the throne from his nephew. Jung Woo-sung leads the cast alongside Wi, bringing significant star profile to the historical production.

Behind the camera, Kim reteams with British crew members from Gangs Of London Series 3, including cinematographer Lars Cox (House Of The Dragon) and gaffer Kieran Waites (The Odyssey). Mascot Company presents the production. Kim’s earlier directorial credits include Traffickers (2012), The Con Artists (2014), The Chase (2017), and Metamorphosis (2019).

Kim Hong-sun previously secured representation with WME after his 2022 feature Project Wolf Hunting sold to more than 70 international territories through Finecut.

What It Means for Viewers in Malaysia

Malaysian cinema release dates, local theatrical distributors, and streaming platform availability for The Hit List have not been confirmed. The film only entered production in October 2026, meaning theatrical exhibition through chains such as GSC, TGV, or MBO, or streaming access via local services, remains undetermined at this stage.

Neither a local theatrical release window nor a classification from the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia (Lembaga Penapis Filem, LPF) has been assigned. International distribution agreements handled by Finecut generally proceed across film markets before territorial theatrical or video-on-demand rights are awarded to Southeast Asian distributors.

Neither a Malaysian theatrical distributor nor an LPF classification has been confirmed for The Hit List as sales commenced in late 2026.

Common Questions

Key queries regarding The Hit List centre on its confirmed cast, potential Malaysian release timeline, and literary origins. Production began in October 2026 with international rights held by Finecut, leaving domestic Southeast Asian distribution and exhibition schedules pending further trade announcements.

Who stars in The Hit List?

The film stars Jung Woo-sung (12.12: The Day) alongside Wi Ha-jun (Squid Game), who plays Grand Prince Suyang. Additional central characters include Joseon powerbroker Han Myeong-hoe, vengeful protagonist Baek E-hwa, and warrior Jang Gil-do, though complete casting has not been announced.

When will The Hit List be released in Malaysian cinemas?

A Malaysian cinema release date has not been announced. Production commenced in October 2026, and international sales agent Finecut has not confirmed any licensing agreements with Malaysian theatrical exhibitors such as GSC, TGV, or MBO Cinemas.

Is The Hit List based on an original script?

No, The Hit List is adapted from a popular digital webtoon hosted by Kakao. Set during Korea’s Joseon dynasty, the underlying source material has registered over 120 million views ahead of its live-action feature adaptation directed by Kim Hong-sun.

Sources and Methodology

This dispatch was compiled on 9 November 2026 referencing reporting by international entertainment trade publication Deadline, published on 8 November 2026. The source material disclosed international sales acquisition, production personnel, and foundational cast details without detailing production budget figures or Malaysian distribution rights.

Information concerning distribution rights, cast involvement, and technical crew stems directly from coverage authored by Liz Shackleton for Deadline Hollywood. No currency conversions were required as no production budget or commercial transaction sums were reported for the feature.

Reporting relies strictly on trade disclosures verified by Deadline on 8 November 2026 regarding Finecut’s sales slate.