Asura: The City of Madness

Its story follows Han Do-kyung, a crooked detective who finds himself pulled between the internal affairs unit and a city hall ruled by a corrupt mayor. As investigators close in and shadowy power brokers tighten their grip, he's forced to juggle favors, violent confrontations, and double dealing that bleed into every corner of his life. The pressure heightens as shifting alliances turn former allies into threats and innocent people become casualties in a system where loyalty is for sale. Do-kyung must decide where his loyalties truly lie and what he is willing to risk to stay alive in a city where the line between cop and criminal has all but vanished, and how far he will go in the end.

Released in 2016, the film was directed by Kim Sung-soo, whose brisk, kinetic pacing complements a tight script. The production leans into Seoul street atmosphere with effects and cameras, treating the city as a character and amplifying its gritty tone.

The film earned about 18.2 million dollars worldwide, reflecting solid performance for a crime thriller in its market. It drew audiences with brisk action and a restrained, intense atmosphere, aided by an ensemble led by Jung Woo-sung and Hwang Jung-min.

Its blunt portrayal of corruption and police entanglements left a mark in Korean crime cinema, with critics noting the tense mood and star performances as standout. The film contributed to ongoing discussions about institutional power and personal integrity, influencing later thrillers that blend crime drama with social critique and politics.

Critics generally praised the film for its hard edged atmosphere and sharp performances, though some noted it leans on familiar crime thriller beats. Its themes probe moral compromise and loyalty under pressure while examining how power and corruption corrode public trust, asking whether survival justifies selling out others in society.