Directed by
Sang-soo Im
Made by
Kino International
As night falls over the glamorous brothel in South Korea, KCIA Chief Agent Ju finds himself at the heart of a high-stakes drama. He skillfully navigates a razor-edged confrontation with the mother of a young woman who once had an intimate relationship with President Park Chung Hee. The mother’s desperate plea to reoffer her daughter to the president is met with Agent Ju’s cold intimidation and relentless questioning.
Meanwhile, KCIA Director Kim faces censure from a doctor for his heavy drinking, a habit that has developed from attending the president’s extravagant parties. The atmosphere becomes increasingly charged as various officials and low-ranking officers gather at a tightly secured safehouse, where Agent Ju has summoned the services of the breathtaking Sim Soo-bong, a celebrated enka singer, for the significant event.
Dinner unfolds with President Park, his loyal bodyguard Cha Ji-cheol, Director Kim, and Chief Secretary Yang embroiled in a heated debate regarding measures to suppress the rising protests. Tensions reach a climax when Cha chastises Kim for his perceived lack of authoritarianism, prompting a surge of frustration within Kim.
Seizing a moment of vulnerability, Kim concocts a scheme alongside Agent Ju and KCIA Colonel Min. After an unbearably tense meal, Kim makes his ruthless move: he ambushes Cha and Park, taking them both out with a singular, calculated shot before disarming the weapon. As chaos ensues, Agent Ju and Colonel Min, together with their henchmen, swiftly dispatch the president’s bodyguards, gaining control of the scene.
Driven by his own motives, Kim retrieves another firearm and shows no mercy, finishing off Cha and executing Park with a cold and calculated shot to the head. The aftermath is meticulously crafted to give the illusion of a North Korean attack, allowing Kim to exploit the prevailing atmosphere of fear during a subsequent Cabinet meeting.
In a twist of fate, Director Kim and Colonel Min seek to negotiate their narrative with high-ranking military officials, but Chief Secretary Yang preempts them by unveiling the actual events. This revelation ignites tensions between agencies, ultimately resulting in the arrest of Director Kim by the Army, leaving Agent Ju and Colonel Min stunned and unsure of their next moves.
As they come to terms with their precarious situation, they each make heartfelt calls to their loved ones. With Prime Minister Choi Kyu-hah set to ascend to the presidency, the destinies of those entangled in this dark web of political machinations become irrevocably entwined, leading most of them toward tragic conclusions.
The Confrontation Begins
As night falls over the glamorous brothel in South Korea, KCIA Chief Agent Ju is confronted by the mother of a young woman who once had a relationship with President Park Chung Hee. The mother desperately pleads to reoffer her daughter to the president, but Agent Ju responds with cold intimidation and intense questioning, establishing a tense atmosphere from the outset.
Director Kim's Struggles
KCIA Director Kim faces censure from a doctor concerning his heavy drinking, a habit that has intensified due to the stress of attending President Park's extravagant parties. This drinking problem not only affects Kim personally but also reflects the broader issues within the agency as tensions rise.
Gathering at the Safehouse
Various officials and low-ranking officers converge at a heavily secured safehouse, called together by Agent Ju for a significant event. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and anxiety as they gather to discuss the political unrest and its implications.
The High-Stakes Dinner
Dinner unfolds with President Park, his loyal bodyguard Cha Ji-cheol, Director Kim, and Chief Secretary Yang involved in a heated debate about suppressing growing protests. The discussions become increasingly charged as Cha criticizes Kim for his apparent lack of authoritarianism, exacerbating the already tense mood.
Kim's Calculated Scheme
In a moment of vulnerability, Director Kim devises a ruthless plan with Agent Ju and Colonel Min, seeking to exploit the situation to their advantage. The atmosphere thickens as the tension rises, setting the stage for the ensuing chaos.
The Ruthless Ambush
After an unbearably tense meal, Director Kim ambushes both Cha and Park with a singular, calculated shot. As they are taken out, chaos erupts within the safehouse, with Agent Ju and Colonel Min taking swift action to neutralize the president's bodyguards.
