The Chaser (2008)
Na Hong-jin's electrifying debut pits a desperate ex-detective against a serial killer in a pulse-pounding race through Seoul's dark streets.
The Chaser - Movie Information
- Original Title: 추격자
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Na Hong-jin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Thriller, Action
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 5m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 14, 2008 (South Korea - 19), September 20, 2008 (United States - PG-13), September 19, 2008 (United Kingdom - 18), November 6, 2008 (Germany - 18), March 18, 2009 (France - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Chugyeokja (KR), The Chaser - Der Schlächter von Seoul (DE), The Chaser (FR)
- Production Companies: Bidangil Pictures
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Chaser - Plot
Joong-ho is a dirty detective turned pimp, who's in financial trouble as several of his girls have recently disappeared without clearing their debts. While trying to track them down, he finds a clue that the vanished girls were all called up by the same client, whom one of his girls is meeting with right now.
The Chaser - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the relentless pursuit unfold:
The hunter and the hunted, the ultimate chase begins.
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The Chaser - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Na Hong-jin
Main Cast
- Kim Yun-seok
- Ha Jung-woo
- Seo Young-hee
- Kim Yoo-jung
- Jeong In-gi
- Park Hyo-ju
- Jo Deok-jae
- Choi Jung-woo
- Oh Yeon-ah
- Lee Jae-hui
Writers
- Shinho Lee
- Hong Won-chan
- Na Hong-jin
Producers
- Kim Su-jin
- Yoon In-beom
The Chaser - FAQs
What is The Chaser about?
The Chaser follows Jung-ho, a corrupt ex-detective turned pimp who realizes his girls are disappearing one by one. Racing against time, he tracks down a serial killer while one of his women is still in the killer's hands. It's a tense, brutal thriller that never lets up.
Is The Chaser based on a true story?
Yes, The Chaser draws inspiration from the real-life case of Yoo Young-chul, a South Korean serial killer who murdered over 20 people between 2003 and 2004. The film takes creative liberties but captures the chilling atmosphere of the actual investigation that gripped South Korea.
Where can you stream The Chaser?
You can stream The Chaser on AMC+, Philo, and Sundance Now. It's also available to rent or buy on Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Kanopy offers it for free if you have access through a library or university.
Does the killer get caught in The Chaser?
Ji Young-min is caught surprisingly early in the film — that's actually part of what makes The Chaser so unique. The real tension comes from Jung-ho desperately trying to prove the killer's guilt and locate the missing woman before it's too late, while the police fumble the case.
Who are the main actors in The Chaser?
The film is led by Kim Yun-seok as the relentless ex-detective Jung-ho and Ha Jung-woo as the chilling serial killer Ji Young-min. Seo Young-hee delivers a harrowing performance as Mi-Jin, the woman caught in the killer's grasp, and young Kim Yoo-jung plays her daughter Eun-ji.
Is The Chaser worth watching?
Absolutely. The Chaser holds a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely considered one of the finest Korean crime thrillers ever made. It launched director Na Hong-jin's career and remains a benchmark of the genre — raw, relentless, and genuinely unforgettable.
What makes The Chaser different from other thrillers?
Unlike most thrillers that hide the killer's identity, The Chaser reveals the murderer almost immediately. The suspense shifts entirely to whether the protagonist can save the victim in time. This bold structural choice, combined with gritty realism and outstanding performances, sets it apart from genre conventions.
Where was The Chaser filmed?
The Chaser was filmed on location in Seoul, South Korea, primarily in the Mapo district. Director Na Hong-jin used the area's narrow alleyways and cramped urban streets to create an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere that amplifies the film's relentless chase sequences and sense of dread.
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