Secretly Greatly

Secretly Greatly

Secretly Greatly is a captivating Korean film that masterfully combines action, comedy, and drama. The story follows Won Ryu Hwan (played by Kim Soo Hyun), a highly skilled North Korean spy who goes undercover in a South Korean village as a clumsy and carefree neighborhood fool, Bang Dong Gu. With his seemingly dull persona, he patiently waits for orders while blending into the community. Joining him in this mission are two other spies: Lee Hae Jin (portrayed by Lee Hyun Woo), a fellow operative masquerading as a high school student, and Lee Hae Rang (played by Park Ki Woong), a former rock star hiding in plain sight. Together, they form an unlikely trio navigating the challenges of their double lives. While keeping their identities a secret, they develop unexpected bonds with the villagers. As tensions rise, their peaceful facade is shattered when a dangerous mission arrives. The spies must confront their loyalties and face the harsh realities of their assignments. The film dives deep into themes of identity, sacrifice, and the struggles of leading double lives. Emotional moments are brilliantly balanced with comedic sequences and intense action scenes. Directed by Jang Cheol Soo, Secretly Greatly features an all-star cast and a gripping storyline that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. Packed with twists, heartwarming camaraderie, and high-stakes action, this movie became a box-office sensation and remains a must-watch for fans of Korean cinema.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 은밀하게 위대하게
🌎 Also Known As: Covertness, Eunmilhage Widaehage
🎭 Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama
🏷 Tags: Hidden Identity, Bromance, North and South Korea, Physically Strong Male Lead, Emotionally Strong Male Lead, North Korean Male Lead, Spy Male Lead, Gun Violence, Skilled Killer, Death
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Bang Hyun, Yoon Hong Gi
🎬 Director: Jang Cheol Soo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: June 5, 2013
📺 Original Network: N/A
⏰ Duration: 2 hours 3 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

  • Won Ryu Hwan’s rooftop battle, showcasing Kim Soo Hyun’s intense performance and the film’s action-packed climax.
  • The heartfelt reunion scene between the three spies, blending camaraderie with bittersweet emotion.
  • Lee Hae Rang’s dramatic confession, a turning point that reveals his inner struggles.
  • The comedic first meeting of the spies, where their clashing personalities create lighthearted chaos.
  • The emotional final goodbye, leaving a lasting impression with its powerful message of sacrifice.
  • Seoul’s bustling streets, serving as the backdrop for action-packed chase scenes.
  • Traditional Korean alleys, enhancing the spies’ cover as villagers.
  • Urban rooftops, where high-stakes confrontations unfold.
  • A peaceful rural village setting, contrasting the intense spy activities.
  • Abandoned buildings, adding a gritty, realistic feel to action sequences.
  • The spies’ undercover disguises, such as Kim Soo Hyun’s unassuming villager attire.
  • Military-inspired outfits during flashback scenes, emphasizing their North Korean roots.
  • High-energy fight choreography, perfectly complemented by sharp costume design.
  • Subtle color palettes reflecting the characters’ emotional states.
  • Attention to detail in blending comedic and serious visual elements.
  • Sacrifice for duty, exploring the high personal cost of loyalty and patriotism.
  • Hidden identities, portraying the emotional toll of living a double life.
  • Friendship and trust, despite the odds stacked against the trio of spies.
  • The cost of ambition, highlighting the sacrifices made to achieve one’s goals.
  • Cultural contrasts, illustrating differences and similarities between North and South Korea.
  • The movie is based on a popular webtoon titled Covertness.
  • It broke multiple box office records in South Korea upon release.
  • Kim Soo Hyun trained rigorously, including physical combat and dialect coaching, for his role.
  • The film’s emotional and comedic balance earned it widespread international acclaim.
  • The trio of Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Hyun Woo, and Park Ki Woong gained massive popularity for their performances.

Awards and Nominations for “Secretly, Greatly” (2013):

  • Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (2013):

    • Winner: Citizen’s Choice Award – Feature Film (Director: Jang Cheol-soo)
    • Nominee: Best of Puchon (Director: Jang Cheol-soo)
  • Grand Bell Awards (2013):

    • Winner: Best New Actor (Kim Soo-hyun)
  • Baeksang Arts Awards (2014):

    • Winner: Best New Actor – Film (Kim Soo-hyun)
    • Winner: Most Popular Actor – Film (Kim Soo-hyun)
    • Nominee: Most Popular Actor – Film (Lee Hyun-woo)
  • Florence Korea Film Fest (2014):

    • Winner: Best Film – Special Mention (Director: Jang Cheol-soo)

Note: This list includes both awards won and nominations received by “Secretly, Greatly” across various film festivals and award ceremonies.

There is no verified information or public reports indicating that any real-life romantic relationships developed among the cast members of the Korean film Secretly, Greatly during or after its production. The actors, including Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Hyun Woo, and Park Ki Woong, are known for their professionalism and dedication to their roles, but no off-screen romances have been reported.

Trailer

Gallery

Cast

Choi Woo Shik
Choi Woo Shik
Kim Soo Hyun
Kim Soo Hyun
Kim Sung Kyun
Kim Sung Kyun
Park Eun Bin
Park Eun Bin

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