Native Title	야당
Also Know as	Yadang, Opposition
Director	Hwang Byeng-Gug
Writer	Kim Hyo-Seok
Distributor	Plus M Entertainment
Air Time	123 minutes / 2 hours 2 minutes 46 seconds
Content Rating	18+ Restricted (violence & profanity)
Genre	Action, Mystery, Crime, Drama
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2025-04-16
End Date	0000-00-00

Yadang: The Snitch (Korean: 야당) is a 2025 South Korean crime‑action thriller directed by Hwang Byeong‑guk. Centered on the murky intersections of the drug trade, corruption, and vengeance, the film offers a gritty yet emotionally resonant ride.

Plot & Characters

Lee Kang‑su (Kang Ha‑neul): A clever informant (“yadang”) supplying inside intel on narcotics. Framed and physically broken, he emerges seeking justice.
Koo Kwan‑hee (Yoo Hae‑jin): An ambitious prosecutor who recruits Kang‑su—but with integrity trying to survive in a corrupt system.
Oh Sang‑jae (Park Hae‑joon): A dedicated detective willing to risk everything to dismantle the drug network.

Their intertwined motivations ignite a high‑stakes confrontation that sits between revenge and righteous defiance.

Production Authenticity

Director Hwang conducted real-field research, interviewing over 100 former drug brokers and narcotics officers. He was even detained briefly during this phase – a testament to his immersive approach. Set designer Lee Mok‑won, known for “Train to Busan”, crafted environments that reflect the characters’ psychological depth.

Box Office Success

Opening day (Apr 16): ~85K admissions; topped pre‑sales charts.
Day 8: Surpassed 1 million viewers.
Day 16: Crossed 2 million mark.
Day 27: Became the second Korean film of 2025 to reach 3 million admissions, and first R‑rated one in six years to do so.
It even eclipsed Mickey 17 to claim the top spot among 2025 domestic releases.
By year‑end, it grossed around $23.7 million USD domestically, ranking second overall in 2025 Korean box office.

Critical Acclaim

With a 91% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been praised for its “hyperactive action,” layered characters, and satisfying catharsis. Critics highlighted Kang Ha-neul’s anchoring performance and the film’s moral ambiguity, blurring hero/villain lines – making it a thrilling, character-driven experience.

International Reach & Cultural Impact

ollowing its domestic triumph, the film expanded to North America, Indonesia, Australia, the UK, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, and Mongolia . The release also tied into a national anti-drug campaign, providing free drug‑testing kits and PSAs in theaters – highlighting its real‑world resonance.

Performances & Ensemble

The chemistry between Kang Ha‑neul, Yoo Hae‑jin, and Park Hae‑joon anchors the narrative, supported by strong turns from Ryu Kyung‑soo and Chae Won‑bin. Critics noted the film never moralizes – it immerses audiences in the psychological and moral tension of its characters.

Final Thoughts

Yadang: The Snitch stands out as one of 2025’s most compelling Korean thrillers – a well‑executed blend of realism, heart‑pounding action, and social commentary. Its commercial performance, critical praise, and international rollout underscore its status as a cinematic milestone in Korean crime drama. If you're a fan of morally complex thrillers with strong performances, add this to your must-watch list!

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