'The Ultimate Duo' proves worth 7-year wait

Actors Jung Ga-ram, left, and Bae Sung-woo in a scene from “The Ultimate Duo” / Courtesy of Acemaker Movieworks

It took seven years due to a pandemic and a drunk driving scandal involving its lead actor, but the crime action film "The Ultimate Duo" has finally reached the big screen, proving that a well-crafted plot remains effective even years later.

Directed by Park Cheol-hwan, the film follows an unlikely pair of detectives — Jae-hyeok (Bae Sung-woo), a veteran detective, demoted to a rural station, and Jung-ho (Jung Ga-ram), a wealthy influencer-turned-rookie cop.

Their journey to Seoul to catch a real killer offers a seamless blend of comedy, high-stakes action and tense procedural drama.

The story kicks off when the duo arrests a petty thief for stealing 48,700 won ($33) from a rural church offering box, only to discover he is a prime suspect in a murder case in Seoul's affluent Gangnam District.

Despite the case being officially closed with another suspect (Yoon Kyung-ho) behind bars, the duo embarks on an unauthorized investigation. Supported by prosecutor Mi-ju (Esom), but hindered by the ambitious Gangnam team leader Oh Min-ho (Jo Han-chul), they dive into a web of conflicting testimonies and hidden clues.

After the Wednesday press screening, the cast expressed deep emotions regarding the film’s long-delayed release.

"I feel truly grateful just for the fact that this film is finally opening in theaters," said lead actor Bae, who had been away from the spotlight following a drunk driving incident in 2020.

"I was involved with this project since the early stages of the script creation. I only hope that watching this movie remains a pleasant experience for the audience."

From right, actors Bae Sung-woo, Yoon Kyung-ho, Jung Ga-ram and Jo Han-chul pose during a press conference for their movie “The Ultimate Duo” at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday. Newsis

Regarding his character, Bae said he focused on the inner character of the unlucky veteran.

"Detectives who are out of luck or fail to get promoted are characters we’ve seen before, but I found it interesting how his prejudices and stubbornness are easily broken down in this film," he said. "We wanted to show that the flaws of the veteran and the rookie eventually become their greatest weapons in solving the case."

The film’s strength lies in its solid narrative and multidimensional characters, and the story still feels fresh and exciting. Director Park, who also wrote the script, keeps the plot moving fast for about 100 minutes, keeping the audience hooked until the end.

Jung, who underwent six months of martial arts training for his role, shared his excitement about the release.

"Seven years have passed, and I’ve even completed my military service in the meantime, but the memories of filming are still vivid," Jung said. "Looking at my performance from seven years ago, I see things that I could have done better, but I have no regrets because I gave my best at that moment."

Actors Jo and Yoon also added depth to the thriller. Jo described his character as "rational yet emotional," while Yoon, known for his friendly image in variety shows, delivered a chilling performance as a predator-like antagonist. "I approached the role thinking that this character should emit a fishy, unpleasant scent," Yoon said.

Despite the long wait, "The Ultimate Duo" is a solid crime thriller with a satisfying payoff. The natural chemistry between Bae and Jung is so strong that it makes the audience want to see a sequel if the movie does well at the box office.

"The Ultimate Duo" hits local theaters on April 2.