A new South Korean film, Crypto Man, is slated to hit theaters on January 15, 2025. The movie, starring the late actor Song Jae-rim, is inspired by true events surrounding a massive crypto market collapse that wiped out an estimated $34.9 billion in value. While director Hyun Hae-ri has not specified the exact case that inspired the film, she notes that numerous victims are “still awaiting a final ruling from judicial authorities.”
Hyun, known for socially conscious documentaries like “Nine Times Fired,” aims to present the story with a blend of realism, sharp commentary, and elements of dark comedy. The production team consulted legal experts extensively to ensure an accurate portrayal of events.
In Crypto Man, Song Jae-rim portrays Yang Do-hyun, a young entrepreneur who, after several failed ventures, finally finds success in launching a cryptocurrency project. Fueled by hundreds of millions of won from an investor, Yang’s altcoin named MOMMY experiences meteoric growth. Yet, this rapid ascent draws the attention of regulators and thrusts him into a moral and legal quagmire.
The movie’s narrative shines a light on the growing influence of cryptocurrency in South Korea, where many young investors diversify their portfolios through digital assets. Recent reports show that thousands of South Koreans have substantial crypto holdings, with many in their 20s and 40s owning significant amounts of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
As Crypto Man delves into the interplay between ambition, technology, and regulation, it also captures the youthful energy of a generation navigating the high-stakes world of crypto trading—by day in traditional markets and by night in digital currencies.
