The Neighbors (2012 Film)

The Neighbors (Korean: 이웃사람; RR: Yiwootsaram) is a 2012 South Korean suspense-thriller film directed by Kim Whee. The film is based on the webtoon Neighbor by Kang Pool, which was serialized on the Daum Webtoon platform between June and November 2008.

Promotional poster for The Neighbors — Promotional poster for the 2012 film The Neighbors.

Plot

The story centers on the residents of an apartment complex who become suspicious of one of their own neighbors, Ryu Seung-Hyuk, following the abduction and murder of a young middle-school student named Won Yeo-Seon. As the investigation stalls and the killer strikes again, various residents—including a security guard, a pizza delivery worker, and the victim's stepmother—find themselves in possession of circumstantial evidence linking Seung-Hyuk to the crimes. The narrative explores the tension and moral dilemmas faced by the residents as they decide whether to confront the suspected killer.

Production

Production for the film took place in South Korea, with principal photography beginning on April 7, 2012, in Busan. The first scene captured involved actors Ma Dong-Seok and Kim Sung-Kyun in a confrontation regarding a parking dispute. Filming concluded on June 2, 2012, with the final scene featuring the ensemble cast of residents gathering at the Kangsan Mansion.

Actor Kim Sung-Kyun — Kim Sung-Kyun, who portrayed the character Ryu Seung-Hyuk.

Actress Kim Yunjin — Kim Yunjin, who portrayed Song Gyung-Hee.

Actress Kim Sae-Ron — Kim Sae-Ron, who played the dual roles of Yoo Soo-Yeon and Won Yeo-Seon.

Actor Ma Dong-Seok — Ma Dong-Seok, who portrayed Ahn Hyuk-Mo.

Actor Cheon Ho-Jin — Cheon Ho-Jin, who portrayed Pyo Jong-Rok.

Actor Do Ji-Han — Do Ji-Han, who portrayed Ahn Sang-Yoon.

Actress Jang Young-Nam — Jang Young-Nam, who portrayed Ha Tae-Seon.

Actor Lim Ha-Ryong — Lim Ha-Ryong, who portrayed Kim Sang-Young.

Scene from the film — A scene from the production of The Neighbors.

Reception and Awards

The film received recognition for its performances, particularly in the acting categories. Ma Dong-Seok was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the 49th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2013. Kim Sung-Kyun received the Best New Actor award at both the 49th Daejong Film Awards and the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards in 2012.