"Countdown" is a compelling tale that explores the complexities of redemption and resilience through the eyes of former boxer Park Si-heon. Once celebrated for winning the gold medal at the highly controversial 1988 Olympics, Park's life took a dramatic turn when his career was marred by disgrace tied to that very achievement. This double-edged sword of success left him feeling like he died not once, but twice, as he faced public scrutiny and the end of his boxing career. Now, as a hardened small-town teacher, he navigates life filled with regrets while grappling with the remnants of his once-shining career.
As he tries to distance himself from his past, Park is pressured by the school principal to take up the role of coach for the school's struggling boxing team. Initially resistant to the idea, memories of his former glory and the need for purpose reignite a spark within him. His perspective begins to shift when he meets Yeon-woo, a promising young athlete with immense potential. Motivated by Yeon-woo's fiery passion and drive, Park finds a new reason to connect with the sport that once brought him both triumph and downfall.
Together, Park and his underdog team embark on a journey of self-discovery and athletic prowess, determined to prove not only their capabilities in the boxing ring but also their worth as individuals. As they encounter various challenges and adversaries, they learn important lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the true meaning of being a champion. "Countdown" is not just a story about boxing; it's a powerful narrative about overcoming the shadows of the past and forging a new identity, making it a deeply resonant film for anyone who has experienced adversity.
Main Cast of Countdown
Jin Sun-kyu
Jin Sun-kyu delivers a captivating performance as the enigmatic Si-heon in the South Korean thriller "Countdown." His portrayal is a complex blend of charm and menace, as he seamlessly transitions from a seemingly benign and charismatic character to one that exudes a chilling, psychotic intensity. Jin's ability to convey Si-heon's duality keeps the audience on edge, as his warm smile can quickly turn into a disturbing expression of malevolence. His interactions with other characters are laced with an underlying tension, hinting at the darkness that lies beneath his polite exterior. Jin's nuanced acting brings depth to Si-heon, making him a memorable and haunting antagonist whose unpredictable nature drives the suspenseful narrative of "Countdown." His performance is a testament to his range as an actor, as he masterfully embodies the complicated psyche of a man whose obsession with time and control leads to a gripping cat-and-mouse game with the protagonist.
Sung Yu-been
Sung Yu-been delivers a compelling performance as Yoon-woo in the South Korean thriller 'Countdown,' imbuing her character with a palpable sense of urgency and depth. As a young, ambitious, and morally conflicted nurse who becomes entangled in a dangerous game of life and death, Yu-been skillfully navigates the complex emotional landscape required by the role. Her portrayal of Yoon-woo's inner turmoil, as the character grapples with the ethical implications of her actions in the face of a mysterious app that predicts the time of one's death, is both nuanced and intense. Yu-been's ability to convey fear, desperation, and determination all at once adds a gripping realism to the film's tension-filled atmosphere. Her chemistry with the other cast members, particularly with the protagonist played by Jeon Do-yeon, enhances the narrative's impact, making her character's journey—from a victim of circumstance to a key player in the unfolding suspense—a memorable aspect of the movie. Yu-been's performance is a testament to her range as an actress and contributes significantly to the movie's overall success as a gripping and emotionally charged thriller.
Secondary Cast of Countdown
Crew of Countdown
Full backstage crew list →- Released on February 22, 2023