THE MAP
AGAINST THE WORLD
-PRESS KIT-
A FILM by KANG Woo-suk
FILM INFORMATION
ENGLISH TITLE |The Map Against The World
ORIGINAL TITLE | Go-san-ja, Dae-dong-yeo-ji-do
WRITER/DIRECTOR | KANGWoo-suk
CAST | CHA Seoung-won YU Jun-sang KIM In-kwon NAM Ji-hyun SHIN Dong-mi
GENRE | Period drama
PRESENTED BY|CJ Entertainment
PRODUCTION|Cinema Service
WORLD SALES |CJ Entertainment
PROD. YEAR |2015/2016
RELEASE DATE | September7, 2016
RUN TIME | 02:09:15:00
TECHNICAL INFO| 2.39(Cinema Scope) / 5.1
FILM SYNOPSIS
Short Synopsis
At a time when maps were considered the King’s exclusive property, ‘Gosanja’ KIM Jeong-ho devotes his life to making a map for the people.
Long Synopsis
At a time when mapsweren’t readily accessible for the public, ‘Gosanja KIM Jeong-ho’ (CHA Seoung-won) sets out to walk across the Korean peninsula to make the Daedongyeojido - the Great Map of the East Land, with hopes of providing an accurate and accessible map for the ordinary people.
He has all but forgotten about his daughter KIM Sunsil, who grew to be 16 years old in his absence, as he focuses on completing his map. People say he is crazy, but driven by his goal, KIM Jeong-ho endeavors to complete the template for woodblock printing of the map.
However, Daewongun, the King Father (YU Jun-sang) seeks to take KIM Jeong-ho’s map to gain the upper hand in his power struggle with the House of Kim of Andong.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
KANG Woo-suk
Year of Birth: 1960 / Place of Birth: Korea
Through the TWO COPSand the PUBLIC ENEMYseries, director KANG Woo-suk’s name became synonymous with box office hit movies since the 90’s.
In 2003, his movie SILMIDO became the first Korean movie to draw over 10 million viewers. He also won critical acclaim for the movie, sweeping the awards including Best Film at Baeksang Arts Awards, and Best Director at Blue Dragon Film Awards. In MOSS based on the web-comic by Yoon Tae-ho, and FIST OF LEGEND, Kang displayed his sense of comedy and the ability to satirize society through his art.
And now, Kang is making his debut in period drama with his 20th movie THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLD.
“The depth of KIM Jeong-ho’s intentions behind making the map cannot be matched. He is a person much needed in our time,” Kang said.
In order to fully convey the endeavors of KIM JEong-ho, who made it his life’s work to give the people a map, Kang focused on achieving perfection.
Selected filmography
2003 SILMIDO (Director)
Blue Dragon Film Awards –Best Director
2010MOSS (Director)
31st Blue Dragon Film Awards –Best Director
47th Grand Bell Awards – Best Director
2011GLOVE(Director)
2013FIST OF LEGEND (Director)
ABOUT THE FILM
A mapmaker of the people.
The story of ‘Gosanja KIM Jeong-ho’ comes to life on the big screen!
Measuring 6.7 meters by 4.2 meters, the Daedongyeojido or The Great Map of the East Land, is the largest map created in its era. With its meticulous detail, from mountain ranges to rivers, it is considered the most complete among old maps of the Korean peninsula.
The map is foldable, allowing it to be carried easily. The use of woodblock printing allowed mass production gave access to everyone.
Unlike the map itself, little is known about the life of its creator Gosanja KIM Jeong-ho, and now his life is told on the big screen for the first time.
THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDis a movie about the untold life of KIM Jeong-ho, the greatest cartographer in Korean history who fought against the times and those in power.
THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDis based on PARK Beom-shin’s novel ‘Gosanja.’ The movie was created by adding cinematic imagination to the story of KIM Jeong-ho, who was driven by the goal of giving the people a map, which was held only by those in power.
The movie tells the story of KIM Jeong-ho, the righteous man who wanted to put an end to the deaths caused by inaccurate maps, the master craftsman who did not bend in the face of adversity to create the perfect map. The scenery of the locations contained in the map shown through the movie is enough to make the hearts of the viewers’ pound with excitement.
This autumn, the story of KIM Jeong-ho recreated by director KANG Woo-suk in THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDwill move your hearts.
ABOUT THE FILM
CHA Seoung-won reaches new heights was ‘KIM Jeong-ho’!
