Troll Factory
2024 film by Ahn Gooc-jin
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Troll Factory (Korean: 댓글부대) is a 2024 South Korean crime thriller film directed and written by Ahn Gooc-jin, and starring Son Suk-ku, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Dong-hwi, and Hong Kyung. Based on the novel of the same Korean name by Chang Kang-myoung, a work based on the National Intelligence Service's illegal election intervention case. The film is about a public opinion manipulation company that infiltrates Internet sites and manipulates public opinion by leaving malicious comments. It was released on March 27, 2024.[4]
| Troll Factory | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Hangul | 댓글부대 |
| Hanja | 댓글部隊 |
| Lit. | Comment Army |
| RR | Daetgeul budae |
| MR | Taetkŭl pudae |
| Directed by | Ahn Gooc-jin |
| Screenplay by | Ahn Gooc-jin |
| Based on | The Comments Army by Chang Kang-myoung |
| Produced by | Seo Yeon |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Cho Hyung-rae |
| Edited by | Han Mi-yeon |
| Music by | Cho Young-wook |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | Acemaker Movieworks |
Release date |
|
Running time | 109 minutes[1] |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Box office | US$6.7 million[2][3] |
Plot
A talented but overly conceited journalist, Im Sang-jin, is investigating corporate corruption involving the conglomerate Manjeon. However, his report is later revealed to be false, leading to his suspension. One day, a mysterious informant approaches him, claiming to have manipulated public opinion online.[5]
Cast
- Son Suk-ku as Im Sang-jin, a newspaper reporter seeking reinstatement after being suspended for writing an article exposing the tyranny of a large corporation.[6]
- Kim Sung-cheol as Jjingppeotking, the de facto leader who takes the lead in manipulating public opinion.[6]
- Kim Dong-hwi as Chattatkat, an anonymous writer who creates hooked stories and an informant.[6]
- Hong Kyung as Paeptaek, a keyboard warrior who becomes increasingly addicted to the power of online public opinion manipulation.[6]
- Lee Seon-hee as Pyo Ha-jeong, editor-in-chief of a newspaper company.[7]
- Kim Jun-han as Nam Ki-hong, the head of the public opinion team.[1]
- Oh Ye-ju as Lee Eun-chae, a college student.[8]
Production
Development
The film developed under the working title The Comments Army and director Ahn Gooc-jin, who directed Alice in Earnestland (2015) took the megaphone.[9]
It is produced by Cinematic Moment and distributed by Acemaker Movieworks.[10]
Casting
Son Suk-ku was offered the role of the main character in July 2022.[10]
The appearance of Son along with Kim Dong-hwi were confirmed in January 2023.[11][12] Followed by Kim Sung-cheol and Hong Kyung in February 2023.[13][14]
Production design
Art Director Hong Joo-hee, who worked on The School Nurse Files (2020), My Name (2021) and The Moon (2023), contributes to the film's unique visual identity with a realistic and original production design. Costume Designer Jo Sang-kyung, who worked on Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017), Squid Game (2020–present), and Hunt (2022), brings her expertise to craft unique and distinct character portrayals through the costumes.[15]
Filming
Principal photography began on March 6, 2023.[16]
Visual effects
Cinematographer Cho Hyung-rae, who worked on The Merciless (2017), Kingmaker (2022), Kill Boksoon (2023) and Concrete Utopia (2023), and Lighting Director Lee Gil-gyu who worked on Tune in for Love (2019), Kingmaker (2022), Concrete Utopia (2023) and Citizen of a Kind (2024) have combined their talents to craft the film's overall visual concept.[15]
Music
Music Director Cho Young-wook, who worked on A Taxi Driver (2017), The Man Standing Next (2020), Hunt (2022), Decision to Leave (2022), Narco-Saints (2022) and Honey Sweet (2023), will compose the score, creating a unique atmosphere for the film to take place.[15]
Accolades
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director's Cut Awards | 2025 | Best New Actor (Film) | Hong Kyung | Nominated | [17] |
