Reset (2023): Nam Dae-joong’s Korean Thriller News

Lucy Liu has signed on as an executive producer for Reset, a sci-fi romance originally released as a short film that is now being expanded into a full-length feature. The project, which first premiered in 2023, centers on a married couple whose divorce is thrown into chaos when a car accident erases their memories, leading them to fall in love all over again - much to the dismay of their families, who are determined to jog their recollections and finalize the separation.

The news of Liu’s involvement was confirmed exclusively to Hollywood Buzz News by sources close to the production, though no studio or streamer has yet been attached to the feature adaptation. Liu, known for her roles in Kill Bill, Elementary, and the Charlie’s Angels franchise, will lend her name and creative input to the project, which blends a high-concept sci-fi premise with a grounded, comedic take on romance. Her role as executive producer marks a continued pivot toward behind-the-camera work, following her directorial debut in the Luke Cage episode “Soul Brother” and her producing credits on the action-comedy Set It Up.

Originally directed by Nam Dae-joong, Reset tells the story of Noh Jung-yeol and Hong Na-ra, played by Kang Ha-neul and Jung So-min, a couple who have already signed their divorce papers when the accident occurs. Waking up with no memory of their marriage - or its dissolution - they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other, rekindling a romance that never had a chance to fade. This development is far from welcome for their respective families, including Na-ra’s mother Do Bo-bae and her father Hong Jang-goon, who have been eagerly awaiting the finalization of the divorce to move on with their lives. The families’ attempts to restore the couple’s memories - ranging from staged arguments to dredging up old grudges - create a series of increasingly absurd and heartfelt situations.

The film’s supporting cast includes Cho Min-soo as the overbearing Do Bo-bae, Im Cheol-hyung as Hong Jang-goon, Hwang Se-in as Na-ra’s sister Hong Na-mi, and Lee Sang-jin as the family friend Gui-dong. Kim Sun-young portrays Jung-yeol’s mother, while Yoon Kyung-ho plays Ki-bae, a figure from the couple’s past whose presence adds another layer of complication. The ensemble chemistry was a key factor in the short’s positive reception, with audiences praising the balance between its fantastical premise and the very real emotional stakes of a marriage ending.

The original Reset ran just under two hours - 119 minutes to be exact - and earned a solid 7.4 out of 10 rating on TMDb, a sign that its core concept resonated with viewers. The story’s central irony - that two people who have agreed to part ways would, absent their shared history, choose each other again - raises questions about whether love is rooted in memory or in the present moment of connection. The sci-fi element, while not heavy-handed, provides the narrative device for that exploration: the accident isn’t just a plot point but a philosophical reset button.

For Liu, the project offers an opportunity to champion a story that crosses cultural boundaries. The film’s Korean origins and its universal theme of rediscovery make it an appealing candidate for an international audience, particularly in the current landscape where subtitled and dubbed content continues to find mainstream traction. Her involvement could also signal a push for a Korean-language production with global distribution, rather than an English-language remake, though specifics remain under wraps.

The transition from short to feature is a well-trodden path in Hollywood, but Reset presents unique challenges. The original short’s pacing and comedic timing were calibrated for a single sitting; expanding it to a feature will require additional subplots and character development without losing the tight emotional core. Nam Dae-joong, who directed the original, is expected to return for the feature, though that has not been officially confirmed. If he does, he’ll be working with a larger canvas, but also with the benefit of knowing exactly which moments resonated with test audiences and critics.

No production timeline has been announced, and with Liu’s busy schedule - she recently wrapped work on the animated Kung Fu Panda series and has several projects in development - it’s unclear when cameras might roll. But the combination of Liu’s star power, a proven story, and the current appetite for romantic science fiction - think Palm Springs or The Map of Tiny Perfect Things - suggests Reset could find a welcome home on a streaming platform or in a theatrical release that capitalizes on word-of-mouth.

For now, fans of the original short can revisit the 2023 release, while newcomers to the story should keep an eye on Liu’s social channels for any updates. The feature adaptation is still in its early stages, but the involvement of an actress-producer of Liu’s caliber is a strong signal that this isn’t just a development deal for the sake of it. It’s a project with a hook - what happens when love survives the memory of why it ended - that feels ripe for the kind of genre-blending storytelling that’s currently dominating the market. As the industry waits for official announcements, the smart money is on Reset becoming one of the more intriguing titles in development for the next couple of years.

Source: Hollywood Reporter