R-Rated Blockbuster About Korea’s Drug Lords Set to Outshine Box Office Heavyweights

A new R-rated Korean crime thriller is making waves even before its release, with industry insiders predicting it could become the first film of 2025 to surpass 10 million viewers. The upcoming film Yadang (directed by Hwang Byung-kook) is generating massive anticipation, with many speculating it could even outshine last year’s blockbuster 12.12: The Day (12.12: THE DAY), which drew over 10 million moviegoers.

Produced by Hive Media Corp, the powerhouse studio behind hits like 12.12: The Day (12.12: THE DAY, 2023) and Inside Men (2015), Yadang dives into the murky underworld of drug trafficking, political corruption, and law enforcement power struggles.

The film follows:

Broker Lee Kang-soo (Kang Ha-neul) – A middleman who manipulates the drug trade for personal gain.

Prosecutor Koo Kwan-hee (Yoo Hae-jin) – A power-hungry figure aiming to climb the political ladder.

Detective Oh Sang-jae (Park Hae-joon) – A relentless investigator determined to dismantle the drug empire.

As these three men become entangled in a high-stakes battle for control, alliances are tested, betrayals unfold, and a game of survival begins.

Did You Know? The title Yadang: The Snitch is derived from a slang term in Korea’s drug underworld, referring to individuals who act as brokers between criminals and law enforcement—providing information in exchange for financial gain or legal protection.

On March 18, distributor Plus M Entertainment released new still images from the film, offering a glimpse into the tense and volatile dynamics between the three central characters.

Key Stills Include:

Lee Kang-soo (Kang Ha-neul) handing a “special gift” to Prosecutor Koo Kwan-hee (Yoo Hae-jin)—suggesting a shady alliance forming between the two.

Detective Oh Sang-jae (Park Hae-joon) confronting Lee Kang-soo, hinting at an explosive rivalry.

A chilling interrogation scene, where Koo and Oh face off under dim lighting—signaling a dangerous power play between the prosecutor and detective.

The stills tease a gripping, unpredictable storyline, with power struggles, moral dilemmas, and brutal confrontations taking center stage.

1️⃣ Box Office Heavyweights Yoo Hae-jin & Park Hae-joon Unite

✔ Yoo Hae-jin (12.12: The Day, Veteran, A Taxi Driver) – A guaranteed box office draw, recently surpassing 10 million viewers with Exhuma (Exhuma, 2024).

✔ Park Hae-joon (12.12: The Day, The World of the Married) – One of Korea’s most in-demand actors, known for his intense, charismatic performances.

✔ Kang Haneul - A well-celebrated actor who recently gained global fame from Netflix hit series Squid Game 2.

2️⃣ Produced by Hive Media Corp – Masters of Box Office Success

✔ The studio behind two 10-million-viewer blockbusters:

12.12: The Day (12.12: THE DAY, 2023) – 13.5 million viewers

Inside Men (2015) – 7 million viewers

3️⃣ High Demand for R-Rated Crime Thrillers

✔ Recent adult-rated films like Exhuma and 12.12: The Day proved that audiences are eager for dark, action-packed thrillers.

✔ Yadang has already been hailed as “the next Veteran”, drawing comparisons to Korea’s biggest crime-action hits.

What Are Fans Saying? Pre-Release Hype is Exploding!

Even with over a month until its release, Yadang is already generating massive online buzz:

💬 Netizen Reactions:

“Yoo Hae-jin and Park Hae-joon in one movie? I’m in!”

“This lineup is insane. Kang Ha-neul’s transformation looks amazing.”

“Finally, a crime-action thriller worth going to the theater for.”

“Yoo Hae-jin never disappoints. He’s an automatic ticket buy for me.”

“It’s giving Veteran vibes. This is going to be huge.”

Polls show that Yadang is among the most anticipated releases of 2025, with some fans already predicting it will surpass 10 million viewers despite its R-rating.

When & Where to Watch Yadang: The Snitch

📅 Release Date: April 23, 2025

🎥 Theaters: Nationwide in IMAX, 4DX, and standard formats

🔗 Official Trailer

1️⃣ Snow White (14.0%)

2️⃣ Streaming (12.7%)

3️⃣ Attack on Titan: The Final Chapter – The Last Attack (12.4%)

4️⃣ The Match (7.8%)

5️⃣ Mickey 17 (7.6%)

6️⃣ Possessed: The Awakened Corpse (4.5%)

7️⃣ Intrusion (4.0%)

8️⃣ Flow (3.6%)

9️⃣ The Solitary Gourmet: The Movie (3.6%)

🔟 Three Days (2.7%)

With its star-studded cast, gripping storyline, and explosive action, Yadang is well-positioned to shake up the box office next month.

Will it become the next Korean blockbuster to cross 10 million viewers? All eyes are on April 23!