Smugglers (2023 Film)

Smugglers (Korean: 밀수; RR: Milsoo) is a 2023 South Korean crime action film directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. Set in the 1970s, the narrative centers on a small coastal village where a smuggling operation disrupts the lives of local residents, particularly a group of female divers known as haenyeo.

Promotional poster for the film Smugglers

Plot

The story follows Jo Choon-ja (Kim Hye-soo), a woman involved in the smuggling trade, and her friend Eom Jin-sook (Yum Jung-ah), who leads a local collective of female divers. Their lives become increasingly complicated as they navigate the dangerous underworld of illicit trade, eventually crossing paths with Master Sergeant Kwon (Zo In-sung), a prominent figure in the national smuggling hierarchy.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including:

Kim Hye-soo as Jo Choon-ja
Yum Jung-ah as Eom Jin-sook
Zo In-sung as Master Sergeant Kwon
Park Jeong-min as Jang Do-ri
Kim Jong-soo as Lee Jang-choon
Go Min-si as Go Ok-boon

Production and Release

Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, the film was produced by Kim Gang-yi and features cinematography by Choi Young-hwan. It was released in South Korea on July 26, 2023, with a runtime of 129 minutes. The film was distributed by Next Entertainment World.

Reception and Awards

Smugglers received recognition at several major South Korean film awards ceremonies:

44th Blue Dragon Film Awards (2023): Won Best Film, Best Supporting Actor (Zo In-sung), Best New Actress (Go Min-si), and Best Music (Jang Ki-ha).
59th Daejong Film Awards (2023): Won Best Director (Ryoo Seung-wan) and Best Cinematography.
60th Baeksang Arts Awards (2024): Won Best Supporting Actor (Kim Jong-soo).