The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil

A 2019 South Korean crime action film directed and written by Lee Won-tae, based on true events. The film tells the story of an unusual alliance between a gangster and a police officer who team up to catch a serial killer. Jang Dong-soo (Ma Dong-seok) is an influential crime boss who becomes the target of an attack by a serial killer known as "K" (Kim Sung-kyu). Despite sustaining serious injuries, Dong-soo survives, making him the only witness capable of identifying the perpetrator. Detective Jung Tae-seok (Kim Mu-yeol), known for his relentless stance against crime, has long suspected the existence of a serial killer but lacks evidence. Realizing that collaborating with the gangster is the only way to catch "K," Tae-seok proposes an alliance to Dong-soo. Despite mutual distrust, they form a temporary partnership: the cop seeks justice, while the gangster desires revenge and the restoration of his reputation. Together, they embark on a hunt for the killer, facing obstacles from both the law and the criminal underworld. The film explores the complex relationship between law enforcement and crime, demonstrating how a common goal can unite even the most unlikely adversaries. In South Korea the film reached cinemas on May 15, 2019, and the 2019 Cannes Film Festival also showed it in the "Midnight Screenings" section, out of competition. Reviews were positive: critics praised the drive of the plot and the strength of the performances.