Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment
In an unexpected convergence of fiction and reality, the harrowing narrative of an office worker ensnared by a serial killer after accusing him of selling faulty items on an online second-hand marketplace unfolds in "Target," a film that draws inspiration from unsettling real-life events.
Guided by actual occurrences, the film delves into the life of Soo-hyun, a woman in her 30s, who unwittingly purchases a defective washing machine from an online second-hand marketplace. What commences as an ordinary transaction spirals into a chilling saga as she realizes that the seller is none other than a psychopathic serial killer.
In a disconcerting twist, the predator uses Soo-hyun's personal information to single her out as his next target. As the noose tightens, she grapples with exhaustion and finds herself cornered in a life-or-death predicament.
Director Park Hee-gon, who helmed "Target," revealed that the film was loosely inspired by a disturbing case featured on the investigative journalism show "Unanswered Questions" by SBS.
"It was deeply unsettling to learn about a predator's relentless harassment of a victim through electronic communications. The sheer terror of the situation sparked the concept of the film," Director Park shared during a press conference in Seoul. He further disclosed that news of the perpetrator's capture in the Philippines coincided with the film's production.
Through meticulous research, the director unearthed a disconcerting trend: a significant number of victims who fell prey to scams on online second-hand market platforms refrained from reporting the incidents to authorities due to the relatively trivial amounts of money involved.
Actress Shin, who takes on the role of Soo-hyun, expressed her desire to encapsulate an experience many encounter daily.
"With 'Target,' I aimed to capture the gradual invasion of personal space by an unknown individual, an experience that can evoke genuine fear as it can potentially happen to anyone," Shin articulated. The film's action sequences amplify the intensity of Soo-hyun's struggle for survival, unveiling her grueling battle against her relentless assailant.
Shin, known for her roles in series like "Stranger" (2017) and films like "Innocence" (2020) and "Collectors" (2021), sought to infuse the thriller genre with a resonating dose of reality.
"Target" is poised to captivate audiences when it hits local theaters on August 30. As the film navigates the eerie intersection of fact and fiction, it invites viewers to confront the unnerving underbelly of online interactions and the profound impact of personal violation.
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