YU Jun-sang, KIM In-kwon, NAM Ji-hyun, SHIN Dong-mi maximizes the intensity!
THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDbrings together CHA Seoung-won, YU Jun-sang, KIM In-kwon, NAM Ji-hyun and SHIN Dong-mi.
CHA Seoung-won – proved that he embodies charisma as well as depth as Prince Gwanghae in the drama [Splendid Politics], and through the entertainment show [Three Meals a Day], he showed off his warm-hearted nature – plays the role of Gosanja KIM Jeong-ho.
Cha depicts the tumultuous life of KIM Jeong-ho, who never gave up in the face of overwhelming adversity, and transformed himself into the cartographer who roams the country to complete the map with perfection. In particular, Cha engaged in the 9-month long shooting with passion, and recreates the dedication of KIM Jeong-ho.
YU Jun-sang, for whom THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDis the third project with KANG Woo-suk after MOSS and FIST OF LEGEND, plays ‘Daewongun,’ who hopes to seize power by taking KIM Jeong-ho’s map. In playing the role of Daewongun, YU amplifies the tension in the movie through his charismatic and majestic depiction of the character. YU, who conducted thorough research into Daewongun, added depth to the character by expressing both his desire to take the map for himself as well as the value he puts in maps.
KIM In-kwon, who showed off diverse sides to himself in movies such as THE HIMALAYAS, THE DIVINE MOVE and MASQUERADE, breathed life into the character ‘Bau,’ the wood carver who helps KIM Jeong-ho in creating the woodblock for his map.
NAM Ji-hyun, who made a name for herself through movies such as HWAYI: A MONSTER BOY, plays the role of KIM Jeong-ho’s daughter, Sunsil, who looks after her father despite his detachedness. The addition of SHIN Dong-mi, who plays the loving Mrs. Yeoju, adds a sense of familiarity and energy to the movie.
THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLD, created through the dedication of veteran cast, will capture the heart of the viewers this autumn.
ABOUT THE FILM
A 9-month long journey across 106,240km!
The ensemble of Korea’s leading production crew!
The masters of Korean cinema and literature come together.
THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDbrings grand scale, the skills of leading production staff and synergy between masters of Korean cinema and literature to the silver screen.
From the southernmost island to the iconic Mt. Baekdu, the cast and crew of THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDcombed the country to capture the most beautiful scenery of Korea. The crew spent nine months just on shooting, and director KANG Woo-suk led the long shooting process in order to capture the four seasons of Korea. The crew searched the country for months to find the perfect locations, and traveled 106,240 km in the process, to create the perfect views.
For THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLD, Korea’s leading production crew came together with director KANG Woo-suk. Award winning cinematographer CHOE Sang-ho captured the four seasons in stunning locations across Korea, and transferred their beauty in their natural glory without any computer graphics. The costumes used in THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDwere created by JO Sang-gyeong, who has proven her skills time and again in movies such as THE HANDMAIDEN and KUNDO: AGE OF THE RAMPANT. Production designer PARK Il-hyun’s meticulous attention to detail brought realistic props, while music director JO Yeong-wook used a 55-person orchestra to create majestic and spectacular music befitting to the scenery.
THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLDis based on novelist PARK Beom-shin’s award winning novel ‘Gosanja.’ Park reconstructed the life of KIM Jeong-ho, a great cartographer and geographer, by adding his imagination to what little is known from history.
“We all know the name KIM Jeong-ho, but we don’t know what makes him great. I wrote the novel with the aim of giving body to this person,” Park said.
For KANG Woo-suk, the movie meant breathing life to a visionary.
“I was curious why the map was made into a woodblock, and why he wanted to share the map with many people. After my research, I felt that KIM Jeong-ho must be made into a movie,” he said.
CHARACTERS & CAST 1
A cartographer who dreamt of a map for the people| Gosanja KIM Jeong-ho
“This is a map I made to provide to the people who need it.”
Gosanja KIM Jeong-ho was a cartographer who sacrificed everything to make the perfect map of Joseon. At a time when people lost their lives due to inaccurate maps, he endeavored to make the Daedongyeojido or the Great Map of the East Land. His only daughter Sunsil has grown up beyond recognition while he was away, and he is known as “Mapmaker Gosanja’ across the land. As he completes the map, he is swept up into the struggle between Daewongun and the House of Kim of Andong, who seek to keep the map for themselves.
CHA Seoung-won | A weighty transformation, and new challenge.
He returns as Gosanja!
