Plot Summary: What Is The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil About?
Jang Dong-su runs his corner of the underworld through fear, so being targeted by a serial killer is both a physical wound and a public humiliation. The killer, known only as K, has been preying on victims while the police struggle to close in. One of the officers chasing him is Jung Tae-suk, a stubborn detective who refuses to be bought and who has spent years making life difficult for Jang’s illegal operations.
The two men loathe each other, but each holds something the other needs. Jang has street connections and resources. Jung has a badge and a case file. They strike a reluctant bargain to work together, with one condition: whoever gets to K first decides what happens to him. For the gangster, that means revenge. For the cop, it means an arrest and a courtroom.
What follows is a three-way hunt in which the boundary between criminal and lawman keeps shifting. The film’s tagline sums up the stakes: “Don’t let the devil win.”
What Makes It Notable: Cast, Director and Context
- Don Lee as Jang Dong-su: The film gives Don Lee (also known as Ma Dong-seok) a lead role that fits his imposing screen presence as a mob boss.
- Kim Moo-yul as Jung Tae-suk: He plays the uncompromising detective who serves as Jang’s uneasy partner.
- Kim Sung-kyu as Kang Gyeong-ho: He plays a key role in the central three-way conflict.
- Supporting cast: Heo Dong-won, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Seo-hwan, Oh Hee-jun, Kim Gyu-ri, Yoo Seung-mok and Ryu Tae-ho round out the ensemble.
- Writer-director Lee Won-tae: He both wrote and directed the film.
- Genre and origin: It is a South Korean action-crime thriller in Korean, running 110 minutes.
- Real-world roots: The film is tagged as based on a true story, adding a grounded edge to its gangster-versus-cop premise.
- Production: The film was produced by Acemaker Movieworks, BA Entertainment, Kiwi Media Group and B&C Content.
If you are looking for a review, the Drama4U Score is shown separately on this page. This guide focuses on the premise, the cast and how to watch.
Who Will Enjoy It
- Fans of gritty Korean crime thrillers and serial-killer manhunt stories
- Viewers who like “enemies forced to team up” setups with moral grey areas
- Don Lee fans who want to see him in a tough, defiant lead role
- Action lovers who prefer stories with a dark, dramatic tone
- Anyone interested in crime films inspired by true events
Release Date & Where to Watch in the US
The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (original title 악인전) was first released on 15 May 2019. In the US, a Blu-ray release is listed for 1 October 2019.
As of 24 October 2026, US streaming options include:
- Subscription: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium / Premium Plus, Rakuten Viki, Hi-YAH (also via Amazon Channel)
- Free: Kanopy, Fawesome
- Free with ads: Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex, YouTube Free, OnDemandKorea, Xumo Play, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Amazon MX Player, Amasian TV
- Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
A trailer is available, which is a good way to get a feel for the film’s tone before you press play.
Trailer
Cast
Don Leeas Jang Dong-suSee credits →
Kim Moo-yulas Jung Tae-sukSee credits →
Kim Sung-kyuas Kang Gyeong-ho
Heo Dong-wonas Choi Moon-sikSee credits →
Yoo Jae-myungas Heo Sang-do
Lee Seo-hwanas Choi Jeong-gyu
Oh Hee-junas Kim Dong-chul
Kim Gyu-rias Cha Seo-jin
Photo: TMDB
FAQ
- When was The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil released?
- The film was first released on 15 May 2019. A US Blu-ray release is listed for 1 October 2019.
- Where can I watch The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil in the US?
- It streams on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Rakuten Viki and Hi-YAH. It is also free on Kanopy, Fawesome, and with ads on Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex and others. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
- Who is in the cast of The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil?
- Don Lee plays gangster Jang Dong-su, Kim Moo-yul plays detective Jung Tae-suk and Kim Sung-kyu plays Kang Gyeong-ho. Supporting roles go to Heo Dong-won, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Seo-hwan and Oh Hee-jun.
- Who directed The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil?
- Lee Won-tae wrote and directed the film.
- How long is The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil?
- The film runs 110 minutes. It is in Korean.
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