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Entertainment • Film

I Saw the Devil

I Saw the Devil is a 2010 South Korean action thriller film directed by Kim Jee-woon and written by Park Hoon-jung.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

I Saw the Devil is a 2010 South Korean action thriller film directed by Kim Jee-woon and written by Park Hoon-jung. It stars Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik, and follows a secret agent who seeks revenge on the serial killer who murdered his fiancée.

Plot

The film follows Kim Soo-hyun, a secret agent who hunts the serial killer responsible for his fiancée's murder. Instead of simply killing him, Soo-hyun repeatedly captures and releases the killer, creating a revenge cycle.

Production

I Saw the Devil was directed by Kim Jee-woon and written by Park Hoon-jung. It was produced in South Korea and filmed in Korean.

Cast

Lee Byung-hun stars as Kim Soo-hyun, while Choi Min-sik plays the killer Jang Kyung-chul. The film also includes supporting roles from actors such as Jeon Gook-hwan.

Reception and style

The film has been described as a violent, bleak thriller and a stylized examination of revenge. It is often noted for its graphic content and intense performances.

Key facts

  • The film is a South Korean revenge thriller released in 2010.
  • It was directed by Kim Jee-woon and written by Park Hoon-jung.
  • The story centres on secret agent Kim Soo-hyun, whose fiancée is murdered by serial killer Jang Kyung-chul.
  • Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik play the lead roles.
  • The film is known for its graphic violence and psychological tension.
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Canadian context

The film received a limited theatrical release in Canada in 2011 and is also available through some Canadian streaming catalogues.

Frequently asked questions

What is I Saw the Devil about?
It follows a secret agent who hunts the serial killer that murdered his fiancée, turning the pursuit into a brutal revenge game.
Who directed I Saw the Devil?
Kim Jee-woon directed the film.
Who wrote I Saw the Devil?
Park Hoon-jung wrote the screenplay.
Who stars in I Saw the Devil?
The film stars Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik.
What genre is I Saw the Devil?
It is generally classified as an action thriller and revenge film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Saw_the_Devil
    Supports: 2010 South Korean film, director, writer, stars, and basic plot.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588170/
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, and plot summary.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_saw_the_devil_2010
    Supports: Synopsis, director, writer, runtime, language, and release information.
  4. Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia — https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Saw_the_Devil
    Supports: Release information including Sundance and North American theatrical release, including Canada.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70144554
    Supports: Streaming availability and cast listing.