New cast members have been announced for the film "Matching True Love" (directed by Eiji Uchida), starring actress Tao Tsuchiya, including Kwak Dong-yeon, Toyoshima Hana, and Kura Yuki. This is the first time that Kwak Dong-yeon, a Korean actor known for his roles in TV dramas such as "Vincenzo" and "Queen of Tears," will be appearing in a Japanese film.
"Matching TRUE LOVE" is the sequel to the 2023 suspense thriller "Matching," which depicts the horror hidden behind the increased "encounters" brought about by dating apps. Tsuchiya will reprise her role as the main character, wedding planner Waka, and Sakuma Daisuke of the popular group "Snow Man," who played the insane stalker Tomu, will reprise his role. Starting with a "matching tour" in the enclosed space of a resort hotel on a southern island, the characters' pasts are revealed one after another, and a hellish death game beyond imagination begins.
Kwak Dong-yeon plays Lee Seong-il, a company owner who joins tours in search of a date, and leads the story as a figure who supports Wanka in the chaotic situation while casting a suspicious eye on Tomu. Toyoshima plays Ito Aira, the younger sister of Wanka's best friend, Naomi, who was murdered in the previous film. Kura plays Nomura Anran, who exudes a gloomy air somewhat similar to Tomu and shows an unusual obsession with the app marriage serial murders.
Looking back on the filming, Kwak Dong-yeon said, "I felt that even if the language or country is different, if you value non-verbal expressions, the emotions and messages you want to convey can be conveyed clearly. At the same time, I was reminded that each language certainly has its own unique emotions."
Toyoshima also commented, "Contrary to the atmosphere of the work, the set was really warm and friendly, and I was able to make many fond memories. It was my first time working on a death game, but watching my seniors, including Tsuchiya Tao, I learned a lot about acting." Kura said, "I hope you enjoy the dizzying developments and find out how each character ends up."
The film is scheduled for release in 2026. An "ultra teaser visual" featuring Tsuchiya, Sakuma, Kwak Dong-yeon, Toyoshima, and Kura has also been released.
