The new crime action film Yadang: The Snitch is off to a strong start at the South Korean box office, bolstered by glowing reviews from some of the country’s most prominent filmmakers and celebrities.

On Apr. 17, the production team behind Yadang: The Snitch—directed by Hwang Byung-gook, distributed by Plus M Entertainment, and produced by Hive Media Corp.—released handwritten reviews from a number of high-profile figures who attended a recent VIP screening.

The film centers on the intertwined ambitions of three key players: a broker known as “Yadang,” who orchestrates South Korea’s drug trade; a prosecutor aiming to rise through the ranks; and a detective who puts everything on the line to dismantle the criminal network. Driven by conflicting goals, their paths collide in a tense and fast-paced narrative of crime and betrayal.

At the VIP preview, the film generated buzz not only for its gripping storyline but also for the enthusiastic response it received from some of South Korea’s most respected directors.

Among those offering praise were 12.12: The Day director Kim Sung-soo, Roaring Currents director Kim Han-min, Haeundae and Ode to My Father director Yoon Je-kyun, Dong Ju: The Portrait of a Poet director Lee Joon-ik, Forbidden Dream and A Normal Family director Heo Jin-ho, D.P. and Weak Hero series director Han Jun-hee, The Policeman’s Lineage director Lee Kyu-man, and Handsome Guys director Nam Dong-hyub, along with actor Sim Yi-young and Desperate Mrs. Seonju director Kim Heung-dong.

Their reviews combined wit and admiration for the film’s execution and timely message.

Kim Sung-soo described the film as “unbelievably entertaining—where razor-sharp satire meets top-tier fun.”Kim Han-min noted, “A witty satire of reality—today’s society is vividly felt throughout. Go Yadang!”Heo Jin-ho called it “a timely satire for this era. Fast-paced and fun—don’t miss it.”

Yoon Je-kyun lauded the performances, saying, “The best film of the year—Yoo Hae-jin and Kang Ha-neul deliver electrifying performances. A spine-tingling experience.”Lee Joon-ik echoed the sentiment, adding, “Yoo Hae-jin and Kang Ha-neul are simply outstanding. A remarkable film.”

Han Jun-hee underscored the film’s impact, saying, “It reminded me why theaters exist. A truly satisfying watch.”Action director Heo Myeong-haeng, who oversaw the film’s stunt coordination, praised it as “insane direction and performances.”

Nam Dong-hyub described the viewing experience as “a thrilling twist with a dopamine rush—absolutely entertaining.”Lee Kyu-man expressed his anticipation: “Been waiting for this film. Let’s hit five million viewers.”Sim Yi-young and Kim Heung-dong noted, “A film that perfectly captures South Korea in 2025.”

A wave of support from actors and cultural figures further fueled excitement for the release. Among them were Ha Ji-won, Kim Sung-kyun, Joo Won, Kim Seon-ho, Han Sun-hwa, Lee Hee-jun, Lee Joo-young, Lee Seo-hwan, Gong Min-jung, Hwang Woo-seul-hye, Ha Seo-yoon, Yoo Su-bin, Jung Hee-tae, Han Soo-ah, Choi Ri, Park Ji-hoon, Yoon Byung-hee, Hong Seo-joon, Heo Jun-seok, Im Bo-ra, Jung Gun-joo, Lee Yeol-eum, content creators Great Library (Dae-do Library) and Xia Ji-woo, TV personality Jung Jae-ho, commercial director Chae Eun-seok, model Stephanie Lee, and “Class President” Kim Hyung-seop.

Yadang: The Snitch premiered in theaters nationwide on Apr. 16.