CHA Seoung-won has shown a different side to himself with each project in diverse genres, ranging from comedy and period dramas, to action. He has also won over the hearts of a wide range of audiences on the big and small screens. In THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLD, he plays ‘Gosanja KIM Jeong-ho,’ in yet another transformation.
In playing KIM Jeong-ho, Cha endeavored to capture the life of the cartographer who wanted to give the people an accurate map.
“I worried about just how much I could capture the life and spirit of KIM Jeong-ho,” Cha said.
His worries, however, were unfounded.
“As soon as he appeared at the shoot, he assumed the role of KIM Jeong-ho perfectly,” director KANG Woo-suk said.
As the director’s trust in Cha makes it clear, Cha’s latest performance will touch the hearts of the audiences.
SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY
MAN ON HIGH HEELS (2014) 71: INTO THE FIRE (2010) BLADES OF BLOOD (2010), SECRET (2009) EYE FOR AN EYE (2008) MY SON (2007), SMALL TOWN RIVALS (2007) OVER THE BORDER (2006) MURDER, TAKE ONE (2005), BLOOD RAIN (2005) GHOST HOUSE (2004) MY TEACHER, MR. KIM (2003), JAIL BREAKERS (2002) BREAK OUT (2002),KICK THE MOON (2001), LIBERA ME (2000), BLACK HONEYMOON (2000), FIN DE SIECLE (1999) GHOST IN LOVE (1999), IF THE SUN RISES IN THE WEST (1998) and others.
CHARACTERS & CAST 2
The ruler who wants to seize the map| Daewongun, the King Father
“A map belongs to the crown. It must not be given to the people.”
‘Daewongun’ took power behind his young son King Gojong, and he endeavors to consolidate his power while keeping a close eye on the House of Kim of Andong.
He recognizes the usefulness of KIM Jeong-ho’s map for military and logistics planning. In order to monopolize the map, he seeks out KIM Jeong-ho and makes an offer.
YU Jun-sang| A man of charisma, and an actor’s actor!
A majestic transformation!
YU Jun-sang, who has worked with KANG Woo-suk in films such as MOSS and FIST OF LEGEND, plays the role of ‘Daewongun’ who wants to strengthen his grip on power with KIM Jeong-ho’s map.
In researching for the role, YU visited museums and galleries to transform himself into Daewongun. YU even received training from master painter PARK Dae-sung for the scene where Daewongun paints orchids.
“I wanted to show even the less known facts about Daewongun. He did want to take the map, but I focused on the side of the character that is a man who sees the true value of cartography,” YU said.
YU’s charismatic and majestic take on Daewongun adds another dimension of tension to the movie.
SELECTED FIMOGRAPHY
RIGHT NOW, WRONG THEN (2015), ANGRY PAINTER (2015), A MATTER OF INTERPRETATION (2015), THE TARGET (2014), FIST OF LEGEND (2013), NOBODY’S DAUGHTER HAEWON (2013), TOUCH (2012), R2B: RETURN TO BASE (2012), IN ANOTHER COUNTRY (2012), THE DAY HE ARRIVES (2011), THE LAST BLOSSOM (2011), MOSS (2010), HA HA HA (2010), WHERE IS RONNY (2009), WIDE AWAKE (2007), WEDDIGN CAMPAIGN (2005), SHOW SHOW SHOW (2003), NIGHTMARE (2000), TELL ME SOMETHING (1999) and others.
CHARACTERS & CAST 3
The carver |HWANG Bau
“Why were you so desperate to make the map?”
To Gosanja KIM Jeong-ho, HWANG Bauis a colleague, and he is like family. Even when KIM Jeong-ho is away for long periods of time, he stands at the side of KIM Sunsil and Mrs. Yeoju. He often complains and argues with KIM Jeong-ho, who requires perfection in every detail of the map, but he helps KIM Jeong-ho with all his heart.
KIM In-kwon | A man full of charm!
The role of Bau is played by KIM In-kwon, who has shown his capacity as an actor of range in movies such as THE HIMALAYAS, TAZZA; THE HIDDEN CARD, THE DIVINE MOVE, MASQUERADE and HAEUNDAE.
“If KIM Jeong-ho is a great man, I wanted to show a comic side of Bau,” Kim said. As a familiar character, Bau brings energy to the story, while creating synergy with CHA Seoung-won.
However, Kim took the role as seriously as any other, training from a master carver to play the role. Such hard work shows through in his performance, and he assumes the role of KIM Jeong-ho’s colleague perfectly.
