Let’s take a look at some of the best noir films that have captivated audiences since their debut in 1975, particularly those directed by Park Hoon Jung:
New World – Tân Thế Giới (2013)
New World is a film belonging to the gangster genre, exploring the underworld of organized crime in South Korea. Following the mysterious death of Mr. Seok, the leader of the Goldmoon crime syndicate in a car accident, a power struggle ensues for dominance among the largest criminal organization in the country. Lee Ja Sung, portrayed by Lee Jung Jae (known for Squid Game, Assassination, The Housemaid), is an undercover cop who has infiltrated Goldmoon for eight years. He faces a dilemma: either continue his undercover mission in the criminal organization or return to his life as a law enforcement officer, risking exposure and danger.
The film features notable performances from acclaimed actors such as Choi Min Sik (Oldboy, I Saw the Devil), Hwang Jung-min (Deliver Us from Evil, Kill Boksoon), Park Sung-woong (Snowdrop, Remember, Bridal Mask), and the ever-charming Song Ji Hyo (A Frozen Flower, Emergency Couple, The Witch’s Diner).
New World received numerous awards for outstanding direction and exceptional performances, securing prestigious accolades, including the “triple crown” at the Baeksang, Grand Bell, and Blue Dragon Film Awards.
V.I.P – Theo Dấu Sát Nhân (2017)
V.I.P revolves around “V.I.P.” Gwang Il, played by Lee Jong Suk (Doctor Stranger, Pinocchio, While You Were Sleeping, Big Mouth), the son of a high-ranking North Korean official. Gwang Il becomes a suspect in a series of murders occurring globally, with the narrative unfolding as various intelligence agencies from South Korea, North Korea, and the National Police Agency pursue him. As the situation escalates, Gwang Il sees himself as a “VIP” who is beyond the reach of law enforcement.
The film is packed with a stellar cast, including Jang Dong Gun, Kim Myung Min, Park Hee Soon, and Lee Jong Suk. Despite its gripping storyline, V.I.P faced criticism for its excessive violence and brutality.
The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion – Sát Thủ Nhân Tạo (2018)
In 2018, The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion quickly captured public attention with its compelling narrative and stellar performances. The story follows Koo Ja Yoon (Kim Da Mi), a young girl raised by a secretive organization that conducts human experiments to create superhuman assassins. After escaping from the facility, Ja Yoon loses her memory and is adopted by a family. As she attempts to live a normal life, her past catches up with her, leading to a thrilling talent competition that could expose her secrets.
The film also saw the release of a sequel titled The Witch: Part 1 – The Other One in 2022, which equally garnered public interest and attracted 2.8 million viewers upon its release.
Night in Paradise – Đêm Nơi Thiên Đường (2021)
Night in Paradise tells the story of Park Tae Gu (Um Tae Goo), a gangster who is forced to flee to Jeju Island after a botched assassination attempt that claims his loved ones. While hiding out, Tae Gu meets Kuto (Lee Ki Young), a singer, and Jae Yeon (Jeon Yeo Bin), Kuto’s niece, who has her own secrets. The film explores themes of redemption and the choices made in desperate circumstances.
This film brought Park Hoon Jung the Best Director award at the 2021 Blue Dragon Awards and was the only South Korean film showcased at the 77th Venice Film Festival.
The Childe – Quý Công Tử (2023)
The latest film by Park Hoon Jung, The Childe, focuses on Marco, a young man from the Philippines who becomes embroiled in the underground world of illegal boxing in South Korea. In search of his long-lost father, Marco finds himself in dangerous territories filled with various criminal factions. As the hunt intensifies, he turns into a target for those who wish to eliminate him from the equation.
Starring the popular Kim Seon Ho, known for his roles in Start Up and Hometown Cha-cha-cha, the film showcases a blend of talent that positions The Childe as one of the most anticipated South Korean films of the year.
