The Drug King (2018 Film)
The Drug King (Korean: 마약왕; RR: Mayakwang) is a 2018 South Korean crime drama film directed by Woo Min-Ho. Set in the 1970s, the film explores the rise and fall of a small-time smuggler who becomes a powerful figure in the illicit methamphetamine trade in Busan.
Plot
The story follows Lee Doo-Sam (Song Kang-Ho), a man working for a smuggling ring in Busan that traffics goods such as gold and watches. After being made a scapegoat for his superiors during a government crackdown, he is imprisoned. Upon his release, Lee pivots to the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine. He eventually partners with lobbyist Kim Jung-A (Bae Doo-Na), who provides him with access to influential figures. As his criminal enterprise grows, Lee amasses significant wealth but struggles with personal addiction and the pressures of his criminal lifestyle. Meanwhile, Prosecutor Kim In-Goo (Cho Jung-Seok) is transferred to the Busan Prosecutors' Office and begins a targeted investigation into Lee's network and the corrupt officials who facilitate his operations.
Production
The film was directed by Woo Min-Ho, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lee Ji-Min. Principal photography for the film commenced on May 5, 2017, and concluded on October 10, 2017. The film features a large ensemble cast, reuniting lead actors Song Kang-Ho and Cho Jung-Seok, who previously appeared together in the 2013 film The Face Reader.
Cast
- Song Kang-Ho as Lee Doo-Sam
- Cho Jung-Seok as Kim In-Goo
- Bae Doo-Na as Kim Jung-A
- Kim So-Jin as Sung Sook-Kyung
- Kim Dae-Myung as Lee Doo-Hwan
- Lee Sung-Min as Seo Sang-Hoon
- Lee Hee-Jun as Choi Jin-Pil
- Jo Woo-Jin as Jo Sung-Kang