Human Market 2, Burning Desire (1985)
A gritty South Korean action drama following one man's search for justice in the shadows of urban poverty.
Human Market 2, Burning Desire - Movie Information
- Original Title: 인간시장 2: 불타는 욕망
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Kim Hyo-cheon
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 29, 1985 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 인간시장 2 (KR)
- Production Companies: Dong Hyeop Trading Company
- Production Countries: South Korea
Human Market 2, Burning Desire - Plot
When one of his charges at the orphange dies, Jang Cheong-chan decides to search for the boy's mother who had given him up due to finacial problems. His search leads him to help many women forced to work on the streets to earn enough money to live.
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Human Market 2, Burning Desire - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kim Hyo-cheon
Main Cast
- Jin Yoo-young
- Won Mi-kyung
- Kang Tae-ki
- Choe Min-hui
Human Market 2, Burning Desire - FAQs
What is Human Market 2, Burning Desire about?
The film follows Jang Cheong-chan, a man connected to an orphanage, who sets out to find the mother of a boy who has died in his care. His search pulls him into the lives of women driven to work the streets out of financial desperation, revealing a grim portrait of social inequality in 1980s South Korea.
Is Human Market 2 a sequel to another film?
Yes, Human Market 2, Burning Desire is the second installment in the Human Market series, a South Korean franchise rooted in social realism and action drama. The series centers on characters navigating poverty, exploitation, and moral struggle in urban Korean society.
Who directed Human Market 2, Burning Desire?
Kim Hyo-cheon directed the film. He helmed this 1985 South Korean production, bringing a grounded, socially conscious lens to the story. The cinematography was handled by Paeng Jeong-mun, whose visual work helps anchor the film's gritty urban atmosphere.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The cast features Jin Yoo-young, Won Mi-kyung, Kang Tae-ki, and Choe Min-hui in the leading roles. Their performances bring emotional weight to a story that deals with poverty, loss, and the resilience of people pushed to the margins of society.
What themes does Human Market 2, Burning Desire explore?
At its core, the film tackles poverty, social injustice, and the exploitation of vulnerable women in 1980s South Korea. It blends action with dramatic social commentary, using Jang Cheong-chan's personal mission as a lens to expose systemic failures affecting the urban poor.
When and where was Human Market 2 released?
Human Market 2, Burning Desire was released in South Korea on September 29, 1985, with a local age rating of 15. It was produced by Dong Hyeop Trading Company and is considered part of the wave of socially engaged Korean commercial cinema from that era.
How long is Human Market 2, Burning Desire?
The film runs for 92 minutes — a tight, focused runtime that keeps the story moving without overstaying its welcome. It's a compact drama-action hybrid that packs its social themes into a brisk, engaging narrative.
What are some similar films to watch?
If you enjoy Human Market 2, Burning Desire, you might also like A Better Tomorrow (2010), Phantom Detective (2016), or Shark: The Beginning (2021) for their blend of action and social drama. Run (1991) and Embattled (2020) are also worth exploring for fans of gritty, character-driven stories.
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