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| ▲ This still image of South Korean film "Badland" is provided by Plus M Entertainment and Hive Media Corp. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean crime film "Badland," which opens in local theaters on April 16, delves into the murky world of drug enforcement, exploring the volatile intersections of ambition, desperation, and corruption through the eyes of a broker, a prosecutor, and a detective.
The story begins when a drug offender, brought into a police station in the grip of severe withdrawal symptoms, causes a commotion. At that moment, Lee Kang-soo (played by Kang Ha-neul) receives a call and arrives at the station. With sharp insight, he quickly assesses the situation and facilitates a covert deal—exchanging the detainee’s information for a reduced sentence—leaving both the police and the suspect satisfied. Lee is what’s known in the underworld as a "Badland"—a slang term for brokers who trade drug-related intel to authorities for financial gain.
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| ▲ This still image of South Korean film "Badland" is provided by Plus M Entertainment and Hive Media Corp. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The film follows the entanglement of Lee with ambitious prosecutor Koo Kwan-hee (Yoo Hae-jin) and veteran narcotics officer Oh Sang-jae (Park Hae-joon). As their investigation leads to Jo Hoon (Ryu Kyung-soo), the son of a leading presidential candidate, their fates begin to spiral in unpredictable directions. Driven by their respective desires, the three characters collide in a high-stakes game of power, manipulation, and survival.
Badland draws attention for its fresh and rarely explored subject matter. By using real slang from the drug underworld as both its title and central theme, the film offers audiences a glimpse into a clandestine world not often depicted on screen. Director Hwang Byung-guk, who also wrote the screenplay, brings a well-researched realism to scenes portraying addiction, withdrawal, and recovery.
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| ▲ This still image of South Korean film "Badland" is provided by Plus M Entertainment and Hive Media Corp. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The film unfolds at a brisk pace, maintaining high energy from an engaging opening sequence—utilizing narration, cross-cutting, and split screens—through to the climax. This dynamic tempo keeps audiences engrossed, leaving little room for dull moments. Strong performances further elevate the film: Kang Ha-neul shows remarkable range as the cocky, self-assured broker-turned-addict, while Yoo Hae-jin delivers a layered portrayal of a prosecutor whose ambitions teeter on the edge of moral collapse.
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| ▲ This still image of South Korean film "Badland" is provided by Plus M Entertainment and Hive Media Corp. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
However, the film’s breakneck editing may come at the expense of narrative depth. Key character developments—such as Prosecutor Koo’s moral unraveling and the emotional bond between Lee and Detective Oh—are touched on only briefly, despite their central importance to the story. Similarly, supporting characters such as Oh Sang-jae, nicknamed “Emperor Jade” for his fearsome reputation among criminals, and Jo Hoon, the antagonist entangled in scandal, are not fully fleshed out despite intriguing premises.
Director Hwang explained, “Most films and dramas dealing with drugs tend to be dark and heavy. I wanted Badland to be lighter, more energetic, and faster-paced.”
Badland is rated R (Restricted to viewers 18 and over) and runs 122 minutes. It opens in theaters nationwide on April 16.
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