Insadong Scandal South Korean Crime Film

Insadong Scandal (Korean: 인사동 스캔들), also known as Insadong Scandal: Replicated Strokes, is a 2009 South Korean crime, action, and drama film directed by Park Hee-Kon. The film centers on the high-stakes restoration of a Joseon dynasty masterpiece and the conflicts surrounding its secrets.

Production and Release

Principal photography for the film commenced in October 2008. The film was distributed by SK Telecom and was released theatrically in South Korea on April 30, 2009.

Plot and Setting

The narrative revolves around the restoration of a valuable Joseon dynasty artwork and the intense conflicts that develop between Bae Tae-Jin, a ruthless fine arts mogul, and Lee Kang-Jun, an expert art restoration specialist whom she hires. The title references Insa-dong, a prominent neighborhood in Seoul widely known for its traditional art shops and popularity among both local and international tourists.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast:

• Kim Rae-Won as Lee Kang-Jun
• Uhm Jung-Hwa as Bae Tae-Jin
• Lim Ha-Ryong as Kwon
• Kim Byung-Ok as Officer Kang
• Hong Soo-Hyun as Choi Ha-Kyeong

Box Office Performance

During its opening weekend from May 1 to May 3, 2009, Insadong Scandal debuted at number four at the South Korean box office. It sold 268,803 tickets, which accounted for 12.9 percent of total ticket sales during that period. Throughout its domestic theatrical run, the film remained in the top ten for four weeks, ultimately selling approximately 1.1 million tickets and grossing 7.5 billion South Korean won.