Lotte picks up worldwide rights to Code Name: Jackal

Produced by Nomad Films, the comic thriller tells the story of a K-pop star (Jaejoong) who develops a relationship with a mysterious female assassin who has been hired to kill him by driving him crazy. The assassin is played by Song Ji-hyo whose credits include Sex Is Zero II (2007) and the Princess Hours TV series.

In addition to being one of Korea’s biggest pop stars, Jaejoong has previously starred in The Day (2012) and Postman To Heaven (2009), as well as TV series Protect The Boss.

Currently in production for an autumn release, Code Name: Jackal is directed by Bae Hyoung-jun, whose credits include Too Beautiful To Lie (2004) and Once Upon A Time In Seoul (2008).

Lotte’s Cannes slate also includes romantic drama Architecture 101 and Eungyo, the latest film from Happy End director Jung Ji-woo.

Directed by Lee Young-zoo, Architecture 101 recently became the highest-grossing melodrama ever at the Korean box office, beating the records set by You Are My Sunshine and Maundy Thursday. The story revolves around an architect and his first love who are reunited whilst rebuilding an old house.

Based on Park Bum-sin’s best-selling novel, Eungyo follows a 70-year-old poet who has an affair with a high school student, but his star student, who is jealous of the relationship, steals his literary work.