A Bloody Execution
Director Kim retrieves another firearm and, with cold precision, finishes off Cha and executes President Park with a shot to the head. The brutality of these actions sets off a sequence of events that will shake the political landscape.
Creating a False Narrative
In the aftermath of the killings, Director Kim cleverly crafts the scene to suggest a North Korean attack. This manipulation not only seeks to evade blame but also allows him to capitalize on the climate of fear present during the Cabinet meeting that follows.
Unraveling Truths
As Director Kim and Colonel Min attempt to negotiate their narrative with military officials, Chief Secretary Yang intervenes by revealing the true sequence of events. His unveiling of the facts ignites tensions between various agencies, complicating the delicate political situation.
The Arrest
The revelation by Yang leads to the swift arrest of Director Kim by the Army, leaving both him and Agent Ju in stunned disbelief. This unexpected turn of events puts their lives and careers in jeopardy as they now face the consequences of their actions.
Heartfelt Calls
In the wake of the chaos and uncertainty, Agent Ju and Colonel Min make heartfelt calls to their loved ones. These calls serve as a poignant reminder of their human connections amid the turmoil of their politically charged environment.
A New Leader Emerges
With Prime Minister Choi Kyu-hah poised to assume the presidency, the fates of those entangled in this dark web of political machinations appear irrevocably intertwined. The air is thick with uncertainty as each character grapples with the impending changes in the power structure.
Tragic Conclusions
As the dust settles on the dramatic events, many characters find themselves facing tragic conclusions. The dangerous political games played have led to unpredictable outcomes, forever altering the course of their lives.
Agent Ju
Agent Ju is depicted as a cunning and skilled operative adept at navigating the dangerous political landscape surrounding him. His shrewdness is highlighted during confrontations where he employs intimidation to extract information. Ju's loyalty is tested as he becomes embroiled in a high-stakes assassination plot, revealing his complex nature.
Director Kim
Director Kim serves as a central figure in the assassination scheme, demonstrating ruthlessness and a desire for power. His character evolves from a disgraced official to a cold-blooded strategist, showcasing a stark transformation fueled by desperation. His interactions with other officials highlight both his vulnerabilities and ambitions.
Cha Ji-cheol
Cha Ji-cheol, the loyal bodyguard of President Park, embodies unwavering dedication but is ultimately caught in the crossfire of ambition and chaos. His frustration with the political landscape reveals deeper tensions within the regime. His fate serves as a tragic reminder of the violent consequences of political betrayal.
Time period
1970s
The film takes place during the 1970s, a tumultuous decade characterized by political repression and civil unrest in South Korea. This era saw significant protests against the dictatorship, as well as the manipulation of public perception through cunning political schemes. The assassination of key political figures marked this period with a legacy of fear and distrust.
Location
South Korea
The movie is set in South Korea, a vibrant country known for its rich history and rapid modernization. The glamorous atmosphere of a luxurious brothel highlights the stark juxtaposition of political power and personal desperation. South Korea during this time was rife with political turmoil and social upheaval, especially under the authoritarian regime of President Park Chung Hee.
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Political Intrigue
The movie delves deep into themes of power and betrayal within a high-stakes political environment. It portrays the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain authority and silence dissent. The assassination plot serves as a stark reminder of the often brutal reality behind political machinations and the fragility of life in a regime marked by fear.
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Desperation
Desperation drives several characters' actions throughout the film, showcasing how personal tragedies intersect with political ambitions. The emotional turmoil experienced by the mother pleading for her daughter reflects the sacrifices made in the pursuit of power. This theme underscores the impact of political decisions on individual lives and relationships.
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Chaos
The aftermath of the assassination reveals the chaotic nature of power struggles, leading to unforeseen consequences for all involved. Moments of intense chaos reflect the unpredictable outcomes of calculated political plots. It highlights how the instability of leadership can spiral into violence, impacting both the perpetrators and innocent bystanders.
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