Gangnam Blues (2015)
A raw South Korean crime epic set in 1970s Seoul, where two friends find themselves on opposite sides of a brutal gang war.
Gangnam Blues - Movie Information
- Original Title: 강남 1970
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Yoo Ha
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 21, 2015 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Gangnam 1970 (KR), 江南ブルース：2015 (JP)
- Production Companies: Showbox
- Production Countries: South Korea
Gangnam Blues - Plot
Jong-dae and Yong-ki make a living by picking up paper and empty bottles. Both then join different gangster clan and becomes involved in a struggle of political interests over development in Gangnam, Seoul.
Gangnam Blues - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of 1970s Seoul come alive:
Seoul 1970 the era of ambition and avarice.
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Gangnam Blues - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yoo Ha
Main Cast
- Lee Min-ho
- Kim Rae-won
- Jung Jin-young
- Kim Ji-soo
- Kim Seol-hyun
- Yoo Seung-mok
- Han Jae-yeong
- Lee Yeon-doo
- Jung Ho-bin
- Uhm Hyo-seop
Writers
- Yoo Ha
Gangnam Blues - FAQs
What is Gangnam Blues about?
Gangnam Blues follows Jong-dae and Yong-ki, two childhood friends scraping by on the streets of Seoul who end up on opposite sides of rival criminal organizations. Set against the explosive real-estate development boom of 1970s Gangnam, the film traces how ambition, loyalty, and betrayal pull them apart in a world ruled by power and greed.
Is Gangnam Blues based on real historical events?
Yes, the film is rooted in the actual rapid urbanization of Gangnam, Seoul during the 1970s. The government-driven land development of that era created enormous wealth and attracted fierce criminal and political competition. Director Yoo Ha uses this real backdrop to ground the story's power struggles and gang warfare in genuine historical tension.
Where can you stream Gangnam Blues right now?
You can stream Gangnam Blues on Rakuten Viki, Kocowa, OnDemandKorea, Tubi TV, Mometu, Amasian TV, and Plex for free or with a subscription. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, so there are plenty of ways to watch depending on your preference.
Do Jong-dae and Yong-ki end up fighting each other?
That's the heartbreaking core of the film. Jong-dae and Yong-ki start as inseparable friends but their loyalty to rival gangs puts them on a collision course. As political and criminal interests escalate around Gangnam's development, their bond is tested to its absolute limit — and the outcome is as brutal as it is tragic.
Who are the main actors in Gangnam Blues?
Lee Min-ho leads the cast as Kim Jong-dae, with Kim Rae-won playing his friend-turned-rival Baek Yong-ki. The supporting cast includes Jung Jin-young, Kim Ji-soo, Kim Seol-hyun, and Yoo Seung-mok, all delivering strong performances in this intense period crime drama.
Is Gangnam Blues worth watching for fans of Korean crime films?
Absolutely. Director Yoo Ha — known for the acclaimed A Dirty Carnival — brings the same raw, visceral energy to Gangnam Blues. The film combines a compelling friendship narrative with brutal gang warfare and a richly detailed 1970s Seoul setting. Fans of Korean crime cinema like Friend or The Outlaws will find plenty to admire here.
Who directed Gangnam Blues and what else has he made?
Yoo Ha directed Gangnam Blues and also wrote the screenplay. He's well regarded in Korean cinema for gritty crime dramas, most notably A Dirty Carnival (2006) and Once Upon a Time in High School (2004). His work consistently explores loyalty, violence, and the social forces that shape young men on the margins.
What films are similar to Gangnam Blues?
If you enjoyed Gangnam Blues, check out Friend (2001) and A Dirty Carnival (2006) for similar Korean gangster drama. The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019) and The Outlaws (2017) offer more recent takes on Korean crime. For international comparisons, A Better Tomorrow (2010) shares the same themes of brotherhood and betrayal.
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