Kim Myeong-min returns in disaster thriller

Award-winning actor Kim Myeong-min, whose previous works include MBC’s “Beethoven Virus” (2008) and period thriller “Detective K” (2011), is returning to the screen as a desperate father in the upcoming disaster thriller “Deranged” (Yeongasi).

In the blockbuster flick which portrays the outbreak of virus-infected parasites in Seoul, Kim plays an ordinary man in his 40s named Jae-hyuk who works for a medical supplies company. The film begins as a number of dead bodies are found floating in the Han River. The public is even more shocked when they find out the men and women jumped into the water as if they were on drugs, as seen on CCTV footage. 

The experts finally discover that there is an outbreak of fatal virus-infected horsehair worms. Once infected by the deadly parasitic animal, one becomes unbearably thirsty and hungry, and eventually jumps into a body of water out of severe dehydration.

When the government desperately seeks the cure for the disease, Jae-hyuk finds out his family, too, is showing similar symptoms as the victims.

Kim, whose previous characters include a renowned conductor, a marathon runner and a Joseon-era detective, is famous for his versatility. He has won a number of awards, including the Grand Prize at the 2009 MBC Drama Awards and the 2009 Blue Dragon Film Awards. “Deranged” is his ninth movie, following last year’s sports flick “Pacemaker.”

Co-starring Kim in this 10 billion won film is former Shinhwa member Kim Dong-wan.

A CJ Entertainment release, “Deranged” is slated to open in theaters on July 12.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)