Actor Jung Il-woo Makes Japanese Debut in Amazon Prime Video Thriller 'Criminal'

Published Jul 30, 2026, 5:13 pm KST

Actor Jung Il-woo, best known to international audiences for his roles in hit K-dramas such as "Unstoppable High Kick" (2006) and "The Moon Embracing the Sun" (2012), has made his debut in a Japanese production with the Amazon Prime Video original crime thriller series "Criminal," directed by Japanese filmmaker Daishi Matsunaga.

Matsunaga expressed deep satisfaction with the collaboration during a press conference held in Seoul on Thursday.

"I have long been influenced by Korean cinema, so presenting this series in Korea holds immense personal significance for me," Matsunaga said. "Jung left a strong impression on me, and seeing his performance in 'Highway Family' (a 2022 Korean movie) convinced me that he had untapped potential I wanted to bring out."

Based on the popular novel by Ai Ota, "Criminal" follows a detective, a journalist, and a survivor who join forces to uncover a massive conspiracy set in motion by a random murder. The seven-part series premiered globally on Amazon's Prime Video on July 17 and has held the No. 1 position in Japan for three consecutive weeks.

The series' success underscores the growing cross-border appeal of talent from both countries, as streaming platforms increasingly commission pan-Asian originals designed to reach viewers beyond a single market.

"I would like to express my gratitude for the immense popularity," Jung said. "While it is a mystery thriller, the story follows the characters from an observer's point of view. That sense of mystery keeps viewers engaged from one episode to the next."

In the series, Jung portrays Takigawa, a mysterious key figure whose nationality was changed from Japanese in the original novel to Korean specifically for him. The adjustment marked the project as his first foray into Japanese-language production.

"When I first read the novel, I spent a lot of time trying to decipher whether Takigawa was good or evil," Jung recalled. "I prepared thoroughly because it was my first time working on a Japanese project."

Jung contributed several personal touches to enrich the character. He suggested that Takigawa roll walnuts in his hand while thinking — a familiar Korean habit — rather than using pressure massage balls, as originally scripted. He also wore his own military combat boots during filming to reflect the character's special forces background more authentically.

"Because the project could not be disclosed during production, many people wondered why I stayed in Japan for two and a half months," Jung said. "I am glad to expand my reach as an actor, and I believe working with talent across different countries helps introduce Korean content to broader global audiences."

Matsunaga praised Jung's dedication throughout the shoot, noting that the actor actively contributed ideas for every line and scene.

"Working with him was delightful because of his incredible passion for acting," the director said.

On the series' core theme, Matsunaga said he was drawn to the project for its exploration of criminality in contemporary society.

"The series asks what a crime actually is and who becomes a criminal," the director said. "I decided to direct this project to share that message with viewers."

Jung encouraged audiences to watch the series, highlighting its suspenseful storytelling.

"The story begins shockingly with a random killing, but it unfolds into an investigation of a massive force operating behind the scenes," Jung said. "Once you start watching, it is very hard to stop."