Korean actor Cha Ji-hyuk to spotlight Sarawak in new international feature film

Cha Ji-Hyuk

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 11: Korean actor Cha Ji-hyuk, known for his role in the Netflix series “Bloodhounds 2”, is set to star in a new Korean-Malaysian feature film, “Distinct: Becoming Sarawak”, which will be filmed entirely in Sarawak beginning June 15.

Cha will take on a leading role alongside Malaysian actresses Siti Nur Aishah Bee Md Nor and Shelyn Poh, bringing together talents from South Korea and Malaysia in a project designed to showcase Sarawak to international audiences.

The film is a collaboration between South Korea’s Monster Factory Co. Ltd. and Malaysia’s The Black Label Sdn Bhd, involving filmmakers, actors and production professionals from both countries.

Built around the globally popular Korean romantic comedy genre, “Distinct: Becoming Sarawak” explores themes of love, healing, identity and human connection. Set against the backdrop of Sarawak’s contemporary lifestyle, urban culture and natural landscapes, the film aims to present a different side of the State to viewers worldwide.

According to the production team, the film’s central message is that differences can unite rather than divide people. The story reflects Sarawak’s multicultural society, where people of diverse cultures, religions and backgrounds coexist while maintaining their distinct identities.

The production will highlight Kuching and various locations across Sarawak through portrayals of modern city life, cultural diversity, creative spaces and authentic local experiences.

The film is directed by Shin Ji-hwan and written by Park Ho-young. The creative team includes Director of Photography Park Sang-hoon, Lighting Director Kim Hee-soo, Sound Director Kim Hae-sung and Music Director Jeon Jong-hyeok.

The project is led by Lee Sang Chan, chief executive officer of The Black Label Sdn Bhd and producer of “Distinct: Becoming Sarawak”.

Korean directors, actors and crew members have been based in Kuching since June 1 to conduct extensive pre-production activities while strengthening cultural and creative industry ties between South Korea and Malaysia.

Haesurim Co. Ltd. has joined the project as the major Korean investor, providing substantial support for the production.

The film’s costume design will be headed by Lee Chung Chung, creative director of global fashion brand LIE Collection, whose work has been featured at Seoul, New York, Paris and London Fashion Week.

The collaboration is also expected to create opportunities for local actors, crew members and industry professionals. Earlier this year, public casting sessions were held in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to identify local talents for the film.

Acting coach Yeum Dong-jin, who participated in the public auditions held in April, has returned to Sarawak to conduct workshops, character development programmes and script-reading sessions with local actors.

The Malaysian production team is led by Azri Ali, Qawiem Hamizan and Hanis Ali of local production support partner Semarak Kreatif Sdn Bhd, which is working closely with the Korean production team throughout filming.

Lee described Sarawak as more than just a destination with beautiful scenery, saying the State possesses stories, emotions and a unique energy that give the film its identity.

“Introducing the beauty and charm of Kuching and Sarawak to international audiences, while encouraging more people to visit and experience this remarkable place for themselves, is one of the key goals of this project.

“I hope this film will become a bridge connecting Sarawak with audiences around the world and inspire more people to discover this remarkable place,” he said.

Lee added that following the collaboration, his company plans to bring more Korean film and drama productions to Malaysia in the future, with Semarak Kreatif continuing as its local production partner in Sarawak.

Further announcements regarding the cast and production updates are expected in the coming weeks. — DayakDaily