Don’t Buy the Seller (2023), also known as Target (Korean: 타겟), is a South Korean crime thriller directed by Park Hee-gon. Starring Shin Hye-sun and Kim Sung-kyun, the film explores the dark side of online second-hand trading, blending suspense with social commentary.
Plot Overview
The story follows Soo-hyun (Shin Hye-sun), an ordinary office worker who buys a washing machine through a second-hand app after moving to a new home. However, the machine turns out to be broken, and Soo-hyun realizes she has been scammed. Determined to expose the seller, she leaves comments on their posts and reports them to the police.
What begins as a simple act of justice spirals into a nightmare when Soo-hyun becomes the target of a psychopathic serial killer who uses the app to lure victims. As eerie incidents disrupt her life—mysterious phone calls, unwanted deliveries, and intrusions into her home—Soo-hyun must navigate a chilling game of cat-and-mouse to survive.
Why It Stands Out
- Unique Premise: The film combines the thriller genre with a timely exploration of the risks of online transactions.
- Shin Hye-sun’s Performance: Shin delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman pushed to her limits, capturing both vulnerability and resilience.
- Suspenseful Atmosphere: The narrative builds tension through its claustrophobic settings and psychological mind games.
- Social Commentary: The story highlights the dangers of digital anonymity and the consequences of online interactions.
Release Details
Don’t Buy the Seller premiered on August 30, 2023, and has since gained attention for its gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes.
