Asura: The City of Madness (2016) is a South Korean neo-noir crime thriller directed by Kim Sung-su. Starring Jung Woo-sung, Hwang Jung-min, Ju Ji-hoon, Kwak Do-won, and Jung Man-sik, the film plunges audiences into a gritty, morally complex world of corruption, violence, and betrayal.
🔥 Story Overview
- Han Do-kyung (Jung Woo-sung) is a corrupt homicide detective secretly working for the ruthless and criminal Mayor Park Sung-bae (Hwang Jung-min).
- When determined prosecutors Kim Cha-in (Kwak Do-won) and Do Chang-hak (Jung Man-sik) discover Do-kyung’s hidden ties, they blackmail him into turning against the mayor.
- Trapped between dangerous forces, Do-kyung spirals into violence, paranoia, and moral compromise, ultimately leading to a brutal, explosive confrontation.
âś… Why It Stands Out
- Dark & Gritty Storytelling:
This neo-noir thriller delivers relentless action and psychological tension, exploring moral corruption and chaos. - Intense Performances:
Jung Woo-sung delivers a powerful, emotionally charged portrayal of a detective drowning in corruption and desperation. - Brutal Realism:
Unflinchingly depicts violence, betrayal, and moral decay, creating a gripping crime drama.

🏆 Reception & Legacy
Over time, Asura has become celebrated as one of South Korea’s standout crime thrillers, praised for its stunning cinematography and hard-hitting narrative.x office, becoming a notable entry in contemporary Korean cinema.
Released on September 28, 2016, the film grossed $18.3 million at the box office.
Received multiple award nominations, including Best Actor for Jung Woo-sung at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
