PUNCH

(WANDEUKYI)

<>
U.S. Release Date: November 18, 2011

Directed by: Han LEE Running Time: 110 minutes Rating: NR not rated by the MPAA (US Rating) / 12+ (KOR Rating) PG-13 equivalent Language: Korean w/ English subtitles DISTRIBUTOR CONTACT: KJ Lee CJ E&M Pictures 5670 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2450 Los Angeles, CA 90036 Tel: 310.557.3050 Fax: 310.930.1015 Email: KJ_Lee@cj.net Key art available on our website: www.punchmovie2011.blogspot.com

Information
Punch (aka Wandeugi) (2011) Runtime: Genre: Language: Rating: Korea Release: Director: Original Story: Production: Distribution: 110 minutes Drama Korean with English Subtitles NR not rated by the MPAA (US Rating) / 12+ (KOR Rating) October 20, 2011 Han LEE Wandeugi by author Lyeo-Ryung KIM UBU FILM / ANOTHER MOVIES CJ E&M

U.S. Release Dates:

11/18/11 12/2/11

CGV Cinemas (Los Angeles) AMC Ridgefield (New Jersey) AMC Colonial (Atlanta) AMC 309 Cinema (Philadelphia) AMC Showplace Niles (Chicago) Century Great Mall (San Francisco) Cineplex Odeon Sheppard (Toronto) Cineplex Silvercity Coquitlam (Vancouver) Consolidated Pearlridge (Hawaii)

*(more theaters to come, please check our website for updates)

CAST
DONG-JU WAN-DEUK Yun-seok KIM Aine YU

The WORST encounter becomes The GREATEST twist of fate

Synopsis
At the age of 18, I met the greatest opponent of my life. Wan-deuk is a high school student who lives with his hunchback father and has the unfortunate luck of being neighbors with his homeroom teacher. Despite his dads diminutive size and handicap, Wan-deuk considers him to be the greatest man he knows. Wan-deuk has all the makings of a troublemaker: he gets bad grades and comes from a poor, underprivileged family. But when it comes to fighting, he has never lost a bout. With no hopes, dreams, and nothing to offer, theres only one thing in this world that Wan-deuk prays forthe day that his homeroom teacher, Dong-ju will disappear from his life. Wan-deuk cant seem to get away from him; stuck with the man all day at school and beckoned by him at all hours of the night at home. Dong-ju exposes details of Wandeuks family life to his classmates and even freeloads off the rice that Wan-deuk receives as government aid. On the brink of hopelessness, Wan-deuk is surprisingly introduced to his Filipino mothera woman whose existence he himself had not known about. Learning to take charge of the world with the help of his pestering teacher, the unlikely hero experiences emotional growth and what it means to have a dream.

About the Movie

A blessing in disguise: Dong-ju, a friend as well as a teacher Based on the enormously popular novel about the coming-of-age story of Wandeugi, this film adaptation is proving to be a big hit in South Korea at #1 in the box office for 4 weeks straight. A film that relates to all those who have had a life-changing mentor, Korean audiences are in love with <PUNCH> and the uplifting messages it evokes. Although firmly rooted in the coming-of-age genre at the start of the film, it transforms into a family and social drama dealing with such crucial issues of education, disability, and multi-culturalism.

Wandeugi, the sensational best-selling novel that sold over 700,000 copies comes to life on the big screen this fall Writer KIM Lyeo-Ryungs novel Wandeugi won the 1st Annual Changbi Prize for Young Adult Fiction in a unanimous decision by the judges. The novel tells the story of a boy named Wan-deuk whose underprivileged upbringing causes him to isolate himself in his own world. The nosy but compassionate care of his homeroom teacher Dong-ju compels Wan-deuk to slowly open up and truly interact with the world. The novels lively wit garnered a great deal of attention from readers upon publication in 2008, and over 200,000 copies were sold in its first year of release. It was selected as a Readers Pick on the online bookstore, Aladdin and many other top literature blogs. To date, Wandeugi has sold over 700,000 copies and continues to hold its place among Koreas top best-selling novels. The novel takes what could be a rather serious and grave subject matter and boldly weaves it into an innovative and ebullient story through droll dialogue between refreshingly new characters. At the same time, a warm and soothing sentiment flows throughout the profoundly moving story, allowing for readers young and old to relate to the characters. The immense success of the novel eventually led to an adaptation of the story for the theater, resulting in an astounding 11 encore productions of the show after its initial opening. In 2011, audiences will now have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the original work through the film <PUNCH> as well as the amazing performances of KIM Yun-seok and YU Aine as the beloved characters Dong-ju and Wan-deuk.

