‘Squid Game 2' Star Kang Ha-neul Navigates Gray Zones in Hwang Byeong-gug's Korean Crime Thriller ‘Yadang: The Snitch'
As Korea's film industry continues to capture global attention, 'Yadang: The Snitch' offers audiences a rare glimpse into the hidden world of professional informants operating in the shadows of the nation's drug enforcement system.
Directed by Hwang Byeong-gug and starring 'Squid Game 2' actor Kang Ha-neul, the film is currently No. 1 at the Korean box office and arrives in U.S. and Canadian theaters on April 25 through Well Go USA Entertainment.
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From the producers behind record-breaking hits '12:12 The Day' and 'Inside Men,' the thriller follows a professional informant known as a 'yadang' who provides covert intelligence about the drug world to prosecutors and police. When a high-profile drug bust involving second-generation VIPs leads to a dangerous conspiracy, the yadang must fight to survive.
For director Hwang, the project began with a news article shared by Hive Media Corp. CEO Kim Won-kuk in 2021. 'The term 'Yadang' mentioned in the article referred to someone operating on the border between legality and illegality, which struck me as a compelling subject for a film,' Hwang tells Variety. 'At the same time, it was becoming clear that Korea could no longer be considered a drug-free nation. I wanted to raise awareness about the dangers and severity of drug crimes.'
That element of discovery resonates with star Kang Ha-neul as well. 'The biggest reason [I took the role] was definitely the script – it was tight and fast-paced. Also, 'Yadang' was something I would've never known about if I hadn't read this script,' the actor explains. 'It struck me that if I didn't know this world existed, most audiences probably wouldn't either. That's what drew me to the project – I thought it would be fascinating to introduce viewers to these characters.'
Kang's character, Lee Kang-su, walks a treacherous line between crime and law enforcement – a balancing act that presented unique acting challenges. 'He's not a good guy, but leaning too far into that could've turned the audience off, making it difficult for them to stay with his narrative. At the same time, I didn't want to sugarcoat his actions or make them seem noble,' Kang says. 'So I focused on portraying the 'gray zone' as carefully and honestly as I could.'
To build authenticity, Hwang immersed his cast in research about real yadangs. 'I read interviews and writings from real Yadangs (which were materials the director had compiled),' Kang notes. 'That's when I realized these individuals operate with complete confidence, like they're untouchable – even if they get caught, they don't believe anyone can touch them.'
The film pairs Kang with 'Exhuma' star Yoo Hai-jin and 'The World of the Married' actor Park Hae-joon, creating a triangle of tension between informant, prosecutor and detective. 'Since drug enforcement in Korea falls under the jurisdiction of both police and prosecutors, it was natural for the story to include a Yadang, a prosecutor, and a detective,' Hwang explains.
Action sequences received meticulous attention under martial arts director Heo Myeong-haeng. 'We referenced footage of actual drug busts and takedowns by narcotics officers and tried to replicate that realism on camera,' says Hwang. 'We also reflected the characters' personalities through their movements, enhancing their individuality.'
One standout sequence features a slippery hand-to-hand combat scene among wriggling eels. 'This not only added fresh entertainment value but also heightened realism through restricted movement and visceral impacts,' the director adds.
Hwang views the film as part of Korea's evolving crime genre lineage. 'Korean crime-action films – starting with 'No. 3' (1997), and continuing through 'The Unjust' (2010), 'Inside Men' (2015), and 'Asura: The City of Madness' (2016) – have developed a unique noir style where prosecutors, police, the media, gangsters, and informants all get entangled.'
For Kang, whose career has spanned from romantic comedies to historical dramas before recent turns in 'Squid Game 2' and now 'Yadang,' the pivot to more intense roles isn't calculated. 'I've never chosen a project to shape or shift my image in any way. I just pick stories that I find genuinely interesting,' he says. 'So the connection between 'Squid Game' and 'Yadang: The Snitch' is totally coincidental. It wasn't part of any larger strategy.'
Following 'Yadang: The Snitch,' Kang is currently filming 'First Ride' and will appear in the drama series 'Tastefully Yours' next month.
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