Fourth Place (2016)
A searing South Korean drama exposing the brutal culture of abuse hidden behind competitive swimming and the relentless pursuit of Olympic glory.
Fourth Place - Movie Information
- Original Title: 4.준
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Jung Ji-woo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 13, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 4 Deung (KR), 4th Place (US)
- Production Companies: Prain Global, CGV Arthouse, National Human Rights Commission of Korea, Jung Ji-woo Film, Finecut
- Production Countries: South Korea
Fourth Place - Plot
A former Asian Games record breaker and Olympic tryout, Kim Gwang-su, endures beatings, abuse, and constant ridicule from his swimming coach. To justify this abusive behavior, his coach constantly reminded Gwang-su - this is for your own good.
Fourth Place - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story unfold:
Can all the values be forgotten to place first?
Where to Watch Fourth Place
Looking for where to watch Fourth Place?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Fourth Place - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jung Ji-woo
Main Cast
- Yoo Jae-sang
- Park Hae-joon
- Lee Hang-na
- Choi Moo-seong
- Jung Ga-ram
- You Chea-myung
- Kwak Min-seok
- Kim Do-young
- Kang Ae-sim
- Oh Dae-hwan
Writers
- Jung Ji-woo
- Kim Min-ah
Producers
- Jung Ji-woo
- Yeo Jun-young
- Lee Sang-hyun
Fourth Place - FAQs
What is Fourth Place about?
Fourth Place follows Kim Gwang-su, a former Asian Games record holder chasing an Olympic dream, who endures relentless physical and psychological abuse from his swimming coach. The film is a raw, unflinching look at how systemic violence in sports is rationalized under the guise of discipline and dedication.
Does Fourth Place have a happy ending?
Fourth Place doesn't offer a feel-good resolution. The film deliberately resists easy redemption, leaving viewers with a sobering, morally complex conclusion that asks whether winning can ever justify the human cost of abuse and suffering endured along the way.
Where can you stream Fourth Place?
You can watch Fourth Place on Amazon Prime Video or Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available for free on AsianCrush and Fawesome, making it pretty easy to find across multiple platforms without needing a premium subscription.
Is Fourth Place based on a true story?
Fourth Place is not based on a single specific true story, but it draws heavily from real and widespread cases of physical and psychological abuse in South Korean competitive sports. The film was co-produced by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, underscoring its grounding in documented social reality.
Who are the main actors in Fourth Place?
The film stars Yoo Jae-sang as Joon-ho and Park Hae-joon as Gwang-soo, the swimmer at the center of the story. Lee Hang-na, Choi Moo-seong, and Jung Ga-ram round out the key cast, with You Chea-myung delivering a chilling performance as the abusive Coach Park.
Why is the film titled Fourth Place?
The title Fourth Place is deeply symbolic. In competitive sports, fourth place means finishing just outside the podium — close enough to feel the loss acutely, yet receiving no recognition. It captures the film's central tension: the brutal price paid for a glory that may never come, and the human beings crushed in that pursuit.
How was Fourth Place received by critics?
Fourth Place earned strong critical praise for its unflinching portrayal of abuse in competitive sports. Critics highlighted director Jung Ji-woo's restrained yet powerful direction and the committed performances from the cast. The film was recognized as an important social commentary on the culture of violence normalized in South Korean athletics.
What are some movies similar to Fourth Place?
If Fourth Place resonated with you, check out The Boxer (1997), Fat City (1972), and Sugar (2008) for similarly gritty, humanistic sports dramas. Hands of Stone (2016) and Jungleland (2020) also explore the dark side of athletic ambition and the personal toll of chasing greatness.
More About Fourth Place
Explore further details about Fourth Place on these authoritative resources.