'PAGUA': Bold New Action or Just Too Much?
The Korean action film Pagua debuted with a star-studded VIP screening on April 24, 2025, at Yongsan CGV in Seoul. The movie pits a legendary assassin, played by veteran actress Lee Hye-young, against a mysterious killer portrayed by Kim Sung-cheol. Both leads and several cast members, including Kim Dasom, appeared at the event, drawing media attention and fan buzz.
At its core, Pagua aims to push the boundaries of traditional Korean action cinema. It blends physical combat with a psychological showdown between its two main characters, something rarely explored in this genre. The film's trailers reveal highly stylized action scenery, eerie dialogue, and intense character-driven sequences—all signaling a dramatic shift from Korea’s usual action formulas.
What Works: Bold Acting and a New Direction
Lee Hye-young delivers a raw, ground-breaking performance as a haunted assassin returning for one final mission. Her years of experience shine through, giving her character 'JOGAK' (translated as "fragment") a powerful sense of control and quiet rage.
Meanwhile, Kim Sung-cheol takes on an entirely new persona compared to his past roles. Known for his more reserved characters, he transforms into a deeply unsettling killer named 'TOU' (short for "bullfight"). The chemistry—or rather, the tension—between the two actors gives the film its emotional keys, making their clashes less about weapons and more about willpower.
Critics have praised the detailed character setups and psychological edges of the film. Some even called Pagua a potential genre-breaker that introduces new narrative depth to the Korean action scene—long dominated by straightforward punch-and-kick flicks.
The Flaws: Violence and One-Sided Focus
Despite its ambition, Pagua hasn’t escaped controversy. Some viewers were put off by what they considered excessive violence, including unsettling imagery and brutal dialogue. One particular line—referring to humans as "like cockroaches"—sparked debate online, with some critics arguing that it dehumanizes people and could normalize violent rhetoric.
Another common critique was the lack of balance in storytelling. The spotlight stays fixated on the leads, which leaves the supporting characters underdeveloped. Fans of more ensemble-driven stories may feel shortchanged here.
Additionally, some action scenes were described as overly graphic or disturbing—not necessarily due to gore, but because of the film’s almost poetic obsession with pain. For audiences sensitive to such themes, this could be a turnoff.
Split Opinions: Artistic Triumph or Pretentious Plot?
Supporters Say: It's the Future of Korean Action
Fans and critics alike have applauded Pagua for elevating the genre. Its willingness to explore inner demons and human complexity sets it apart. Lee’s drastic reinvention and Kim Sung-cheol’s risk in turning against his usual typecast give the film a natural intensity.
Supporters also appreciate that Pagua doesn’t rely solely on stunt choreography. Instead, it blends intense performance moments with raw action, creating a movie that provokes as much as it entertains. Some have even compared it favorably to films like Oldboy or The Chaser, which left equally divisive impressions in their time.
Critics Say: It Tries Too Hard to Be Deep
On the flip side, some felt the film was trying too hard to be profound. The stylized action scenes and philosophical monologues sometimes get in the way of pacing. "It’s like they read a psychology textbook and turned it into dialogue," one viewer commented online.
There's also concern about the promotional strategy. The bulk of press coverage has revolved around the lead actors, especially Lee’s return to action and Kim Dasom's red-carpet appearance. Detractors argue this distracts from evaluating the story itself and veers the film into celeb-hype territory.
Several moviegoers posted that they felt emotionally unconnected to the story, blaming the intentional coldness of its characters and tone. For some, that artistic decision represented brilliance; for others, it felt alienating.
Final Thoughts
Pagua is, without doubt, an intriguing experiment. It's the kind of film that invites discussion and critique, which is itself a form of success. Whether you'll leave your seat disturbed, inspired, or indifferent likely depends on your taste for unconventional storytelling.
Though the film has its weaknesses—imbalanced focus, charged language, and occasional over-stylization—it deserves credit for daring to challenge audiences. If nothing else, Pagua adds a new voice to Korea's ever-evolving film landscape. One that, love it or hate it, won’t be ignored.