“I, the Executioner” is a 2024 South Korean action crime film directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, serving as a sequel to his 2015 hit “Veteran.” The film stars Hwang Jung-min reprising his role as veteran detective Seo Do-cheol, alongside Jung Hae-in as rookie detective Park Sun-woo.
Synopsis
Detective Seo Do-cheol and his team in the Violent Crimes Investigation Unit are dedicated to combating crime, often at the expense of their personal lives. The nation is shaken when a professor’s death is linked to a series of previous murders, indicating the emergence of a serial killer. As the detectives race to piece together clues, the killer taunts them by releasing online videos revealing his next intended victim, plunging the country into further chaos. Amidst the turmoil, the unit enlists rookie detective Park Sun-woo, whose strong sense of justice quickly catches Do-cheol’s attention.
Cast
- Hwang Jung-min as Seo Do-cheol
- Jung Hae-in as Park Sun-woo
- Oh Dal-su as Captain Oh
- Oh Dae-hwan as Detective Wang
- Jang Yoon-ju as Detective Bong
- Kim Si-hoo as Detective Yoon
- Jin Kyung as Lee Joo-yeon
- Shin Seung-hwan as Park Seung-hwan
- Jung Man-sik as Jeon Seok-woo
- Kwon Hae-hyo as Kang Soo-dae
- Kim Jae-hwa as Buti Samo
- Kim Won-hae as Former team leader
- Ahn Bo-hyun as Min Kang-hoon
- Huh Joon-ho as Kang Hang-jo
- Jo Kwan-woo as Chi-hoon’s father
Production and Release
Following the success of “Veteran,” director Ryoo Seung-wan and production company Filmmaker R&K confirmed plans for a sequel as early as September 2015. The script was completed by December 2021, with filming commencing in December 2022. Principal photography included locations such as Daejeon City Hall. The film premiered in the Midnight Screenings section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024, and was released theatrically in South Korea on September 13, 2024.
Critical Reception
“I, the Executioner” received positive reviews for its intense action sequences and engaging narrative. The film was praised for its “outrageously cool split and deep focus shots,” with action sequences that “hit hard, especially some of the brutal falls and throws.”
Polygon However, some critics noted that while the film’s climax was enjoyable, it lacked some of the ingenuity present in earlier scenes.
Box Office Performance
The film opened in South Korea on September 13, 2024, grossing over $30 million within its first six days, with more than 4 million admissions. As of November 1, 2024, it has accumulated 7,248,584 admissions, grossing approximately $53.5 million.
Cultural Significance
“I, the Executioner” delves into contemporary issues such as the impact of social media on crime and justice. The film portrays social media influencers who livestream from crime scenes, seeking fame and complicating police investigations. Director Ryoo Seung-wan aimed to reflect real-world challenges, stating that the film addresses “situations where information is oversaturated, where there is confusion about what is true.”
Recommendations
If you appreciated “I, the Executioner,” you might also enjoy the following films:
- “Veteran” (2015): The prequel to “I, the Executioner,” introducing detective Seo Do-cheol’s relentless pursuit of justice.
- “The Chaser” (2008): A gripping South Korean thriller about a former detective turned pimp tracking down a serial killer.
- “Memories of Murder” (2003): Based on true events, this film follows detectives investigating a series of murders in rural South Korea.
- “The Yellow Sea” (2010): A crime thriller about a man undertaking an assassination mission to pay off debts, leading to unforeseen consequences.
These films offer intense narratives and deep explorations of crime and justice within South Korean cinema.