Tough as Iron (2013 Film)

Tough as Iron (Korean: 깡철이; RR: Ggang Chul Yi) is a 2013 South Korean drama film written and directed by Ahn Kwon-Tae. The film is set in the port city of Busan and explores the struggles of a young man attempting to care for his ailing mother.

Tough as Iron promotional poster — Promotional poster for the film Tough as Iron.

Plot

The story follows Gang-Chul (Yoo Ah-In), a young man living in Busan who struggles with financial instability and a lack of steady employment. To cover the mounting hospital bills for his mother (Kim Hae-Sook), who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, he becomes entangled with a local criminal organization. Amidst these pressures, he meets a traveler named Soo-Ji (Jung Yu-Mi), who provides him with emotional support.

Production

The film was produced by Cinema Service and The Dream Pictures, with distribution handled by CJ Entertainment. Principal photography commenced on December 4, 2012, and concluded on March 19, 2013. Filming took place entirely on location in Busan. The final scene recorded depicted the protagonist, Gang-Chul, experiencing a moment of desperation after being denied a bank loan intended for his mother's surgery.

Yoo Ah-In, who portrays the lead character Gang-Chul.

Cast

Yoo Ah-In as Gang-Chul
Kim Hae-Sook as Gang-Chul's mother
Jung Yu-Mi as Soo-Ji
Kim Jung-Tae as Sang-Gon
Kim Sung-Oh as Whi-Gon
Lee Si-Un as Jong-Soo

Kim Hae-Sook, who plays the mother of the protagonist.

Jung Yu-Mi, who plays the role of Soo-Ji.