Oldboy South Korean Thriller to Get TV Adaptation From Park Chan-wook

Oldboy, the South Korean thriller that many consider a classic despite it only being released 21 years ago, is on track for a TV series adaptation.

TVLine has learned that Lionsgate Television is partnering with Park Chan-wook on the first English-language series adaptation of his 2003 film, which was adapted from a Japanese manga of the same name and went on to become the first South Korean film to win the Grand Prix at Cannes.

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Park, who directed and co-wrote the original film, is attached to produce the series along with producing partner Syd Lim.

Oldboy follows a man (played in the 2003 film by Choi Min-sik) who is released from prison after 15 years, only to find that he must find his captor in five days. The film is part of Park’s Vengeance trilogy, which includes 2002’s Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and 2005’s Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.

Park is also known for producing both the Snowpiercer film and the television series it spawned. He produced as well as directed HBO’s recently released The Sympathizer, starring Hoa Xuande, Robert Downey, Jr. and Robert Downey, Jr. and….

“Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision for bringing Oldboy into the world of television,” Park says in a statement. “I look forward to working with a studio whose brand stands for bold, original and risk-taking storytelling.”

Adds Scott Herbst, EVP and Head of Scripted Development for Lionsgate Television: “Park is one of the most visionary storytellers of our generation, and we’re excited to partner with him in bringing his cinematic masterpiece to the television screen. This series adaptation of Oldboy will feature the raw emotional power, iconic fight scenes and visceral style that made the film a classic.”

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