Pluto (2013 South Korean Film)

Pluto (Korean: 명왕성; RR: Myungwangsung) is a 2013 South Korean drama-thriller film written and directed by Shin Su-Won. The film examines the extreme academic competition and social stratification within the South Korean educational system through the lens of a dark, suspenseful narrative.

Plot

The story begins with the discovery of a student named Yoo-Jin (played by Sung Joon) dead on a mountain behind his high school. Another student, Kim Joon (played by Lee Da-Wit), becomes the primary suspect after his cellphone is discovered at the scene. Although Joon is released due to a lack of evidence, the investigation exposes the toxic environment of an elite school where a secret, exclusive group of top-performing students maintains power through ruthless means.

Production

The film was directed and written by Shin Su-Won. Principal photography for the project commenced on June 9, 2012, and concluded on August 2, 2012. The film was distributed by Sidus Pictures.

Actor Sung Joon — Sung Joon, who portrays Yoo-Jin

Actor Lee Da-Wit — Lee Da-Wit, who portrays Kim Joon

Cast

Sung Joon as Yoo-Jin
Lee Da-Wit as Kim Joon
Kim Kkobbi as Jung Soo-Jin
Cho Seong-Ha as Chief Detective Park
Kim Kwon as Han Myung-Ho
Sun Joo-A as Kang Mi-Ra
Nam Tae-Boo as Choi Bo-Ram
Ryu Kyung-Soo as Park Jung-Jae
Gil Hae-Yeon as Joon's mother
Kim Jae-Rok as Principal

Actress Kim Kkobbi — Kim Kkobbi, who portrays Jung Soo-Jin

Actor Cho Seong-Ha — Cho Seong-Ha, who portrays Chief Detective Park

Release and Festivals

Pluto held its world premiere at the 17th Busan International Film Festival in October 2012. It subsequently screened at several international events, including the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival in 2013, where it was featured in the Generation section. The film received a general theatrical release in South Korea on July 11, 2013.

Scene from the film Pluto — A scene from the film Pluto