What happens when a low-level criminal becomes the most powerful informant in Korea’s drug war? Yadang: The Snitch (2025), directed by Hwang Byeong-guk, is a hard-hitting, fast-paced crime drama that dives deep into the corrupt underbelly of law enforcement, drug cartels, and the morally gray world of informants. Starring Kang Ha-neul as the cunning snitch Lee Kang-soo, Yoo Hae-jin as the ruthless prosecutor Koo Gwan-hee, and Park Hae-joon as the relentless detective Oh Sang-jae, this film is a raw, adrenaline-fueled ride that blends action, betrayal, and dark humor with shocking realism. Released on April 16, 2025, Yadang: The Snitch has already become one of the highest-grossing R-rated Korean films since the pandemic, earning over $24 million worldwide and strong acclaim for its sharp social commentary and electrifying performances.

The Plot: A Snitch’s Rise and Fall

Lee Kang-soo (Kang Ha-neul) is a small-time criminal framed and imprisoned on false charges. Desperate for freedom, he strikes a deal with Prosecutor Koo Gwan-hee (Yoo Hae-jin), who offers him a reduced sentence in exchange for becoming a “yadang”—a professional informant who rats out drug dealers to the police and prosecutors. Kang-soo’s quick wit, survival instincts, and moral flexibility make him a natural at the game, but as he climbs the ranks of the informant world, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of corruption, betrayal, and revenge.

The deeper Kang-soo gets, the more he realizes that no one is clean—not the cops, not the prosecutors, and certainly not the criminals. When a high-profile drug bust exposes a conspiracy involving powerful second-generation elites, Kang-soo must outmaneuver both the law and the cartels to survive. The film’s climactic showdown pits him against rival gangsters, crooked officials, and his own demons, leading to a bloody, cathartic finale that leaves no stone unturned.

Why Yadang: The Snitch Stands Out

• Kang Ha-neul’s Career-Best Performance – Kang delivers a tour-de-force as Kang-soo, balancing charm, cunning, and vulnerability. His transformation from a street-level thug to a master manipulator is electrifying, making him one of the most compelling antiheroes in recent Korean cinema.
• A Brutally Realistic Portrayal of Corruption – The film pulls no punches in its depiction of Korea’s drug underworld and the systemic corruption within law enforcement. Director Hwang Byeong-guk conducted extensive research, interviewing over 100 individuals—including narcotics officers and former informants—to ensure the story’s authenticity.