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Film

Gangnam 1970

Gangnam 1970 (Korean: 강남 1970), also known as Gangnam Blues, is a 2015 South Korean action-crime film written and directed by Yu Ha. The film is set against the backdrop of the rapid urbanization and real estate development of the Gangnam district in Seoul during the 1970s.

Promotional poster for Gangnam 1970
Promotional poster for the 2015 film Gangnam 1970.

Plot

The story follows Jong-dae (Lee Min-ho) and Yong-ki (Kim Rae-won), two orphans who grew up together like brothers. After struggling to survive by collecting paper and scrap, they become separated and eventually find themselves on opposing sides of the violent political and criminal power struggles surrounding the development of Gangnam. As the district undergoes massive transformation, their friendship is tested by greed, betrayal, and the harsh realities of organized crime.

Production

The film was directed by Yu Ha, who also wrote the screenplay. Principal photography began on April 16, 2014, and concluded on August 31, 2014. To authentically recreate the atmosphere of 1970s South Korea, the production team filmed in various locations, including Gwangyang, Suncheon, Damyang, Naju, Jeonju, Iksan, and Muju. The role of Jong-dae was initially offered to actor Hyun-bin, who ultimately declined the part.

Lee Min-ho as Jong-dae
Lee Min-ho portrays the protagonist Jong-dae.
Kim Rae-won as Yong-ki
Kim Rae-won portrays Yong-ki.

Cast

  • Lee Min-ho as Kim Jong-dae
  • Kim Rae-won as Baek Yong-ki
  • Jung Jin-young as Kang Gil-soo
  • Seol Hyun as Kang Sun-hye
  • Kim Ji-soo as Min Sung-hee
Jung Jin-young
Jung Jin-young as Kang Gil-soo.
Seol Hyun
Seol Hyun as Kang Sun-hye.
Kim Ji-soo
Kim Ji-soo as Min Sung-hee.
Lee Yeon-doo
Lee Yeon-doo as Joo So-jung.
Jung Ho-bin
Jung Ho-bin as Yang Gi-taek.
Eom Hyo-seop
Eom Hyo-seop as Kim Jung-gyu.
Yoo Seung-mok
Yoo Seung-mok as Seo Tae-gon.
Lee Suk
Lee Suk as Gigolo Kim Choon-ho.
Choi Jin-ho
Choi Jin-ho as Park Seung-goo.
Han Jae-young
Han Jae-young as Park Chang-bae.
Film scene
A scene from the production.

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