Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), Kim Mu-yeol, and Kim Sung-kyu
The film takes the documented horror of Yoo Young-chul and uses it to create a compelling what-if scenario. The real Yoo was captured by police after a failed carjacking, not because a crime boss he stabbed decided to hunt him. By introducing the gangster character, the film explores a deeper, more uncomfortable truth about the justice system: its inability to protect everyone. The cop cannot catch the devil alone. He needs a sinner to help him. This isn't historically accurate, but it is emotionally and thematically resonant. It asks us: what kind of monster does it take to catch a monster? is the gangster the cop the devil based on true story
South Korean cinema is renowned for its visceral, uncompromising approach to crime thrillers, and 2019’s The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (Korean: 악인전 - Akinjeon ) is a prime example. The movie follows a unique, high-stakes alliance between a mob boss and a detective to catch a brutal serial killer. As the film unfolds with intense, gritty action, many viewers are left wondering: Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), Kim Mu-yeol, and Kim
The web series takes creative liberties with Surve's story, but it's believed to be inspired by his life and crimes. The show's protagonist, Manya (played by Arjun Manhas), is a fictionalized version of Surve. The cop cannot catch the devil alone
The narrative proved so compelling that it transcends South Korean cinema. Renowned Western filmmaker signed on to produce an official English-language Hollywood remake of The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil , with Ma Dong-seok set to reprise his iconic role as the mob boss.