You are here:

The Drug King

The Drug King

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

2018

TV-MA

Director

Woo Min-ho

Runtime

139 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Drug King is a period crime drama that excels in providing a localized and culturally specific perspective. By focusing on a South Korean historical context, it offers a non-Western viewpoint that challenges traditional cinematic norms. The film's strength lies in its intricate portrayal of how corruption and socioeconomic constraints shape individual morality. However, the film is notably narrow in its social representation. The narrative is dominated by male characters, relegating women to secondary or domestic roles. It also lacks any meaningful inclusion of LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities, adhering to the traditional social structures of its 1970s setting.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Drug King have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on hyper-masculine criminal hierarchies and does not include any non-straight or non-cisgender identities or stories that address heteronormativity.

How does The Drug King portray gender?

Limited

Power structures in the film are heavily male-dominated. Women primarily play supporting roles, serving as romantic interests rather than active participants in the central power struggles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Drug King?

Good

The film features a predominantly non-Western cast set in Busan, offering a deep look into a specific regional context and moving away from Western-centric storytelling.

How does The Drug King represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative critiques traditional institutions and the intersection of state authority and crime. It challenges singular moralities by framing the protagonist's actions as responses to broader societal issues.

Does The Drug King include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant focus on neurodivergence or physical disabilities. Characters are defined by physical strength or criminal intelligence rather than lived experiences of disability.

Present on Screen

  • Provides a deep, localized dive into South Korean regional history and culture.
  • Offers a sophisticated critique of systemic corruption and institutional integrity.
  • Challenges conventional moral frameworks through a nuanced, non-Western lens.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks gender diversity, as women are relegated to peripheral or domestic roles.
  • Provides no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight/non-cisgender characters.
  • Fails to explore neurodivergence or physical disabilities as lived experiences.

Official Synopsis

Busan, South Korea, 1970s. Lee Doo-sam is a small-time smuggler. After helping a drug gang to smuggle meth, he falls into the dark crime world. Quick-witted and full of ambition, he eventually takes over the drug underworld and starts to lead a double life: a good community leader during the day but an infamous drug lord during the night.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.