Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
'Dirty Money' exposes corrupt cops on wrong side of law
Actor Jung Woo stars as Myung-deuk, a detective who comes into possession of illicit funds and finds himself hunted by both a criminal organization and the police, in the upcoming movie “Dirty Money.” Courtesy of Acemaker Movieworks
By Baek Byung-yeul
The new crime film "Dirty Money" offers a fresh take on the genre by exploring the ironic situation of corrupt detectives who not only investigate crime but also engage in it, according to its director, Kim Min-soo.
"I tried to differentiate it from other crime movies. I wanted to convey to the audience the ironic fun that comes from detectives committing crimes," Kim said during a press conference in Seoul on Thursday.
In the movie, Myung-deuk (Jung Woo) and Dong-hyuk (Kim Dae-myung) are detectives who investigate during the day and take bribes from illegal businesses at night. They attempt to steal dirty money for a life-changing opportunity and get entangled in another case.
Eventually, these partners are pursued by Seung-chan (Park Byung-eun), a detective from the criminal investigation bureau who was Myung-deuk's ex-partner, as he closes in on the investigation.
Jung said he was attracted to the simple yet intense title and plot of the film.
"I wondered what it would be about if it was a story about life falling apart after mishandling money," he said. "I think it's important to make films with strong messages, but it's also important to make movies that people can enjoy in theaters while eating popcorn. I found great appeal in that aspect."
From right, actors Kim Dae-myung, Jung Woo and Park Byung-eun pose during a press conference for the upcoming movie “Dirty Money” at a theater in Seoul, Thursday. Newsis
Kim Dae-myung said he lost over 10 kilograms while filming this movie.
"Dong-hyuk is an immature character whose life goes wrong a lot. When we were working on the movie, the director wanted me to see the progression of the character's transformation from boy to man, so I lost weight over 10 kilograms," he said.
Park, who portrays detective Seung-chan, tried to show his character as "a mix of a Dobermann and a hyena" relentlessly pursuing these corrupt detectives.
"In crime movies, there are often absurd and exaggerated characters and situations, but the characters in 'Dirty Money' are realistic, like citizens you might see around you," he said.
"Dirty Money" was filmed from December 2018 to March 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the film's release was delayed several times over the years and it is finally set to be released next month.
Kim, who co-wrote the screenplays for the movies "The Merciless" (2017) and "Kingmaker" (2022), said he didn't expect the film's release to be delayed this long.
"When we were working on set, I never thought the release would be delayed this much," the director said. "I'm really grateful to the staff who worked on post-production. I kept visiting them and suggesting parts to improve. I want to thank them for teaching me a lot and allowing me to keep making revisions during that process."
The actors appreciated the director's prolonged commitment to refining the film despite numerous delays as well.
"He continued to edit until recently. That process must not have been easy, and I think his passion is amazing," Kim Dae-myung said.
As a result of these efforts, "Dirty Money" has been included in the Special Premiere section of the Busan International Film Festival next month and will hit theaters on Oct. 17.