Public Enemy (2002 Film)

Public Enemy (Korean: 공공의 적; RR: Gonggongui Jeok) is a 2002 South Korean action-thriller directed by Kang Woo-suk. The film follows the intense conflict between a rough-around-the-edges detective and a cold, calculating criminal.

Public Enemy movie poster — Promotional poster for Public Enemy (2002).

Plot

The story centers on Kang Cheol-jung, a foul-mouthed and unconventional detective. During a rainy night on patrol, a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger leads to a violent confrontation, leaving Kang injured. Shortly thereafter, a wealthy and well-mannered fund manager named Jo Kyu-hwan is linked to the brutal murder of his own parents. As the investigation unfolds, Kang becomes obsessed with proving Jo's guilt, leading to a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse between the two.

Production

The film is notable for the physical transformation of its lead actor, Sol Kyung-gu, who gained 20 kg (44 lbs) to portray the rugged detective Kang Cheol-jung. Additionally, the production marked a departure for actor Lee Sung-jae, who took on his first villainous role as the antagonist Jo Kyu-hwan.

Cast

Sol Kyung-gu as Kang Cheol-jung
Lee Sung-jae as Jo Kyu-hwan
Kang Shin-il as Chief Eom
Lee Moon-sik as Lee Ahn-soo
Sung Ji-ru as Dae-kil
Yu Hae-jin as Yong-man

Franchise

Public Enemy spawned a series of sequels, including Another Public Enemy (2005), Public Enemy Returns (2008), and a planned 2012 entry.