Thám Tử Tài Năng, Phantom Detective (Detective Hong Gil-Dong: Disappeared Village) (2016)

Phantom Detective (Detective Hong Gil-Dong: Disappeared Village) (2016) is one of the most successful films by renowned director Jo Sung-Hee in South Korea. It received high praise from both audiences and critics, breaking box office records with a revenue of 9.7 million USD. This marked a remarkable comeback for actor Lee Je Hoon since his discharge from the military in 2014. With his relentless efforts since his return, Lee Je Hoon delivered an outstanding performance as the lead actor in Phantom Detective. His talent quickly gained recognition, propelling his career to new heights.

The success of Phantom Detective can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the film crew, particularly director Jo Sung-Hee. Their diligence and professionalism set high standards for the film, hoping it would become a timeless masterpiece. However, no one could have anticipated the immense impact the film would have in the Korean film industry.

Set in the social backdrop of the 90s, Phantom Detective revolves around a clever detective. With his exceptional intelligence, he unravels the mysteries behind intriguing and captivating cases. Hong Gil Dong (Lee Je Hoon),the detective, runs an illegal detective agency under the guidance of his boss, Hwang (Go Ara). Following the wishes of Chairman Hwang, they work together to hunt down fugitives, restore justice for the unfortunate, and protect those in danger.

Hong Gil Dong can locate anyone within an hour, except for the criminal Kim Byung Duk (Park Geun Hyung),who has successfully evaded capture for years. Kim Byung Duk is responsible for tearing apart Hong Gil Dong's family, murdering his mother when he was only eight years old. This traumatic event fuels Hong Gil Dong's determination to become a skilled detective and seek revenge for his late mother.

Overall, Phantom Detective is a gripping film that captivates audiences with its intriguing storyline and exceptional performances. It showcases the talents of Lee Je Hoon and the dedication of the film crew, making it a remarkable addition to the Korean film industry.