Latest news with #ex-SpecialForces
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Park Sung-hoon says it was fun to film Squid Game & Queen Of Tears at same time
Hyun-ju (right) or Player 120 is a highly trained ex-Special Forces soldier. Photo: Handout Park Sung-hoon recalls that, for a while, he was viewed unfavourably by the public. That's because he had just come off playing two particularly unlikeable characters – first in The Glory (2022), then in Queen Of Tears (2024). In both dramas, the characters he played made life miserable for the leading ladies. 'I played two villains back-to-back, and whenever I went out to eat, some people would actually be mad at me for those roles,' the 40-year-old actor tells StarLifestyle with a laugh over Zoom. Fortunately, things began to change when the second season of Squid Game premiered at the end of 2024. In it, Park portrays Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120 – a highly trained ex-Special Forces soldier who was discharged after coming out as a trans woman. She enters the deadly competition to win the cash prize in order to foot her transition surgery. 'I'm really happy that I have played Hyun-Ju, who is such a cool character. She kind of turned everything around for me and made people like me,' says Park fondly of his character. 'Actually, I was shooting Squid Game and Queen Of Tears almost simultaneously, and it was really fun for me, going back and forth between two totally opposite characters,' he adds. Hyun-ju quickly became a fan-favourite thanks to her courage and always trying to do the right thing, even in dangerous situations. Park Sung-hoon says his character in 'Squid Game' is a cool person. Photo: Handout However, when the series premiered, there were criticisms about casting a male actor instead of a transgender actor for the role of Hyun-ju. Series creator-director Hwang Dong-hyuk told an American outlet that he did anticipate that this matter would crop up. 'In the beginning we were doing our research, and I was thinking of doing an authentic casting of a trans actor... When we researched in Korea, there are close to no actors that are openly trans,' he explained to Entertainment Weekly . Nonetheless, Hyun-ju stands out among the players in Squid Game especially in the scenes where she's interacting with Geum-ja (Player 149, played by Kang Ae-sim) and Jun-hee (Player 222, played by Jo Yu-ri). According to Park, the camaraderie among cast members helped strengthen their on-screen chemistry, even though they were always filming intense, emotionally charged scenes. 'We often talked about our performances, and about life in general. After wrapping for the day, we'd sometimes go for drinks just to relax and chat,' he says. 'I think the bond formed really naturally. Since most scenes were shot in chronological order, we didn't have to force the chemistry – it built up on its own, with emotions stacking scene by scene. 'So even though some scenes were emotionally draining, the connection made it all feel easier.' South Korean stars Kang Ae-sim (lef) and Park Sung-hoon bonded while making the show. Photo: AFP Next up for Park is a new drama opposite Han Ji-min, set to premiere in 2026, an entertainment portal reported. Only earlier this year, he was dropped from another K-drama, The Tyrant's Chef , after receiving backlash for uploading on social media an image of a porn video parodying Squid Game . Reflecting on the Squid Game experience, Park says: 'Over the past few months, I've been doing promotions overseas and met so many people – it's been fascinating to see how many of them already know me and welcome me so warmly. 'It still hasn't fully sunk in, especially since I look a bit different now with a new hairstyle, but people still recognise me instantly. 'It's been such a cool experience. And I really hope it opens up more opportunities for me to be part of global projects in the future.' Squid Game is available on Netflix.
