Duelist

Duelist

Year: 2005

Runtime: 111 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Lee Myung-se

Action

Detective Nam‑soon and her partner Detective Ahn go undercover to bust a counterfeit money ring. Their probe leads Nam‑soon to Sad Eyes, a loyal henchman and striking swordsman with a pale, blank face linked to the conspiracy. As they duel repeatedly, their rivalry becomes a tangled mix of duty and forbidden attraction.

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Timeline & Setting – Duelist (2005)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Duelist (2005). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Joseon Dynasty

Set in the historical Joseon era, the action moves between public spectacles and quiet, tense investigations. The plot centers on a counterfeit currency crisis that threatens royal stability and demands decisive police action. Political scheming and swordplay shape the atmosphere of this period.

Location

Joseon-era southwest Korea, tavern, street marketplace, Song's manor

The story unfolds in a Joseon-era setting across crowded marketplaces, a tavern, and the opulent manor of a powerful minister. Public performances and street life provide a backdrop to a currency crisis that destabilizes the kingdom. The contrast between everyday life and high-level corruption defines the film's world.

🏯 Historical setting 🛍️ Bustling marketplaces 🗝️ Political intrigue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:21

Main Characters – Duelist (2005)

Meet the key characters of Duelist (2005), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Detective Ahn (Ahn Sung-ki)

An undercover veteran who guides the pursuit of the counterfeit gang. He blends street-smart instincts with cautious authority, mentoring his team and orchestrating infiltrations. His presence anchors the investigation while he weighs the costs of crossing lines for the greater good.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🧭 Mentor ⚖️ Law 💡 Strategic thinking

Namsoon (Ha Ji-won)

A skilled martial artist detective who pursues the Sad Eyes with fierce determination. She balances professional duty with a developing personal connection to the killer, and her resilience drives the mission forward. Her expertise with long knives marks her as a formidable frontline investigator.

⚔️ Martial arts 🧭 Determined 🕊️ Loyal 💬 Rivalry-turned-affection

Sad Eyes / The Duelist (Gang Dong-won)

A masked, deft swordsman whose presence unsettles the police investigation. His charisma and lethal skill mask ambiguous loyalties, driving the plot as deeper conspiracies emerge. He embodies danger and tenderness, especially in his interactions with Namsoon.

🗡️ Master swordsman 🕶️ Mysterious 💔 Complex loyalties 💫 Enigmatic

Minister Song Pil-joon (Song Young-chang)

A powerful defense minister entangled in a plan to overthrow the king. He wields political influence and swordplay, presenting a dangerous mix of charm and menace. His actions reveal the depth of corruption and the threat to royal stability.

👑 Politician 🗡️ Swordmaster 🧪 Corrupt 💼 Power broker

Ga Du-chi (Kim Jung-tae)

A formidable figure tied to the counterfeit plot, aligning with corrupt officials. His presence signals the reach of the criminal network and the danger faced by investigators. He remains a persistent obstacle as the case unfolds.

🗺️ Criminal mastermind 🗡️ Enforcer 🧩 Obstacle ⚖️ Ambition

Mistress (Yoon Ga-hyun)

A powerful yet uncredited presence within the world of influence, adding tension and intrigue. She embodies the hidden networks that intersect with law and crime, contributing to the central conspiracy's danger and allure.

🎭 Courtly intrigue 🕵️‍♀️ Enigma 💬 Influence 🧭 Shadowy dealings

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:21

Major Themes – Duelist (2005)

Explore the central themes of Duelist (2005), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love vs Duty

Namsoon's growing feelings for the masked Sad Eyes complicate her loyalty to the investigation. Their evolving relationship unfolds amid undercover infiltrations and dangerous confrontations. The romance tests the boundaries between personal longing and professional responsibility.

🗡️ Loyalty and Betrayal

Two skilled swordsmen navigate trust within a web of political power and personal interest. The duelist's ambiguous loyalties reveal deeper conspiracies and moral ambiguity. Their confrontations become a lens on duty, honor, and risk.

💰 Corruption and Currency

A rampant counterfeit crisis destabilizes the monarchy and exposes insiders in government. The investigation uncovers how power and greed drive events beyond the law. Currency fraud acts as a catalyst for action, betrayal, and moral questioning.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:21

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Duelist Summary

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Duelist Summary

Duelist Timeline

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Duelist Timeline

Duelist Spoiler-Free Summary

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Duelist Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Duelist

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