Directed by
Seong-hoon Kim
Made by
CJ Entertainment
Discover the intricate plot of Confidential Assignment (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
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.
Track the key events of Confidential Assignment (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Betrayal Unveiled
Im Cheol-ryung, a North Korean officer, storms a hidden counterfeit money operation only to be betrayed by his superior, Cha Ki-seong. The confrontation leads to a deadly firefight, claiming the lives of Cheol-ryung's wife, Hwa-ryung, and his team, leaving him gravely injured.
The Chase Begins
In the wake of the betrayal, North Korean authorities learn that Ki-seong has fled to South Korea. Cheol-ryung is urgently dispatched to track him down and recover the stolen master plates within a strict three-day deadline.
Suspicion and Surveillance
The South Korean police identify Ki-seong as a dangerous criminal and assign Detective Kang Jin-tae to monitor Cheol-ryung, suspecting his vengeful intentions. This creates a tense atmosphere as both men navigate their hidden agendas.
First Encounter
Upon arriving at the airport in South Korea, Detective Jin-tae intercepts Cheol-ryung. They reluctantly join forces to investigate Park Myung-ho, an associate of Ki-seong, amidst the vibrant setting of Myeong-Dong.
The Escape
While investigating, Cheol-ryung realizes Jin-tae's true motives and makes a daring escape, evading capture in their growing pursuit. The situation escalates as Jin-tae interrogates Park, but Park manages to slip away.
Covert Tactics
Increasingly aware of Jin-tae's surveillance, Cheol-ryung takes action by removing the tracking device from his phone. This move allows him to operate without Jin-tae knowing his precise whereabouts.
Drug Deal Discovery
The duo uncovers a shared enemy in Park, who is revealed to be involved in drug dealing. A fierce skirmish ensues, during which Cheol-ryung cleverly acquires a phone from one of Park’s associates to aid their investigation.
The Meeting
In a local restaurant, Cheol-ryung and Jin-tae stumble upon a meeting where Park discusses plans with a lieutenant loyal to Ki-seong. Tensions rise as they realize the lieutenant poses a direct threat to their mission.
Warning and Confrontation
Cheol-ryung warns Ki-seong about the lieutenant's intentions, escalating the pressure on both sides. A confrontation ensues leading to the lieutenant's demise, revealing the hidden connections between the players involved.
Fostering Friendship
As they continue their investigation, Jin-tae's understanding of Cheol-ryung's tragic past grows, fostering a budding friendship. This newfound bond pushes them closer to locating Ki-seong's next covert deal.
Bloodbath at the Deal
The pair arrive at Ki-seong's deal only to find a gruesome scene where he has ruthlessly eliminated the buyers and their guards. Jin-tae's instincts tell him to act, but Cheol-ryung advises restraint.
Kidnapping Crisis
In a desperate move, Ki-seong kidnaps Jin-tae's loved ones, demanding the return of the stolen plates. Jin-tae confides in Cheol-ryung about his family's peril, highlighting their deepening partnership.
The Deal with Danger
Together, Cheol-ryung and Jin-tae face the daunting task of delivering the master plates to Ki-seong to secure the safe return of Jin-tae’s family. Their actions are fraught with tension as they negotiate with a dangerous criminal.
The Final Confrontation
After ensuring Jin-tae's family is freed, a climactic battle ensues between Cheol-ryung, Jin-tae, and Ki-seong. The fierce struggle leads to a hard-fought victory as they ultimately eliminate the merciless Ki-seong.
Bond Forged in Fire
A year later, the experiences shared between Cheol-ryung and Jin-tae have formed a strong bond. Their journey through perilous circumstances cements a friendship that promises future adventures together.
Meet the characters that bring Confidential Assignment (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Im Cheol-ryung
Im Cheol-ryung is a resilient North Korean officer driven by a quest for justice following the betrayal that changed his life. His resourceful nature and survival instincts aid him in navigating a treacherous world while grappling with his past and seeking redemption.
Detective Kang Jin-tae
Detective Kang Jin-tae is a seasoned investigator from South Korea who initially views Cheol-ryung with suspicion yet gradually forms a bond fueled by shared experiences. His compassionate side emerges as he grapples with the moral dilemmas of their troubled path.
Cha Ki-seong
Cha Ki-seong, a cunning antagonist, embodies betrayal and malice as he exploits his position for personal gain, leading to catastrophic consequences. His ruthless ambition drives the conflict, making him a formidable foe for both Cheol-ryung and Jin-tae.
Hwa-ryung
Hwa-ryung, Cheol-ryung's wife, represents the personal stakes involved in his mission. Her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for Cheol-ryung’s motivation, emphasizing the emotional costs of the violent world in which they navigate.
Park Myung-ho
Park Myung-ho serves as a critical associate within the conflict, linked to Ki-seong's operations. His interactions with the protagonists highlight the complexities of loyalty and crime, emphasizing the dangerous web in which they are entangled.
Uncover the settings of Confidential Assignment (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day challenges of crime and international relations. The urgency of Cheol-ryung's mission highlights the swift pace of current investigative actions and the societal impacts of betrayal and loyalty.
Location
North Korea, South Korea, Myeong-Dong, Jongro
The movie primarily takes place in both North and South Korea, showcasing the stark contrasts between the two. Myeong-Dong, a bustling shopping district in Seoul, serves as a backdrop for intense investigation and action. Jongro is depicted as an area where critical inquiries unfold amidst the chaos of the characters' pursuit.
Explore the core themes of Confidential Assignment (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Betrayal
Betrayal stands as a core theme in 'Confidential Assignment,' as Cheol-ryung experiences a profound sense of treachery from his own team. This theme drives the narrative, compelling characters to navigate the consequences of misplaced trust and their subsequent quests for justice.
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Friendship
The evolving friendship between Cheol-ryung and Jin-tae symbolizes the possibility of unity amidst chaos. As they confront mutual adversities, their bond illustrates how shared experiences can foster connections that transcend initial differences and mistrust.
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Conflict
Conflict is omnipresent in this film, emerging not only as physical confrontations but also as emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The struggle between Cheol-ryung and Ki-seong encapsulates larger themes of duty, justice, and the effects of personal loss.
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