River of Murder (2010 Film)

River of Murder (Korean: 살인의 강; RR: Salinui Kang) is a 2010 South Korean suspense-thriller film written and directed by Kim Dae-Hyun. The film explores the long-term psychological and social consequences of a traumatic event on two childhood friends.

River of Murder promotional poster — Promotional material for the film River of Murder.

Plot

The narrative spans several years, beginning in 1985 when two middle school friends, Seung-Ho and Dong-Sik, share a mutual interest in a classmate named Myeong-Hee. Following a bet between the boys to uncover Myeong-Hee's feelings, she is discovered dead. The investigation leads to the arrest of Kyung-Sik, Dong-Sik's older brother, who is identified as the prime suspect. This event causes a rift between the two friends.

In 1991, while serving time in prison for student activism, Seung-Ho encounters Kyung-Sik, who is incarcerated for Myeong-Hee's murder. Kyung-Sik dies by suicide shortly after their interaction, leaving questions about the case unresolved. By 1998, the lives of those involved have been irrevocably altered. When Dong-Sik's sister, Jin-Hee, is murdered in Seoul, Seung-Ho—now working as a prosecutor—reconnects with Dong-Sik to investigate the new tragedy.

Cast

Actor Kim Da-Hyun — Kim Da-Hyun, who portrays the adult Seung-Ho.

Actor Shin Sung-Rok — Shin Sung-Rok, who portrays the adult Dong-Sik.

The film features the following primary cast members:

Kim Da-Hyun as Seung-Ho
Shin Sung-Rok as Dong-Sik
Hwang In-Young as Jin-Hee
David Lee as Seung-Ho (age 16)
Jeong Se-In as Dong-Sik (age 16)
Kang Cho-Hee as Myeong-Hee

Actress Hwang In-Young — Hwang In-Young, who plays the role of Jin-Hee.

Actor David Lee — David Lee, who portrays the teenage version of Seung-Ho.

Actor Jeong Se-In — Jeong Se-In, who portrays the teenage version of Dong-Sik.

Actress Kang Cho-Hee — Kang Cho-Hee, who portrays Myeong-Hee.

Production

River of Murder was directed and written by Kim Dae-Hyun. The film was distributed by Mountain Pictures and released in South Korea on September 30, 2010. It has a runtime of 97 minutes.

Film scene — A scene from the production of River of Murder.