
The Thieves
The Thieves is a blockbuster Korean heist film that brings together an all-star cast in a story packed with action, betrayal, and dazzling twists. The plot revolves around Macao Park (played by Kim Yoon Seok), a brilliant mastermind who reunites a group of expert thieves from South Korea and Hong Kong to pull off the heist of a lifetime. Their target? A priceless diamond known as the "Tear of the Sun," locked away in a casino’s heavily-guarded safe. Leading the team are Pepsee (Kim Hye Soo), a safe-cracking expert with a complicated past with Macao Park, and Popie (Lee Jung Jae), a reliable and determined leader. Adding intrigue is Yenicall (Jun Ji Hyun), a seductive cat burglar, and Zampano (Kim Soo Hyun), her charming and athletic partner-in-crime. Together with their Hong Kong counterparts, including Chen (Simon Yam) and Julie (Angelica Lee), the group navigates intense obstacles, but hidden agendas and rivalries threaten their mission. As the heist unfolds, unexpected alliances form, and secrets unravel, leading to nail-biting suspense. Betrayals from within the team, unresolved romantic tensions, and the looming presence of a dangerous crime lord, Wei Hong (Ki Kook Seo), make the stakes even higher. With explosive action sequences and clever plot twists, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Directed by Choi Dong Hoon, The Thieves seamlessly blends high-octane action with clever humor and intense drama. It showcases stunning cinematography, including breathtaking locations in Macau and Hong Kong, making it a visual delight. The film’s stellar performances, especially from its iconic cast, have cemented it as one of Korean cinema's most successful and beloved films.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 도둑들 (Dodookdeul)
🌎 Also Known As: The Professionals
🎭 Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
🏷 Tags: Swindler Female Lead, Swindler Male Lead, Thief Female Lead, Thief Male Lead, Criminal Male Lead, Criminal Female Lead, Slight Romance, Teamwork, Smart Female Lead, Multiple Mains
✍ Screenwriters: Choi Dong Hoon, Lee Ki Chul
🎬 Director: Choi Dong Hoon
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: July 25, 2012
📺 Original Network: N/A
⏰ Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
- The intense rooftop chase featuring Yenicall (Jun Ji Hyun) showcasing her agility and wit.
- The heart-stopping moment when Macao Park (Kim Yoon Seok) faces Wei Hong in a dangerous standoff.
- The heist at the casino where Pepsee (Kim Hye Soo) expertly cracks the safe under extreme pressure.
- The comedic and chaotic fight scene between the thieves during their getaway.
- Zampano’s (Kim Soo Hyun) daring escape from security, highlighting his athletic prowess.
Filming Locations
- The luxurious casinos and vibrant streets of Macau, capturing the glamour and danger of the heist.
- Stunning rooftop shots in Hong Kong, creating thrilling action sequences.
- Interior scenes filmed in meticulously designed sets replicating high-security vaults.
- Korean locations, including urban streets and hideouts, adding a gritty realism.
- Exotic aerial shots showcasing the blend of urban and coastal landscapes in Asia.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Sleek and stylish costumes for Yenicall and Pepsee, emphasizing their cunning and elegance.
- Bold, vibrant color palettes in casino scenes, reflecting the film’s high-stakes atmosphere.
- Intricately designed props, including the “Tear of the Sun” diamond, central to the heist.
- Realistic disguises used by the thieves to blend into their surroundings.
- High-quality cinematography with dynamic angles during action sequences.
Themes and Messages
- Loyalty vs. Betrayal: Explores shifting alliances within the team.
- Greed and Consequences: Examines how ambition can lead to danger.
- Teamwork and Individual Skill: Highlights the strengths of a diverse group working together.
- Romantic Tensions: Adds depth to relationships between characters like Pepsee and Macao Park.
- Risk and Reward: Portrays the thrill and peril of living on the edge.
Interesting Facts
- The Thieves became one of the highest-grossing films in South Korean history.
- The cast includes a blend of Korean and international stars, such as Simon Yam and Angelica Lee.
- Many action scenes, including rooftop stunts, were performed without CGI, adding authenticity.
- Directed by Choi Dong Hoon, known for his expertise in ensemble films.
- The film won multiple awards for its performances, including a Best Actress nod for Jun Ji Hyun.
Awards
Awards and Nominations for “The Thieves” (2012):
49th Grand Bell Awards (2012):
- Best Supporting Actress: Kim Hae-sook (Won)
33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards (2012):
- Best Technical Award: Yoo Sang-seob, Jung Yoon-hyun (Won)
- Audience Choice Award for Most Popular Film: “The Thieves” (Won)
- Best Film: “The Thieves” (Nominated)
- Best Director: Choi Dong-hoon (Nominated)
- Best Actor: Kim Yoon-seok (Nominated)
- Best Actress: Kim Hye-soo (Nominated)
- Best Supporting Actress: Kim Hae-sook (Nominated)
- Best New Actor: Kim Soo-hyun (Nominated)
- Best Screenplay: Choi Dong-hoon, Lee Ki-cheol (Nominated)
- Best Cinematography: Choi Young-hwan (Nominated)
- Best Lighting: Kim Sung-kwan (Nominated)
- Best Music: Jang Young-gyu, Dalpalan (Nominated)
- Best Art Direction: Lee Ha-jun (Nominated)
- Best Editing: Shin Min-kyung (Nominated)
32nd Korean Association of Film Critics Awards (2012):
- Best Cinematography: Choi Young-hwan (Won)
4th KOFRA Film Awards (2013):
- Best Supporting Actress: Kim Hae-sook (Won)
Note: This list includes both awards won and nominations received by “The Thieves” across various film festivals and award ceremonies.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no verified information or credible reports suggesting that any real-life romantic relationships developed among the cast members of The Thieves during or after its production. The actors, including Kim Soo Hyun, Jun Ji Hyun, Lee Jung Jae, and Kim Hye Soo, are known for their professionalism and strong on-screen chemistry, but no off-screen romances have been publicly confirmed.










