Beat (1997 South Korean Film)

Beat (Korean: 비트; RR: Biteu) is a 1997 South Korean film directed by Kim Sung-su. The screenplay is based on the comic book series of the same name by Huh Young-man. The film is noted for its depiction of youth culture and delinquency in 1990s South Korea, featuring Jung Woo-sung in the lead role of Min.

Plot

The narrative follows Min, a young man frequently involved in street fights alongside his friend Tae-su. While Tae-su eventually enters the world of organized crime, Min attempts to pursue a more conventional path by enrolling in school, where he befriends another student named Hwan. Min's life becomes complicated after he meets Romy, a girl he encounters at a club. Despite his growing affection for her, Romy remains focused on her academic goals, creating distance between them. As the characters navigate their respective paths, their lives diverge: Tae-su becomes involved with criminal syndicates, Romy faces personal crises that derail her education, and Min and Hwan attempt to establish a small business.

Production

Directed by Kim Sung-su, the film was released in South Korea on May 3, 1997. It has a runtime of 113 minutes. The film is recognized for its stylistic influence on the portrayal of disaffected youth in Korean cinema during the late 1990s.

Cast

• Jung Woo-sung as Min
• Ko So-young as Romy
• Im Chang-jung as Hwan
• Yu Oh-seong as Tae-su
• Kim Bu-seon
• Lee Moon-sik