Daily Record
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix fans obsessed with 'twisted Taken' movie that's beaten Tom Hardy film
Netflix's latest action thriller starring Scottish actor Dougray Scott has been dubbed a twisted mix of John Wick and Taken by viewers. Netflix viewers are hooked on a gripping new action thriller that's being hailed as a 'twisted Taken', so much that it's even outperforming a recent Tom Hardy blockbuster. Exterritorial landed on the streaming platform just days after Hardy's Havoc debut. Despite Havoc quickly climbing to the top of Netflix's most-watched movie charts, it has already been dethroned. The film that's achieved this is the German-made Exterritorial. It's currently sitting at number one in both the US and UK as the most viewed movie among subscribers, nudging Havoc down a spot in both regions. Exterritorial tells the story of ex-Special Forces soldier Sara, played by Jeanne Goursaud, whose young son mysteriously disappears during a visit to the US consulate in Frankfurt, reports the Mirror. Adding to the mystery, no one seems to remember him ever entering the building. Sara realises that the German authorities have no jurisdiction within the consulate, and if she's forced to leave, she may never see her son again. Unaware of a sinister conspiracy unfolding around her, Sara delves deeper into the consulate's labyrinth in a desperate search for her son. Viewers may recognise Goursaud from her role in the Netflix series Barbarians. She shares the screen with Scottish actor Dougray Scott, known for his roles in The Crow Girls, X-Men, and as the villain in Taken 3. The movie is quickly drawing parallels with the Liam Neeson-led franchise for its compelling storyline and electrifying sequences. According to Movie Web, "Netflix continues to deliver exactly what many action movie fans are looking for with its latest foray into the genre, which is streaming on the platform now. Taking its cues from the beloved Liam Neeson-led action thriller Taken, but with more twists and turns." Tom's Guide also gives a nod to fans of Taken, asserting: "What Exterritorial lacks in narrative surprises, it more than makes up for in its action sequences and tension-building. There's plenty to enjoy in this action-thriller, especially if you're in the mood for a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping ride." Critics have admitted that while the film might not be groundbreaking, it still offers solid entertainment. One critic said: "The situations are far-fetched... a ton of plot conveniences are introduced into the storytelling... the arcs get a little too convoluted for their own good... and the ending exposition dump is uninspired. And despite all that, I was still mostly entertained." Audiences on Netflix aren't holding back their opinions either, with one enthusiastic viewer writing on social media: "Wow wow wow. 10000/100. Watch this movie! ! Loved it. It's like a mix of Taken and Extraction but with a female protagonist." One viewer was unexpectedly delighted, sharing: "You ever click on a random movie and then sit there like 'Wait... this is actually GOOD'? That was me with Exterritorial. Totally worth it!". Another fan expressed their excitement on social media, posting: "Just watched Exterritorial on Netflix a gritty German action-thriller packed with raw fight scenes and a fierce performance by Jeanne Goursaud. Think John Wick meets Taken, but with a mother's rage. Plot's a bit familiar, but the action hits hard. Worth it."
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix action thriller that's 'John Wick meets Taken' dethrones Tom Hardy movie
There is a new number one film on Netflix Netflix fans are hooked on a gripping action thriller that's being dubbed as a 'twisted Taken', and it's even outshone a recent Tom Hardy blockbuster. Exterritorial hit the streaming giant just days after Hardy's Havoc made its debut. Despite Havoc's swift ascent to the top of Netflix's most-watched movie charts, it has already been toppled. The film that's pulled off this feat is the German-made Exterritorial. As of now, it's reigning supreme at number one in both the US and UK as the most viewed movie among subscribers, edging out Havoc by a spot in both regions. Exterritorial spins the tale of ex-Special Forces soldier Sara, portrayed by Jeanne Goursaud, whose young son mysteriously vanishes during a visit to the US consulate in Frankfurt. Adding to the intrigue, no one seems to recall him ever setting foot in the building. Sara realises that the German authorities have no power within the consulate, and if she's forced to leave, she may never see her son again. Unaware of a sinister conspiracy brewing around her, Sara plunges deeper into the consulate's maze in a desperate search for her son. Viewers might recognise Goursaud from her stint in the Netflix series Barbarians. She shares the screen with Scottish actor Dougray Scott, known for his roles in The Crow Girls, X-Men, and as the antagonist in Taken 3, reports Surrey Live. The film has drawn numerous comparisons to the Liam Neeson-starring franchise due to its premise and action-packed sequences. Movie Web notes: "Netflix continues to deliver exactly what many action movie fans are looking for with its latest foray into the genre, which is streaming on the platform now. Taking its cues from the beloved Liam Neeson-led action thriller Taken, but with more twists and turns." Similarly, Tom's Guide recommends the film to fans of Taken, stating: "What Exterritorial lacks in narrative surprises, it more than makes up for in its action sequences and tension-building. There's plenty to enjoy in this action-thriller, especially if you're in the mood for a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping ride." While one critic acknowledged that the film falls short of cinematic excellence, they still found it entertaining. They commented: "The situations are far-fetched... a ton of plot conveniences are introduced into the storytelling... the arcs get a little too convoluted for their own good... and the ending exposition dump is uninspired. And despite all that, I was still mostly entertained." Netflix viewers who have watched the film have taken to social media to share their opinions. One user raved: "Wow wow wow. 10000/100. Watch this movie! ! Loved it. It's like a mix of Taken and Extraction but with a female protagonist." One viewer was pleasantly surprised, sharing: "You ever click on a random movie and then sit there like 'Wait... this is actually GOOD'? That was me with Exterritorial. Totally worth it!" Meanwhile, another fan took to X, posting: "Just watched Exterritorial on Netflix a gritty German action-thriller packed with raw fight scenes and a fierce performance by Jeanne Goursaud. Think John Wick meets Taken, but with a mother's rage. Plot's a bit familiar, but the action hits hard. Worth it."
