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'Okay! Madam: Bon Voyage' offers bigger action and laughs on the high seas

Published Jul 28, 2026 4:28 pm KST

The 2020 action-comedy hit "Okay! Madam" returns on a larger scale as former secret agent Mi-young, played by Uhm Jung-hwa, brings her high-octane moves aboard a luxury cruise ship.

"Okay! Madam: Bon Voyage" follows the former agent and her family as a peaceful ocean vacation turns into a chaotic rescue operation after a ruthless criminal syndicate hijacks their vessel in the middle of the ocean. With the sequel arriving six years after the first film, the production is also framed as a test of whether the franchise can extend beyond a one-off hit while keeping the mix of broad comedy and action that defined the original.

Building on the original premise, the sequel combines physical comedy with more elaborate action sequences. Uhm stands out with sharp martial arts and underwater scenes that go beyond simple slapstick.

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Hit comedy 'Okay! Madam' returns with luxury cruise sequel

Director Lee Cheol-ha said he felt relief and joy while presenting the sequel.

"I had planned a three-part series from the very beginning, and it took six full years to present this second installment," Lee said after the premiere on Monday. "I am deeply grateful and moved that our actors joined us again to enrich this film, and I sincerely hope it performs well so we can realize our dream of making the third installment."

Uhm said she was excited to reprise the role of the former legendary agent after six years.

"When we released the first film in 2020, it was cruising smoothly in its first week before the theater industry was hit hard by COVID-19, which was deeply heartbreaking," Uhm said. "Back then, we talked about making it a series, and I am so thrilled and eager to return as Mi-young six years later."

She also discussed the intense action scenes she shares with co-star Choi Soo-young.

"Even though it was an action scene between two female characters, we trained hard to make it just as powerful and thrilling as any other action scene," Uhm said. "Choi did an amazing job, and I also gave my absolute best in every single frame."

Park Sung-woong, who plays Mi-young's affectionate husband Seok-hwan, said he was confident in the project.

"We filmed without any awkwardness between us," Park said. "We created this sequel to break the common prejudice that sequels are less entertaining than the original, and I think the story has become much richer."

Choi, who takes on her first villain role as the criminal group leader Anya, described her experience working with her role model.

"Uhm was my real-life role model, so playing a character who holds a fanatical admiration for her on screen felt like an interesting crossover," Choi said.

The Girls' Generation member added that it was moving to see Uhm, a fellow singer-actor, give her full energy to every shot on a cramped set with a bright smile.

"I learned so much about the attitude I should have when I reach her level of experience," she added.

Lee Sang-yoon, who returns as Mi-young's former fellow agent Cheol-seung, said he was glad to be part of the expanding franchise.

"It is a privilege to participate in a series sequel during a challenging time for the film industry," Lee said. "I truly hope this momentum carries us through to a third film."

"Okay! Madam: Bon Voyage" will be released in local theaters on Aug. 12.