“Dead Man (Korean: 데드맨) is a 2024 South Korean crime thriller directed by Ha Joon-won and features Cho Jin-woong, Kim Hee-ae, and Lee Soo-kyung in leading roles. Released on February 7, 2024, the film follows the gripping narrative of a master in the cutthroat world of the barge business, who earns his fortune solely on the strength of his reputation. However, when falsely accused of embezzling 100 billion won, he finds himself thrust into the shadows, forced to exist as a ‘dead man’. Determined to reclaim the life stolen from him by individuals connected to him through a single name, he embarks on a relentless pursuit of justice and redemption.”
CHARACTERS
- Cho Jin-woong portrays Lee Man-jae, a man whose livelihood relies on selling his name but is wrongfully accused and forced into the shadows as a “dead man”.
- Kim Hee-ae takes on the role of Mrs. Shim (Shim Eun-jo), a political consultant renowned for her resourcefulness and determination in dominating the political arena.
- Lee Soo-kyung plays Gong Hee-joo, who seeks vengeance after the loss of her father.
- Choi Soo-young embodies Hipster, the managing director of a prominent and popular club with ties to the barge business world.
- Choi Jae-Woong portrays Representative Hwang, a National Assembly member esteemed for his unwavering passion and conviction.
- Park Ho-san stars as Jo Pil-joo, the chairman of a support committee by day, known as “Laundry Joe” for his nighttime activities laundering significant political funds.
- Kim Won-hae appears as Gong Moon-sik, who appoints Lee Man-jae as CEO of the venture company Spotek.
- Lee Si-Hoon depicts the broker who introduces Lee Man-jae to the practice of selling his name.
- Jeon Moo-song portrays the sealer who sells Lee Man-jae his seal and elucidates the significance of his name.
- Yoo Yeon-soo plays Yoon Seong-su.
STORYLINE
“Dead Man” chronicles the tumultuous odyssey of Lee Man-jae, once esteemed in the ruthless realm of barge business. Renowned for his skill in capitalizing on his name, Lee’s existence takes a harrowing turn when he’s falsely accused of embezzling an astronomical 100 billion won. Branded a “dead man,” Lee is cast into exile, stripped of both identity and livelihood.
Driven by an unwavering resolve to redeem himself and clear his tarnished name, Lee sets forth on an unyielding pursuit of justice, confronting those responsible for his downfall. Along his journey, he encounters formidable figures such as Mrs. Shim, a savvy political consultant, and Gong Hee-joo, a determined young woman seeking retribution for her father’s demise. Delving deeper into the murky underbelly of corruption and deception, Lee unearths a labyrinth of betrayal and manipulation extending far beyond his initial accusations.
Assisted by improbable allies like Hipster, a club MD entrenched in barge business circles, and Representative Hwang, a revered member of the National Assembly, Lee navigates treacherous terrain in his quest for redemption. Yet, as he ascends and the truth gradually emerges, Lee grapples with his past and confronts the repercussions of his actions. In a world rife with power and deceit, “Dead Man” delves into the lengths one man will traverse to reclaim his dignity and restore his honor.
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