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
'Xenon won't propel us to the top, but it will protect us as we climb fast' - British politician plans to summit Everest using controversial gas
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Most climbers take several months to scale Mount Everest, gradually heading up and down to acclimatize to the lack of oxygen. British politician Alistair Carns says he is aiming to do it in just four days with the help of a controversial gas. Next month, the 45-year-old Minister for Veterans and People will fly to Nepal with three ex-Special Forces pals to climb the world's tallest mountain in a matter of days. They hope to arrive on a Monday, summit by Thursday, and be back in London for Sunday. Amongst the climbers is ThruDark founder Anthony Stazicker, whose brand creates high-performance outwear for harsh outdoor conditions. Two weeks prior, the group will be in Germany, where medical professionals will supervise their inhalation of the controversial Xenon gas. The team is being guided by Austrian outfit Furtenbach Adventures, led by experienced mountaineer Lukas Furtenbach. Furtenbach says that he used Xenon to assist a recent climb on Aconcagua, South America's highest mountain, and was was "totally convinced" by its effects. Xenon, which is legal on Everest, aims to accelerate the acclimatization process by increasing your body's erythropoietin production, which should, in theory, boost your red blood cell count. However, its effectiveness has been disputed. The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation does not recommend it due to a lack of literature and proper research into its effects. "Although a single inhalation of Xenon can measurably increase the release of erythropoietin, this increase is not sustained over four weeks use, nor is it associated with any changes in red blood cells," the federation explains on its website. In healthy individuals, blood oxygen saturation levels sit around 98% to 100% at sea level. At altitude, that number drops to roughly 87% to 92%; atop Everest, it can fall as low as 75%. This has a weakening effect and can cause deadly altitude sickness. With more red blood cells, climbers can forgo the traditional acclimatization process without risking the harrowing effects of altitude. Although the use of Xenon gas has drawn criticism from some sections of the climbing community, Carns and his crew are still eager to use it. "Xenon won't propel us to the top, but it will protect us as we climb fast," he tells British newspaper The Sun. "We are all fathers, so as fathers we are going to load as many of the variables as we can in our favour.' At 29,032ft (8,849m), Mount Everest is the tallest peak on Earth, measured from sea level. Around 800 people attempt to summit the Nepalese behemoth each year, with roughly five to ten people losing their lives. Last year, eight people died on the mountain. As anyone who was paying attention in chemistry lessons in school will know, Xenon (Xe) is one of the 118 chemical elements of the periodic table. It's an odorless, colorless noble gas that has a range of uses. It's been used as an anaesthetic for decades, as well as in lighting and medical imaging. Dr Michael Fries, an anaesthetist in Limburg an der Lahn, Germany, is involved in the project. He told the Financial Times that when used in lower doses as to when used as an anaesthetic, Xenon boosts erythropoietin production in the kidneys. This is turn boosts the creation of red blood cells and increased the body's ability to transport oxygen. Its potentially advantage-giving qualities mean that it's banned from use in organized sports. However, Furtenbach is adamant of its legitimacy in mountaineering circles, stating: "It's not an organized sport, so there's technically no doping in mountaineering." The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation has hit back stating that Xenon is a medicine, with the corresponding health risks if used in an unmonitored setting. It points to one study that showed doses recommended for mountaineering could lead to significant sedation, a quality that's detrimental in the high-stakes world of the death zone and high-altitude mountaineering. Before politics, Carns enjoyed a 25-year career with the Royal Marines, which he believes will serve him well for the upcoming challenge. "This is like a Special Forces mission. We have the best people, the best training, the best kit, and we are at the very cutting edge of science," he said. 'We'll go in, hit the objective, and leave no trace, no waste." The upcoming challenge is in aid of various charities and aims to raise a significant $1,280,000 (£1,000,000). The best winter hiking boots: for unbeatable performance in the cold The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain
