Year: 2017
Runtime: 125 min
Language: Korean
Director: Seong-hoon Kim
A skilled North Korean detective, Im Chul-Ryung, is dispatched to the South to apprehend Cha Ki-Sung, a refugee crime boss. He unexpectedly teams up with South Korean detective Kang Jin-Tae, creating a unique partnership between the two Koreas. Together, they must overcome cultural differences and navigate a dangerous criminal underworld to bring down Cha Ki-Sung and his organization, marking a significant moment of cooperation between the nations.
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As Im Cheol-ryung, a seasoned officer from North Korea’s special investigation team, bursts into a hidden counterfeit money operation, he is confronted with a shocking betrayal: his superior, Cha Ki-seong, along with his fellow officers, are colluding to steal the master plates used for printing fake currency. This catastrophic revelation leads to a harrowing firefight, resulting in the deaths of Cheol-ryung’s wife, Hwa-ryung, and his team, leaving him seriously injured.
In the wake of this brutal treachery, North Korean authorities discover that Ki-seong has fled to South Korea, planning to employ the stolen plates for his malicious schemes. With urgency, Cheol-ryung is dispatched on a mission to track down Ki-seong and recover the plates within a tight three-day deadline. Meanwhile, the South Korean police view Ki-seong as a dangerous killer, assigning Detective Kang Jin-tae, a seasoned investigator from Seoul, to monitor Cheol-ryung, suspecting that he harbors vengeful intentions against the man who shattered his life.
Upon arriving at the airport, Jin-tae intercepts Cheol-ryung, and the two men join forces to investigate one of Ki-seong’s associates, Park Myung-ho, in the bustling heart of Myeong-Dong. However, Cheol-ryung, always alert, quickly discerns Jin-tae’s true motives and makes a daring escape. Their pursuit intensifies in Jongro, where Jin-tae conducts a tense interrogation on Park, only for him to slip away during the chaos.
As the stakes rise, Cheol-ryung becomes increasingly aware of Jin-tae’s surveillance, taking matters into his own hands by removing the tracking device from his phone—an act that leaves Jin-tae blissfully unaware. In their investigations, the duo discovers a shared adversary in Park, who is secretly dealing drugs. A fierce skirmish breaks out, during which Cheol-ryung cleverly obtains one of the assailant’s phones to pass to Jin-tae. However, Cheol-ryung has covertly bugged his own phone to track Park’s movements, showcasing his resourcefulness.
The unexpected pair soon encounters a local restaurant, where they stumble upon Park’s covert meeting with a lieutenant loyal to Ki-seong—who had been present during the tragic warehouse incident. The lieutenant discusses his intent to settle in South Korea, only to meet a grim fate at Ki-seong’s command. Cheol-ryung arrives just in time to warn Ki-seong of his imminent demise, leading to an explosive confrontation with the lieutenant. After a thorough search of Park’s belongings, the officials finally grasp the full extent of Cheol-ryung’s mission.
As the story progresses, Jin-tae’s compassionate side is awakened by revelations surrounding Cheol-ryung’s dark past, compelling him to extend his support. This burgeoning friendship leads them to the location of Ki-seong’s covert deal involving the coveted plates. Tragically, they arrive amid a bloodbath, as Ki-seong ruthlessly eliminates the buyer and his henchmen. Cheol-ryung’s quick intervention prevents Jin-tae from acting too hastily, allowing Ki-seong to escape with the precious plates. This moment leaves Jin-tae contemplating the implications of their actions.
The tension escalates further when Ki-seong, desperate and ruthless, resorts to kidnapping Jin-tae’s loved ones, demanding the return of the stolen plates for their safe return. Frightened, Jin-tae confides in Cheol-ryung about his family’s peril, who then takes the lead in managing the crisis. Together, they deliver the master plates to Ki-seong, facilitating his disappearance into the night while ensuring Jin-tae’s family is freed. Reunited, Jin-tae experiences a profound relief.
However, the peace is temporary, as an epic confrontation between Cheol-ryung and Jin-tae on one side, against Ki-seong on the other, looms large. The clashes intensify, culminating in a hard-fought victory for the duo as they ultimately dispatch the merciless Ki-seong. A year later, the bond between Cheol-ryung and Jin-tae strengthens, shaped by their shared perilous journey, promising more adventures ahead.
Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:12
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Reluctant allies from opposing sides must overcome friction to achieve a shared goal.If you enjoyed the dynamic between the North and South Korean detectives in Confidential Assignment, explore these movies featuring unlikely allies. These stories focus on characters from opposing sides who must learn to cooperate, blending tension with a satisfying progression from enemies to respected colleagues.
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