Insadong Scandal (2009 Film)
Insadong Scandal (Korean: 인사동 스캔들), also known as Insadong Scandal: Replicated Strokes, is a 2009 South Korean crime drama film directed by Park Hee-Kon. The narrative centers on the complex and often illicit world of art restoration, specifically revolving around the recovery of a Joseon dynasty masterpiece.
Plot
The film follows the professional and personal conflicts between Bae Tae-Jin, a ruthless art gallery mogul, and Lee Kang-Jun, a highly skilled art restoration expert. The plot explores the high-stakes environment of the art trade, where historical authenticity and forgery collide.
Production
The film was directed by Park Hee-Kon, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Kim Tae-Yoon. Principal photography for the production commenced in October 2008. The title refers to Insa-dong, a neighborhood in Seoul historically recognized for its numerous art shops and galleries, serving as a prominent destination for both local residents and international tourists.
Reception and Box Office
Insadong Scandal was released in South Korea on April 30, 2009. During its opening weekend (May 1–3, 2009), the film ranked fourth at the domestic box office, selling 268,803 tickets and accounting for 12.9% of total ticket sales for that period. Throughout its theatrical run, the film sold approximately 1.1 million tickets, grossing 7.5 billion South Korean won, and remained in the top ten box office rankings for four weeks.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast including:
- Kim Rae-Won as Lee Kang-Jun
- Uhm Jung-Hwa as Bae Tae-Jin
- Lim Ha-Ryong as Kwon
- Kim Byung-Ok as Officer Kang
- Hong Soo-Hyun as Choi Ha-Kyeong
- Kim Jung-Tae as Jang Seok-Jin
- Ma Dong-Seok as Sang-Baek
- Oh Jung-Se as Keun-Bok
- Choi Song-Hyun as Kong Su-Jeong
- Son Byung-Ho as Park Mi-Seon
- Ko Chang-Seok as Hojinsa
- Ji Dae-Han as Kang Min-Woo
- Jung Jin as Sa Seol-Kyoung
