Teo Yoo, the South Korean actor who recently charmed audiences in the Netflix rom-com series Love to Hate You, is set to take on a thrilling new role in Lionsgate’s upcoming action thriller, Karoshi.
The film, written and directed by Takashi Doscher, is described as a “corporate thriller with a samurai twist.” While the plot remains shrouded in mystery, the project has already garnered attention due to its high-profile producers, including Chad Stahelski of 87Eleven Entertainment, known for his work on the John Wick franchise.
“Karoshi (過労死)” is a Japanese term that translates to “death by overwork.” It refers to the phenomenon where individuals die or suffer serious health consequences, such as heart attacks or strokes, due to extreme stress and long hours of work.
The concept gained attention in Japan during the 1980s as a result of the intense work culture in the country. Karoshi highlights the severe physical and mental toll that excessive work can have on individuals.
Yoo garnered a BAFTA nomination for his performance in Past Lives, a film that also secured Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. His impressive resume also includes roles in the Palme d’Or-nominated Russian film Leto, Park Chan-Wook’s acclaimed mystery Decision to Leave, and the Netflix Korea romantic comedy series Love to Hate You. He is also set to appear in the second season of Netflix’s spy thriller series, The Recruit.