Brief Summary
This film follows Hyun-su, an undercover police officer who infiltrates a criminal organization led by Han Ji-ho in prison. Hyun-su gains Han's trust by saving his life and working together to expose corruption within the prison. As Hyun-su gets closer to Han, he faces moral dilemmas, especially after his mother dies and he discovers Han's involvement. The story culminates in a showdown where Hyun-su must choose between his duty and his loyalty to Han, leading to a tragic conclusion.
- Undercover operation inside prison
- Betrayal and loyalty
- Moral dilemmas and choices
Prison Yard Slapping Match
The film starts in a prison yard where inmates are engaged in a slapping match. A muscular inmate is defeated by Shik, a heavy-set prisoner, who becomes the strongest inmate. Hyun-su, a skinny, innocent-looking young man, steps up to challenge Shik, causing laughter among the inmates. Despite his appearance, Hyun-su is not ordinary. During the match, Hyun-su cheats by punching Shik, knocking him down. Han J, an inmate, is impressed by Hyun-su's actions.
Han's Protection
Hyun-su is thrown into solitary confinement for fighting. Han J visits him and warns him about Shik. The next morning, Hyun-su learns that Han has warned Shik's gang not to harm him. Han is revealed to be the leader of the prison, controlling it through underground fights organized by the warden. He is also the boss of a major mafia organization, and anyone under his protection is safe.
New Inmate and Betrayal
A new inmate, Kim Sung Han, arrives, creating tension. Han offers Kim a partnership in the prison's cigarette smuggling operation, but Kim refuses. The warden, now backing Kim, has Han's trusted man beaten. Han is also beaten and put in solitary confinement. After his release, Shik tries to kill Han, but Hyun-su saves him. Hyun-su and Han then report the warden's smuggling activities, using a photograph as evidence. The warden switches sides again, and Han captures and tortures Kim and Shik, who reveal that Manol, Han's superior, ordered Han's elimination.
Undercover Officer
The story shifts to reveal that Hyun-su is an undercover officer tasked with befriending Han and dismantling his criminal organization. His chief officer, Insuk, promises to arrange a kidney donor for his sick mother if he succeeds. Mancha's nephew, Bungab, proposes an alliance with Han to overthrow Mancha. Han, cautious, has Hyun-su's background checked but finds nothing suspicious.
Devastating News and Funeral
Hyun-su receives news that his mother has died in an accident. Insuk refuses his request for temporary release to attend the funeral, prioritizing the mission. Han arranges for Hyun-su to attend the funeral. Back in prison, Han shares his past and advises Hyun-su never to trust anyone too quickly, then asks Hyun-su to work under him after release. Hyun-su confesses to Han that he is an undercover agent.
Release from Prison
Hyun-su is released from prison and picked up by Han. Han introduces Hyun-su to Manol, who assigns him responsibility in a smuggling operation. Bayongab is irritated by this and tries to intimidate Hiunu, but Hiunu doesn't back down. Manchiol is furious at Bungab's behavior and slaps him publicly. Manchol privately tells Bungab to kill Han after the next deal is completed.
Smuggling Deal
Han and Hyan Su go to Choi's hideout to obtain a stamp needed for the smuggling deal. Hyansu stabs Choi's hand with a knife, triggering a fight. Han protects Hyunu during the fight. Hyansu secures the stamp, but his tracking watch breaks. Han takes Hayun Su to a nightclub to negotiate with the Russian mafia, but he tells Hayunu to wait outside.
Betrayal and Truth
Hyunu receives a new tracking watch from a police contact, but Han notices them talking. Hyunu lies, but Han beats the man. Hyunu then admits the man was a police informant. Han, after searching Hyunu, apologizes for doubting him and reveals his past betrayals. Hyunu promises loyalty. Bayongab reveals to Han that Hyunu is an undercover officer. Han reveals that he already knew and orchestrated the accident that killed Hunus's mother to make Hunsu emotionally vulnerable.
Abduction and Smuggling Operation
Unknown men abduct Hyunu, claiming Han gave them his location, but they are police officers trying to turn Hunu against Han. Enraged, Hunsu reveals details of the upcoming smuggling operation to Insuk. Hyunu returns to Han, and the smuggling day arrives. Hyunu informs Ensuk of the port location. Insuk arrests them, but the drugs have already been thrown into the sea. Han and Manol celebrate, but Han kills Manol. Insuk shows Hyunu footage of his mother's accident, revealing Han's involvement.
Final Confrontation
Hyunu, shaken, decides to take down Han. He lies to Han about a police raid, and they meet at Han's old base. Han suggests leaving the illegal life behind. Hyunu reveals he knows Han killed his mother. Han points a gun at him, but the police storm in. Han saves Hyun-su from an officer. Insuk runs Han over with her car. Hyunu shoots Insuk and then suffocates the dying Han, ending the story.
