Apocalyptic Thriller ‘Concrete Market’ Locks in Lee Jae-in and Hong Kyung as Leads

Lee Jae-in and Hong Kyung are set to headline the upcoming apocalyptic thriller Concrete Market, igniting anticipation with a tense, character-driven survival story set in a shattered Seoul.

Directed by Hong Ki-won, the film unfolds after a devastating earthquake leaves the city in ruins. In the wreckage, a single apartment complex remains standing—and transforms into a fierce barter marketplace where power, resources, and survival collide. Theatrical release is slated for December 3, with the Korea Media Rating Board currently reviewing the film for classification.

Lee Jae-in plays Choi Hee-ro, a mysterious newcomer whose icy composure and unpredictable presence rattle the fragile balance within the market. Opposite her, Hong Kyung portrays Kim Tae-jin, the right-hand to marketplace leader Park Sang-yong—ruthless on the surface yet driven by deep internal conflict, adding layered intensity to the narrative.

Anchoring the ensemble, Jung Man-sik steps in as Park Sang-yong, with Yoo Su-bin as Tae-jin’s rival Park Chul-min, Kim Guk-hee as Mi-sun, and Choi Jung-woon as Se-hee. The cast’s dynamic promises combustible chemistry within the confined, pressure-cooker setting.

Concrete Market originally began as a seven-episode drama concept before being reshaped into a feature film. Principal photography kicked off in November 2021 and has since wrapped; release was postponed due to pandemic-related and logistical factors. After early OTT speculation, the team committed to a theatrical-first rollout.

Backed by Climax Studio—the force behind 2023’s hit Concrete Utopia—and supported by Lotte Entertainment, the project brings proven disaster-storytelling pedigree to the big screen. With its razor-edge premise and powerhouse leads, Concrete Market is poised to deliver a taut, high-stakes descent into post-quake survival.