Teo Yoo, best known for his role in Past Lives, is set to star in the upcoming Lionsgate action thriller Karoshi, directed by Takashi Doscher. The film, a thrilling new collaboration between the two talents, explores the intense world of corporate burnout and extreme competition.

Yoo will play Ken, a former finance executive in Japan who is entangled in a deadly race against time. The story follows Ken’s journey as he is forced into a high-stakes competition by a mysterious corporation that preys on overworked professionals. Ken must confront his past and navigate the dangerous world of corporate espionage to survive.

Doscher, known for his work on Only, takes on the writer and director for the project. According to Deadline, Doscher described the film as “an intense action thriller” that delves into themes of “personal sacrifice, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success.” He noted, “Teo brings a unique depth and humanity to his role that will elevate this story to new heights.”

Teo Yoo’s participation in Karoshi signals a shift in his career towards more action-oriented roles, and he has expressed enthusiasm about working with Doscher. He praised the script for its “compelling narrative and complex character dynamics,” which align with his desire to explore new genres and challenging roles.

Production on Karoshi is expected to begin later this year, with Lionsgate taking the reins on distribution. The film aims to deliver no thrill-seeking action and a deeper reflection on the human cost of ambition in the modern world.