Set to dominate the Lunar New Year box office, HUMINT is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated Korean movies of 2026. Directed by action maestro Ryoo Seung-wan, the film dives deep into the shadowy world of international espionage, blending intense action with emotionally charged human drama. With a powerful cast and a globally appealing spy narrative, HUMINT promises a cinematic experience designed for the big screen.

The story unfolds in the cold, strategic port city of Vladivostok, where intelligence agents from both South and North Korea find their missions dangerously intertwined. Jo In-sung takes on the role of Cho, a skilled black-ops section chief working for South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Calm, calculated, and battle-hardened, his character is tasked with tracking secret operations that threaten to destabilize the region. Standing opposite him is Park Jung-min as Park Geon, a sharp and relentless operative from North Korea’s Ministry of State Security, whose presence raises the stakes at every turn.

Park Hae-joon plays Hwang Chi-seong, a North Korean consul general whose political position hides complex motives, while Shin Sae-kyung appears as Chae Seon-hwa, a mysterious woman working at a North Korean restaurant. Her character becomes an unexpected emotional anchor in the story, blurring the lines between loyalty, survival, and truth. As these four lives intersect, HUMINT explores how personal choices can be just as dangerous as bullets in the world of espionage.

True to its title, the film focuses on human intelligence rather than technology, emphasizing face-to-face encounters, psychological warfare, and fragile alliances. Director Ryoo Seung-wan is known for delivering large-scale action grounded in realism, and HUMINT continues that signature style with gritty visuals, tightly choreographed action scenes, and a tense atmosphere heightened by its icy setting. The movie is also set for a Dolby Atmos theatrical release, enhancing its immersive sound design and making it a must-watch in cinemas.

With its star-studded lineup, international setting, and high-stakes narrative, HUMINT is poised to be more than just another spy film. It represents Korean cinema’s growing confidence in delivering globally competitive genre films while staying rooted in emotionally driven storytelling. As the release date approaches, expectations continue to rise for what could become one of 2026’s standout Korean movies.