Lee Joon Gi’s “Dochabi” Set for Netflix: New Joseon-Era Historical Film Enters Pre-Production

Lee Joon Gi is reportedly in talks to star in a new Netflix original historical film, “Dochabi,” according to a June 22 report from MyDaily as covered by Soompi. His agency, Namoo Actors, confirmed that Lee Joon Gi has received an offer to appear and is “positively reviewing it,” while noting that nothing has been finalized. If the deal is completed, the project would mark another prominent screen role for the actor as Netflix expands its slate of Korean-language period titles.

“Dochabi” blends Joseon history with a supernatural-leaning premise

The word “Dochabi” is described as a Korean term meaning “goblin,” hinting that the film will likely go beyond strict historical reenactment into myth or folklore. The story is set in the northern border region of Joseon and centers on Tae San, a former military officer who lives in hiding in the mountains. Lee Joon Gi has reportedly been offered the role of the film’s antagonist, positioning him as a key driver of the movie’s conflict—though the final characterization will depend on script and casting confirmations. In the same reporting, Soompi notes that director Ahn Tae Jin will helm the film. Ahn is known for work including the movie “The Night Owl” and the drama “Second Signal,” and the project has drawn attention partly because of his professional connection with Lee Joon Gi. Ahn previously worked as an assistant director on the 2005 blockbuster “The King and the Clown,” widely regarded as a breakout moment for Lee Joon Gi, creating a narrative of collaboration that fans may see as a homecoming of sorts.

Production timeline: pre-production now, filming targeted for August

“Dochabi” is currently in pre-production, and the project is aiming to begin filming in August, according to the report. That timeline suggests the movie could move quickly into principal photography if casting and final negotiations are completed on schedule. Pre-production typically includes final script revisions, casting lock-ins, location scouting—particularly important for period pieces requiring authentic settings—and production design for the Joseon-era environment and its mountain hideout elements. For Lee Joon Gi, the potential project would also represent a shift in tone from his recent screen work. His prior Netflix appearance in the drama “Flower of Evil” helped establish the actor within the platform’s Korean ecosystem, and a film role in a period setting could further broaden his international audience reach.

What the reported “villain” role could mean for Lee Joon Gi’s next era

While the report frames Lee Joon Gi’s potential casting as the antagonist, the more significant news may be the type of character he’s being considered for. Antagonist roles in historical productions often require balancing menace with charisma or moral complexity—especially when the plot involves an embedded backstory such as Tae San’s military past and life in concealment. If the antagonist arc is built around a figure with ties to the era’s power structures or folklore elements, Lee Joon Gi could be positioned for a performance that leans into dramatic intensity rather than purely righteous heroism. That matters to how audiences perceive “Dochabi” as a Netflix offering. Netflix’s K-content strategy in recent years has leaned into genre-bending period stories—titles that mix emotion, suspense, and spectacle—rather than straightforward historical drama. By pairing a major established star with a project built around goblin-like mythology, “Dochabi” could align with that approach.

Industry context: continued momentum for Korean period projects on streaming

The potential addition of Lee Joon Gi comes at a time when Korean historical content remains a reliable draw for global subscribers, particularly when streaming platforms package period stories with distinctive genre hooks. Netflix has frequently used high-profile casts and director-driven productions to compete in the international market, and a Joseon border setting with a mountain-hidden protagonist and supernatural framing could offer visual variety—foggy ridgelines, remote winter landscapes, and border-region politics—along with the thematic pull of legend. Ahn Tae Jin’s directorial background also adds a degree of expectation. His earlier credited work suggests an ability to manage suspense and character-driven stakes, which may be useful for a film that reportedly centers on a hidden-officer protagonist while also elevating an antagonist presence strong enough to sustain tension across the runtime.

What to watch next

For now, the key detail is that nothing has been finalized. Namoo Actors’ statement indicates the actor is reviewing the offer positively, but casting confirmation will come only after contract completion and final script alignment. Fans and industry watchers will likely monitor official Netflix announcements, production updates, and casting confirmations for supporting roles—especially given the targeted August filming start. In the meantime, Lee Joon Gi’s connection to Ahn Tae Jin will remain a focal point for audiences tracking the project’s development. If “Dochabi” locks in its lead cast and moves smoothly into August production, Netflix could be positioned to present a major historical film that blends Korean folklore, border-region drama, and a star-led antagonist narrative—one designed for both domestic engagement and international streaming impact.

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