
"A Dirty Carnival" follows Byung-doo Kim, a small-time thug and debt collector for the local triad, portrayed by Zo In-sung. The film explores his internal conflict as he balances his criminal ambitions with his deep devotion to his family. President Hwang, played by Cheon Ho-jin, is a significant figure within the triad, influencing Byung-doo's journey.
Trivia:
1. Zo In-sung underwent intensive physical training to authentically portray the gritty and rugged nature of a debt collector entrenched in the criminal underworld.
2. The director aimed to depict the harsh realities of organized crime in a more nuanced way, avoiding glamorization, which marked a shift in South Korean gangster films at the time.
3. Several scenes were shot on location in less commonly depicted areas of South Korea, giving viewers a fresh perspective on urban life beyond Seoul.