RReframe← All stories
South Korean Cinema

Beastie Boys (2008 South Korean Film)

Beastie Boys (Korean: 비스티 보이즈) is a 2008 South Korean drama film directed by Yoon Jong-bin. The film explores the lives of male hosts working in the nightlife district of Seoul, examining the personal and professional challenges faced by individuals within this industry.

Beastie Boys promotional poster
Promotional poster for the film Beastie Boys.

Plot

The narrative centers on two men navigating the complexities of the host bar scene. Kim Seung-woo (played by Yoon Kye-sang) is a former affluent individual who now works as a host, a role that involves catering to female clientele. His life becomes complicated when he begins a relationship with Ji-won (Yoon Jin-seo), which clashes with the demands of his occupation. Simultaneously, his manager, Jae-hyeon (Ha Jung-woo), struggles with personal instability, including issues related to gambling and debt, which lead to escalating crises.

Production and Release

The film is based on the novel Naneun Tenpeuroyeotda by So Jae-won, which was published on April 18, 2008. The film itself was released in South Korea on April 30, 2008. In some international markets, the film was distributed under the title The Moonlight of Seoul, though it is frequently referred to by its original Korean title.

Actor Ha Jung-woo
Ha Jung-woo, who portrays the character Jae-hyeon.
Actor Yoon Kye-sang
Yoon Kye-sang, who portrays the character Kim Seung-woo.
Actress Yoon Jin-seo
Yoon Jin-seo, who portrays the character Ji-won.
Actor Ma Dong-seok
Ma Dong-seok, who portrays the character Chang-woo.

Cast

ActorRole
Ha Jung-wooJae-hyeon
Yoon Kye-sangKim Seung-woo
Yoon Jin-seoJi-won
Ma Dong-seokChang-woo

The supporting cast includes Kwon Se-in, Yu Ha-jun, Kang Shin-chul, Park Won-bin, Kim Min-joo, Bae Jin-ah, Hong Yi-joo, Lee Seung-joon, Choi Jae-hwan, Jung Kyung-ho, Jang Ji-won, Seo Young-hwa, Jung Eui-chul, Lim Hyun-sung, Yoon Ah-jung, Lim Jung-woon, Ko Yu-seon, Kim Young-hoon, Kwak Min-ho, Park Moo-young, Lee Yoon-sang, Lee Sang-won, Choi Yoon-suk, and Lee Woon-san.

Scene from the film
A scene from the film featuring the cast.

Festival Appearances

Beastie Boys was featured in the 2009 Deauville Asian Film Festival, where it was presented in the Panorama section.

End of story