Japanese actor Sakaguchi Kentaro is receiving double the congratulations after announcing his marriage to a non-celebrity woman, followed by news that he will appear alongside Lee Joon Gi in the upcoming Channel A drama Kidnap Game, which premieres on October 6.
On September 7, Channel A confirmed the premiere date for its new Tuesday drama and unveiled three posters featuring the main cast. A global co-production between South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong, Kidnap Game revolves around an unprecedented series of kidnappings that occur simultaneously across seven Asian cities, including Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, and Naha.
Sakaguchi Kentaro, who has built a following among Korean viewers through projects including What Comes After Love, takes on the role of Japanese detective Niide Toshiro. The actor reportedly announced his marriage through his fan club on September 6 and also expressed his intention to continue focusing on his acting career following the marriage. His character, Niide Toshiro, is a principled detective known for his strong sense of justice and sharp judgment. However, his beliefs are put to the ultimate test when he enters a dangerous game in an attempt to rescue his kidnapped wife.
Lee Joon Gi plays Han Ki Joo, a brilliant surgeon whose life is turned upside down after his visually impaired daughter is kidnapped. As a doctor dedicated to saving lives, Han Ki Joo is forced into an unimaginable situation and must confront agonizing choices as he desperately tries to protect his family.
The three newly released posters capture the intense tension between the two leads through their piercing expressions. One of the key taglines asks, “How far would you go to save someone precious to you? Only one person can survive,” highlighting the central moral dilemma at the heart of the series. The posters also hint at an unpredictable relationship between the two men, leaving viewers wondering whether they will ultimately work together to save their loved ones or find themselves on opposing sides.
The production team described Kidnap Game as “a global psychological thriller that explores human choices and beliefs under extreme circumstances.” They added that the first posters signal the beginning of the massive game while encapsulating the fundamental idea behind the series. The production team further teased that the show’s unique world-building, which connects seven Asian cities, combined with the powerful acting synergy between Sakaguchi Kentaro and Lee Joon Gi, will deliver a level of tension unlike anything audiences have seen before.
Channel A’s Kidnap Game will premiere on Tuesday, October 6, at 10 p.m. KST.
Sources: Daum