<PUNCH> touches upon social issues involving multiracialism in South Korea According to recent statistics, Immigrants in South Korea only count for around 1% of the population, but are a growing force as international marriages increase due to lack of marriageable Korean women in the countryside. Many immigrants from neighboring countries are paid to immigrate to South Korea for marriage and are also in Korea to

escape from their own countrys financial hardships. Unfortunately, they often face harsh living and working conditions with little to no support. In the film, <PUNCH>, Wan-deuk finds out that his runaway mother is actually Filipino and has been attending a small multicultural church that is funded and headed by his worst enemy and teacher, Dong-ju. Shocked to find out about his Filipino mother as well as his multiracial ethnic background, Wan-deuk copes with these changes and learns to embrace his unique circumstances. Touching upon a current social issue in South Korea, <PUNCH> reveals the hardships and sentimental lifestyles of illegal immigrants in the country. As an avid supporter for the wellness and care of illegal immigrants who are working just as hard as anyone else in the country, Dong-ju encourages Wan-deuk to love his mother and himself as they are. Uplifting and heart-warming, <PUNCH>s witty and comedic humor is well balanced with the underlying story of multiracialism.

One of Koreas most talented and successful actors, KIM Yun-seok, joins YU Aine, a young rising star from the hit TV drama <Sungkyunkwan Scandal> KIM Yun-seok has established himself as one of the most beloved actors in the business, boasting talent and continual success at each role. He plays dramatic and unforgettable characters in films such as <Tazza: The High Rollers>, <The Chaser>, <Running Turtle>, <Woochi>, and his most recent film <The Yellow Sea>. KIM has worked with the likes of CHO Seung-woo, HA Jeong-woo, and KANG Dong-won, and now comes together on screen with the young star YU Aine. YUs performance as Geoloh in the hit TV drama <Sungkyunkwan Scandal> was a nationwide sensation, often referred to as the Geol-oh Fever. KIM takes on a humorous and likeable new role in <Wandeukyi> as the foul-mouthed but warm-hearted teacher Dong-ju. YU adds his signature combination of naivet and disobedience in his mature portrayal of the soft-spoken rebel Wan-deuk. The two talented actors come together on screen for the first time, telling the unique story of a mentor and mentee who gradually change one anothers lives despite their unfriendly beginning. The combination of KIMs acting talent and YUs evolving performance results in an intriguing encounter audiences wont want to miss.

A nosy teacher and a soft-spoken rebel... An unpredictable set of characters that evoke laughter through witty dialogue One of <PUNCH>s greatest strengths is the unpredictable and lively personalities of its lead characters. Dong-ju is a teacher who freely uses profanity and harsh words in front of his students and earnestly tells them that they really neednt bother studying if they dont have the brains to begin with. Unlike any other teacher before, this character breaks the encouraging and loving teacher stereotype. Wan-deuk is also a new kind of rebel who likes to think he can physically fight off anyone who challenges him and pleads with God to kill his meddlesome teacher. The back-and-forth bickering and witty dialogue between the two often progresses in a direction as unpredictable as the characters themselves, emphasizing the humor and heartwarming qualities of their idiosyncratic relationship. Even the supporting characters are unforgettable: the grumpy

next-door neighbor who constantly screams out profanities and the various classmates each with their own set of teenage problems to deal with. Every character is unique without being exaggerated and familiar while being surprisingly refreshing. The laughter they create together, combined with each characters moving story, will create a whole new kind of movie-going experience.

Character & Cast

Yun-seok KIM as DONG-JU

DONG-JU, the nosy teacher who tries to defy the world I told you, you shouldnt study. The world is in the hands of just one or two brilliant minds anyway. Dong-ju is Wan-deuks blunt and outspoken homeroom teacher who has a unique educational ideology: he constantly tells his students that in reality, the only ones who are likely to make it in the world have to study. He doesnt bother to encourage his students to work during study hall, which he typically uses as naptime. On the other hand, Dong-ju wont let anyone get away with cutting classever. The students have aptly nicknamed him Dung-Zoo. Dong-ju and Wan-deuk are also next-door neighbors, making it impossible for Wan-deuk to get away from his teachers incessant meddling. Dong-ju constantly calls him out to the rooftop and even barges into his house on a regular basis to have a drink with Wan-deuks father. Whether Wan-deuk likes it or not, Dong-ju sticks his nose in all aspects of Wan-deuks life. Deep down, however, Dongjus warm heart embraces Wan-deuk, and he gradually becomes his mentor that draws him out to face the world. KIM Yun-seok: One of Koreas finest actors returns as a unique mentor KIM Yun-seok has quickly established himself as a talented actor and major box office numbers are contributed by countless memorable performances. His rise to stardom began with his role as the antagonist Ah-gui in <Tazza: The High Rollers>, which drew an astounding 5.8 million viewers to the cinemas. KIM followed up with 2008s <The Chaser>, where his striking performance as detective UM Jung-ho earned him six Best Leading Actor awards and drew over 5 million viewers. He has since transformed himself time and time again in roles ranging from the most cutthroat villain in <The Yellow Sea> to the most relatable simple detective in <Running Turtle>. In <PUNCH>,

