The Outlaws

The Outlaws

Year: 2017

Runtime: 121 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Kang Yun-sung

ActionThrillerCrimeCrime

In Chinatown, a ruthless trio of Chinese gangsters disrupt the established order, terrorizing residents and seizing control of territory. The local gangsters reluctantly join forces with the police, led by the unconventional and formidable Ma Seok-do, to combat the new threat and restore balance. Their plan is to eliminate the mob in one decisive action. The film is inspired by a true story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Outlaws (2017)

Trace every key event in The Outlaws (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Gangs clash for Chinatown control

Two Chinese-Korean gangs, the Venom Gang led by Ahn Sung-Tae and the Cobra Gang led by Jang-I-Soo, clash for control of Chinatown as Ma Suk-Do and Captain Jeon Il-man try to keep the peace. The escalating feud signals a broader criminal power struggle that pulls in Jang Chen's ruthless expansion.

Chinatown, Geumcheon, Seoul
2

Jang Chen seizes the casino

Jang Chen, along with his henchmen Sung-Rak and Yang-Tae, kills Sung-Tae and takes over Jang-I-Soo's casino. This ruthless power grab marks the start of Jang Chen's bid to dominate Chinatown.

Jang-I-Soo's casino
3

Ma intervenes at the casino

Jang-I-Soo retaliates and attacks the casino while Ma Suk-Do arrives and arrests Sung-Rak. Yang-Tae escapes and informs Jang-Chen of the setback, escalating the conflict.

Jang-I-Soo's casino
4

Plan to arrest Jang Chen

Ma Suk-Do and Captain Jeon Il-man learn of Jang Chen's crimes and begin planning a coordinated arrest. They recruit cooperation from Chinatown residents to identify and track gang members.

Geumcheon Police Station / Chinatown
5

Birthday party massacre

Jang Chen and Yang-Tae ambush Jang-I-Soo and his henchmen at Jang-I-Soo's mother's birthday party, killing them. The brutal strike demonstrates Jang Chen's willingness to eliminate rivals anywhere.

Jang-I-Soo's mother's birthday party
6

Hwang learns of Jang Chen's activity

The hotelier Hwang learns of Jang Chen's activities when Jang Chen's location is revealed to him. Jang Chen had already killed Hwang's men in his hotel.

Hwang's hotel
7

Revenge attempt on Jang Chen

Hwang's men attempt to kill Jang Chen in revenge, but Jang Chen escapes. The failed ambush intensifies the feud and puts Hwang in closer danger.

Hwang's hotel
8

Jang Chen strikes back

Discovering the failed ambush, Jang Chen retaliates by killing Hwang. This decisive act shows Jang Chen's ruthless grip over Chinatown.

Hwang's hotel
9

Community aids the investigation

Ma Suk-Do seeks the help of Chinatown residents to aid in catching the loansharks. The community agrees and begins photographing gang members to build evidence.

Chinatown
10

Mass arrest of the gangs

Ma Suk-Do and fellow police officers arrest all of the gang members, including Yang-Tae. The crackdown marks a major turn in the case and signals government-led order returning to Chinatown.

Police precinct / Chinatown
11

Chase through the city

Officer Kang Hong-seok spots Jang Chen and gives chase through the city streets. Ma crashes into Jang Chen's car to save Kang Hong-seok, but Jang Chen escapes.

City streets
12

Final pursuit at the airport

Jang Chen reaches the airport to fly back to China. Ma tracks him to the airport restroom, setting up the final confrontation.

Airport
13

Showdown in the airport restroom

Ma confronts Jang Chen in the airport restroom, knocks him down, and handcuffs him there. With the captor contained, the immediate threat to Chinatown is quelled.

Airport restroom
14

Arrests and celebration

The gang leaders are arrested and taken into custody. Jeon is congratulated by the commissioner as Ma and his team celebrate solving the case.

Police Station / Commissioner’s office
15

A new case awaits

Just after the victory, the commissioner calls Ma to investigate another case. The film ends with Ma reaffirming his duty and the sense that more work lies ahead.

Commissioner’s office

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:52

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Movies are grouped here based on a specific emotional mix: they are intensely violent and heavy, yet ultimately provide a happy and cathartic conclusion. This combination of high-intensity action with a morally satisfying, straightforward resolution creates a distinct and rewarding viewer experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Outlaws

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Outlaws in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Outlaws is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Outlaws Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Outlaws, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Outlaws Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Outlaws

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Outlaws

The Outlaws Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Outlaws Spoiler-Free Summary

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