Exposing the Dark Art of Election Manipulation With ‘Kingmaker’

Promotional material for "Kingmaker," a South Korean hit. Provided by GJW+

NR | 2h 3m | Drama | 2022

“Kingmaker” plunges viewers into the ruthless world of political campaigns, where ambition and dirty tricks take center stage. Set in 1960s South Korea, the film, directed by Byun Sung-hyun, follows two figures who push ethical boundaries in a quest for power. As they navigate a murky political landscape, idealism collides with ruthless tactics, creating a high-stakes game of manipulation and betrayal.

Plot and Characters

“Kingmaker” doesn’t just tell a fictional tale; it’s rooted in the turbulent political landscape of South Korea’s past, loosely based on the relationship between real-life figures Kim Dae-jung and Eom Chang-rok. The film reimagines Kim Dae-jung as Kim Woon-beom (Sol Kyung-gu), and Eom Chang-rok as Seo Chang-dae (Lee Sun-kyun).

Kim Woon-beom is no ordinary politician; he’s an idealist, driven by a vision of a better Korea, yet hindered by a string of electoral defeats. Despite his strong convictions and desire to uplift his people, he lacks the ruthlessness to win elections.

A screenshot of Kim Woon-beom (Sol Kyung-gu) in "Kingmaker." Provided by GJW+

That’s where Seo Chang-dae steps in, bringing a dangerous, pragmatic edge to Kim’s campaign. As the real historical undertones weave through the narrative, we witness their partnership evolve into a delicate power play: Kim, the face of high ideals, and Seo, the dark strategist lurking in the background.

A screenshot of Seo Chang-dae (Lee Sun-kyun), in "Kingmaker." Provided by GJW+

Seo operates in the shadows, employing “dirty tricks” that Kim himself would never publicly endorse, which leads both to remarkable successes and to deep, underlying ethical tensions. In real life, Seo’s tactics, though effective, put him at odds with Kim’s principles. Their collaboration was an uneasy alliance, often fraught with ideological clashes that reflected the broader moral conflicts within Korean society at the time.

Psychological Depth and Acting Excellence

What makes “Kingmaker” more than just a political drama is the way it reveals its characters, making you feel their ambitions, fears, and insecurities. Seo Chang-dae isn’t driven by simple loyalty or morality. He’s fiercely intelligent, cunning, and unafraid to play dirty, sometimes shockingly so. Lee Sun-kyun gives Seo an almost hypnotic quality, capturing both his charisma and his dark edges, leaving you wondering just how far he’s willing to go—and how far we, as viewers, are willing to follow him.

Screenshot of a scene from "Kingmaker." Provided by GJW+

Kim Woon-beom, on the other hand, is masterfully portrayed by Sol Kyung-gu as a man caught in a moral storm. His internal struggle to reconcile his lofty ideals with Seo’s unsavory methods is palpable in every scene. Sol’s performance brings a weighty sincerity to Kim; he’s the quintessential good man drawn into an impossible situation, forced to question his own integrity. Together, the two actors create a dynamic that crackles with tension and heartbreak. Every look, every disagreement, every small betrayal between them is charged with emotion, pulling you deeper into their conflicted bond.

The onscreen chemistry between Lee Sun-kyun and Sol Kyung-gu is electrifying. Their performances bring out the hidden, often contradictory, layers of Seo and Kim, creating an interplay that’s as enthralling as it is tragic. Watching them, you feel the sharp tug of ambition and the cold isolation of betrayal.

Known for their captivating portrayals of complex characters, Lee Sun-kyun and Sol Kyung-gu are powerhouses in Korean cinema. No wonder they so brilliantly embody the characters of Seo Chang-dae and Kim Woon-beom in “Kingmaker,” bringing depth to the strategist’s moral ambiguity and the politician’s ethical struggle.

Artistic Brilliance in Shadows and Editing

One of the most remarkable achievements of “Kingmaker” lies in its meticulous visual artistry, especially the striking use of shadows and lighting to underscore its characters’ moral complexities. Cinematographer Jo Hyeong-rae masterfully contrasts light and dark, creating an almost haunting atmosphere that speaks to Seo’s morally ambiguous maneuvers in the shadows and Kim’s pursuit of ideals in the light.

A screenshot showing the use of shadows that mirror the characters' murky efforts. Provided by GJW+

The editing takes this artistry even further, with seamless transitions that heighten suspense and moments of revelation. The scenes often play with color and framing in ways that accentuate the characters’ isolation or unity, making each sequence visually and emotionally resonant. This thoughtful blend of cinematography and editing elevates Kingmaker beyond a traditional political drama, immersing the audience in a visually rich, symbol-laden world, where every shadow tells a story.

Awards and Reception

Upon release, “Kingmaker” captivated South Korean audiences, maintaining its No. 2 box office position for 14 consecutive days. At the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards, the film’s excellence was further recognized as Sol Kyung-gu won Best Actor for his layered portrayal of Kim Woon-beom, while Byun Sung-hyun took home Best Director. These honors solidified “Kingmaker” as a standout in Korean cinema, praised for its bold, character-driven exploration of political ambition.

You can watch “Kingmaker” on GJW+.

The "Kingmaker" presents the role of politician and political strategist. Provided by GJW+

‘Kingmaker’ Director: Byun Sung-hyun Starring: Sol Kyung-gu, Lee Sun-kyun Not Rated Running Time: 2 hours, 3 minutes Release Date: Jan. 26, 2022 Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5

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