SELECTED FIMOGRAPHY
THE HIMALAYAS (2015), CLOWN OF A SALESMAN (2015) TAZZA: THE HIDDEN CARD (2014), THE DIVINE MOVE (2014), APOSTLE: HE WAS ANOINTED BY GOD (2014), BORN TO SING (2013), THE TOWER (2012), ALMOST CHE (2012), MASQUERADE (2012), MY WAY (2011), QUICK (2011), HE’S ON DUTY (2010), THE MAN NEXT DOOR (2010), SECRET (2009), HAEUNDAE (2009), FATE (2008), MISS GOLD DIGGER (2007), MY FATHER (2007), LOVE, SO DIVINE (2004), ONCE UPON A TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL (2004), PLASTIC TREE (2003), A MAN WHO WENT TO MARS (2003), ANARCHISTS (2000) and others.
CHARACTERS & CAST 4
The thoughtful daughter| Sunsil
“Just three months… three month would be enough.”
Sunsil is the only daughter of KIM Jeong-ho. She meets her father after four years, but she is hurt when he does not recognize her. However, the rocks with the names of different places he has visited bring a smile to her face. She even squeezes into the obviously small clothes her father brought her. She is a thoughtful daughter who hides the sadness that wells up when her father once again prepares to leave.
NAM Ji-hyun | A rising star of Chungmuro!
NAM Ji-hyun has won critical acclaim through many TV dramas and films. Nam began as a child actor and has built up a 12-year career. In THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLD, she takes on the role of KIM Jeong-ho’s daughter.
“As my role is that of a daughter, I tried to develop the character from the point of view of a family. I think she would have blamed her father, but I think that her pride in her father was the greatest emotion,” she said.
In her latest guise, the viewers will be able to see how her acting has matured with the years.
SELECTED FIMOGRAPHY
HWAYI: A MONSTER BOY (2013), A REASON TO LIVE (2011), IF YOU WERE ME 4 (2009), MY CAPTAIN MR. UNDERGROUND (2006) and others.
CREDITS
CJ ENTERTAINMENTPRESENTS
A CINEMA SERVICE PRODUCTION
A KANG WOO-SUK FILM “THE MAP AGAINST THE WORLD”
CHA SEOUNG-WON YU JUN-SANG KIM IN-KWON NAM JI-HYUN SHIN DONG-MI
NAM KYUNG-EUP KONG HYUNG-JIN TAE IN-HO
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHYCHOI SANG-HO LEE SEOK-MIN
GAFFER LIM JE-YOUNG
PRODUCTION DESIGNER BAK EL-HEN MUSIC BY CHO YOUNG-WUK
EDITED BY KIM SUN-MIN COSTUME DESIGNER CHO SANG-KYUNG
MAKE-UP & HAIR DESIGNERKIM JOO-IL LEE JIN-WOOK
SPECIAL EFFECTS BY JUNG DO-AN RYU YOUNG-IL STUNT BY HAN JEONG-UK
VISUAL EFFECTS BY YANG IL-SUK SOUND DESIGN BYKIM SUK-WON
SOUND RECORDING LEE BYUNG-HA DIGITAL INTERMEDIATE 2L IMAGEWORKS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JEONG TAE-SUNG
FINANCING EXECUTIVE MICHELLE KWON CHANG HYUN
CO-FINANCING EXECUTIVEPARK JI-SUNG
PRODUCED BY KWON BYUNG-GYUN
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS LEE MIN-HO BAEK SUN-HEE
INSPIRED BY THE NOVEL ‘GOSANJA’ BYPARK BUM-SHIN
SCREENPLAY BY CHOI JUNG-MI
DIRECTED BY KANG WOO-SUK
PRODUCTION COMPANY
Cinema Service
4fl.Heungguk Bldg., Toegyero-ro 166,Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
WORLD SALES INFORMATION
CJ Entertainment
17th Fl. CJ E&M Center, 66 Sangamsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 121-904 Korea
International Sales
Yoonhee CHOI / SVP, Intl. Sales /Justin KIM / Director, Intl. Sales / ASIA. FRANCE.
UK. GERMANY /
Eunji KIM / Intl. Sales / AMERICAS. EUROPE. OCEANIA. JAPAN. CIS. MENA /
International Marketing & Festivals
Hawon KIM / SVP, Intl. Marketing & Festivals / World Wide /James SEO / Intl. Marketing /
Andini / Intl. PR & Research /
Hanbit CHO / Intl. Festivals & Promotions /