KIM Yun-seok transforms yet again into the teacher Dong-jua true mentor who, in his own unique way, guides Wan-deuk into the world. KIM showcases humor and sentimental drama unlike any other in the business and is sure to win over the audience through a role that surpasses all of his past performances. FILMOGRAPHY <Thieves> (filming), <The Yellow Sea> (2010), <Running Turtle> (2009), <Woochi> (2009), <The Chaser> (2008), <Happy Life> (2007), <Like a Virgin> (2006), <Tazza: The High Rollers> (2006), <The Big Swindle> (2004) AWARDS 2008 2007 45th Daejong Film Festival Best Lead Actor, Peoples Choice Awars <The Chaser> 16th Icheon Chunsa Film Festival Best Lead Actor 9th Busan Film Critics Association Awards Best Lead Actor 17th Buil Film AwardsB Best Lead Actor 29th Blue Dragon Film Awards Best Lead Actor 7th Korea Film Awards Best Lead Actor 4th University Film Festival of Korea Best Lead Actor 1st Korea Movie Star Awards Best Supporting Actor <Tazza: The High Rollers> 8th Busan Film Critics Association Awards Best Supporting Actor 44th Daejong Film Festival Best Supporting Actor

Aine YU as WAN-DEUK

WAN-DEUK, a soft-spoken rebel who has turned his back on the world Please, just kill Dong-ju for me. Wan-deuk is a rebellious high school student who comes from an underprivileged family. He gets the lowest grades in his class, but no one can beat him in a fist fight. Its not that he likes to fight, but he cant stand it when anyone messes with his father and uncle. It seems as though his life cant get any worse when his homeroom teacher Dong-ju,

begins to meddle in his business and exposes rather embarrassing personal matters to everyone at school. Theres also no escape at home, since Dong-ju lives right next door and taunts him day and night. Wan-deuk is so sick of him that he goes to church every day and begs to God to kill Dong-ju for him. But soon enough, Wan-deuk comes to realize Dong-jus sincerity and discovers the true intent behind all the pestering. Wandeuk eventually begins to open his heart to his nosy teacher, and to the rest of the world. YU Aine: A bold transformation to surpass the Geol-oh Fever syndrome YU Aine made his debut as a nave high school student in the teen drama series <Sharp>. He then starred in the independent feature film <Boys of Tomorrow>, flawlessly capturing the volatile angst of youth, and won the Best New Actor award from the Pusan Film Critics Association Awards. It quickly made him the center of attention in the Korean film industry. In last years hit TV drama series <Sungkyunkwan Scandal>, YU took on the masculine role of Geol-oh and created a nationwide sensation referred to as the Geol-oh Fever. He now takes on the challenge of the soft-spoken rebel Wandeuk. Using his unique combination of naivet and defiance, YU effortlessly captures the dual nature of Wan-deuk, a seemingly indifferent young man with a tender, deeply buried heart. He was extremely dedicated to his role, investing three months in actual boxing training prior to the shoot. You often wonder in your teenage years if anyones life could possibly be more miserable than your own, and I think the memories I have of my own teenage experience really helped in portraying Wan-deuk, says YU. This solid method of basing his performance upon his personal understandings is sure to generate yet another fever this fall. FILMOGRAPHY < Sky & Ocean> (2010), < Antique> (2008), < Shims Family> (2007), < Boys of Tomorrow> (2006) AWARDS 2008 2007 11th Directors CUT Awards Best New Actor <Antique> 28th Busan Film Critics Association Awards Best New Actor <Boys of Tomorrow>

Director
Han LEE

Director Han LEE made his debut with the feature film <Lovers Concerto> (2002), starring CHA Tae-hyun and SON Ye-jin. LEE received both critical and popular acclaim for the film, a sweet depiction of pure, unassuming love with an unfettered visual aesthetic. In 2006, LEE followed his successful debut with the box office hit <Almost Love>, in which he captured the vivacity of youth; it starred major actors KWON Sangwoo and KIM Ha-neul. LEE then showcased his ability to reinvent old ideas with his innovative 2007 film <My Love>, a romantic film that told the various love stories of different couples. <PUNCH> is Han LEEs fourth feature film and it illustrates the unique connection between Wan-deuk and Dong-ju, two men who have become one anothers mentor and mentee. LEEs heartwarming brand of directing combined with his eye for detail will undoubtedly make the film as emotionally affecting as his previous works. FILMOGRAPHY <My Love> (2007), Director, Adaptation, <Almost Love> (2006), Director, Screenplay, <Lovers Concerto> (2002), Director, Screenplay