Collectors
Collectors is a slick and witty 2020 Korean heist film that dives deep—literally—into the underground world of tomb raiding and art theft. The story follows Kang Dong Goo, played by Lee Je Hoon, a genius grave robber with unmatched instincts and a knack for cracking ancient puzzles. When an opportunity arises to uncover a legendary treasure hidden beneath the heart of Seoul, he can’t resist—especially when it promises riches and glory. Teaming up with an unusual crew, Kang Dong Goo joins forces with Dr. Jones (Jo Woo Jin), a passionate but eccentric ancient artifact expert, and Yoon Se Hee, portrayed by Shin Hye Sun, an elite museum curator with secrets of her own. Each member brings their own skills and agendas to the table, creating a thrilling and unpredictable dynamic. Their mission? To break into one of the most secure historical sites in the city—all while staying one step ahead of the law and rival treasure hunters. The film blends action, comedy, mystery, and archaeological adventure, drawing comparisons to classics like Indiana Jones and Ocean's Eleven. What makes Collectors uniquely Korean is its clever integration of local history, myth, and urban legends. As the gang digs deeper—both physically and emotionally—they uncover not only priceless relics, but personal truths and betrayals that shake their loyalty and resolve. Directed by Park Jung Bae, Collectors delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment with stunning visuals, clever twists, and standout performances. It's a must-watch for fans of Korean crime-comedy films, cultural heist thrillers, and stories that combine ancient secrets with modern ambition. Whether you're in it for the laughs, the history, or the treasure, Collectors delivers a ride worth taking.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 도굴
🌎 Also Known As: Tomb Robbery, Grave Robbery
🎭 Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime
🏷 Tags: Tomb Robber, Heist, Treasure Hunt, Archaeology, Museum Curator
✍ Screenwriters: Ryu Sun Gyoo
🎬 Directors: Park Jung Bae
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: November 4, 2020
📺 Original Network: Theatrical Release
⏰ Duration: 114 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 12+ – Suitable for teens 12 and older
Best Scenes
-
Kang Dong Goo unlocking the secret tomb entrance beneath Seoul, combining suspense and intellect.
-
Museum break-in scene with Yoon Se Hee, blending tension, humor, and high-tech trickery.
-
Rooftop escape sequence, where the team dodges rival thieves and security in a high-stakes chase.
-
Final confrontation in the hidden underground chamber, unveiling both treasure and betrayal.
-
Opening grave robbery in the desert, setting the tone with slick pacing and archaeological intrigue.
Filming Locations
-
Seoul’s underground tunnels and historical areas, reconstructed for thrilling urban excavation scenes.
-
Traditional Korean temples and heritage sites, used to reflect the cultural roots of the treasure hunt.
-
Modern museums and galleries, adding realism to Shin Hye Sun’s role as curator Yoon Se Hee.
-
Elaborate set designs mimicking ancient tombs, enhancing authenticity and visual impact.
-
Rooftop and urban landscapes of downtown Seoul, ideal for chase and stakeout scenes.
Visual Design and Costumes
-
Lee Je Hoon’s rugged tomb robber look, a mix of utility gear and street-smart style.
-
Shin Hye Sun’s sleek museum professional wardrobe, reflecting her intelligence and secretive motives.
-
Warm, dusty tones for tomb interiors, creating a moody and mysterious visual palette.
-
Hand-carved props and ancient relic replicas, adding depth to the treasure-hunting scenes.
-
Contrasting color schemes between ancient ruins and sleek modern settings, emphasizing dual worlds.
Themes and Messages
-
Greed vs. legacy—what should be preserved, and who has the right to historical treasures?
-
Teamwork and betrayal, as characters balance loyalty and personal gain.
-
Cultural identity, exploring Korea’s connection to its ancient past through modern storytelling.
-
The blurred line between thieves and heroes, challenging traditional morality.
-
Knowledge is power, as archaeological intelligence becomes the key to success.
Interesting Facts
-
Lee Je Hoon performed many of his own stunts, adding authenticity to action scenes.
-
The film was a box office success in 2020, despite pandemic-era cinema challenges.
-
Shin Hye Sun prepared by studying real-life museum professionals to portray her role convincingly.
-
The script was inspired by real Korean legends about hidden royal tombs.
-
Park Jung Bae’s directorial debut, marking a strong start with a clever mix of crime and culture.
Awards
The 2020 South Korean heist action comedy film Collectors (Korean title: 도굴) has not received any major awards or nominations. While the film was a commercial success, grossing approximately $12.6 million and ranking among the top-grossing Korean films of 2020, there are no records of accolades from prominent award ceremonies such as the Grand Bell Awards or the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
Despite its box office performance and positive audience reception, Collectors did not secure formal recognition in the form of awards.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no confirmed real-life romance among the cast members of the Korean film Collectors. While the film stars Lee Je Hoon, Shin Hye Sun, Jo Woo Jin, and Im Won Hee in dynamic and often humorous roles, the chemistry seen on screen—especially between Lee Je Hoon’s character Kang Dong Goo and Shin Hye Sun’s Yoon Se Hee—remains strictly professional.
Fans appreciated the flirtatious tension and witty interactions between their characters, which sparked curiosity about a possible off-screen connection. However, there have been no reports or official statements indicating that any of the actors were romantically involved during or after the production of Collectors.
Both Lee Je Hoon and Shin Hye Sun are known for their dedication to their craft and private personal lives, rarely sharing details about romantic relationships in the media. Their on-screen rapport is credited to strong acting skills and mutual respect.
In conclusion, while Collectors delivered entertaining moments of romantic tension, there was no real-life romance that developed between its lead cast members. The love stayed on screen—where it was cleverly written and brilliantly performed.
Trailer
OST
Gallery
