Confidential Assignment 2: International
Confidential Assignment 2: International is a 2022 South Korean action comedy film directed by Lee Suk-hoon and written by Im Seong-soon.[1] It serves as a sequel to the 2017 film Confidential Assignment, reuniting leads Hyun Bin and Yoo Hae-jin as North Korean detective Im Chul-ryung and South Korean detective Kang Jin-tae, who previously collaborated across the border.[2] The story expands the premise internationally, incorporating an American FBI agent portrayed by Daniel Henney, as the protagonists unite to dismantle a ruthless North Korean-led criminal syndicate engaged in drug trafficking.[3] The plot centers on Im Chul-ryung's return to South Korea to track down Jang Myung-joon (Jin Seon-kyu), a defected North Korean operative heading a secretive organization producing and distributing synthetic narcotics.[4] Kang Jin-tae, demoted after a botched operation, seizes the opportunity to partner with Im once more, while FBI agent Jack (Daniel Henney) provides crucial intelligence and resources amid escalating cross-border tensions.[1] South Korean detective Park Min-young (Im Yoon-ah) rounds out the team, bringing expertise in narcotics investigations and adding layers of interpersonal dynamics to the high-stakes pursuit.[2] Filmed with a runtime of 129 minutes, the movie blends explosive action sequences, buddy-cop humor, and themes of inter-Korean cooperation against global crime.[5] Released on September 7, 2022, in South Korea by CJ ENM, the film premiered during the Chuseok holiday and quickly dominated the box office, amassing 6.98 million admissions and grossing US$48.6 million domestically, ranking among the year's top earners.[6] Internationally, it screened at festivals and achieved modest releases in markets like Hong Kong, contributing to its worldwide appeal as a showcase of Korean cinema's action-comedy genre.[7] Critically, it earned praise for the charismatic performances of its ensemble cast and kinetic direction, though some noted predictable plotting; it holds a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb from over 2,500 users and an 85% approval on Rotten Tomatoes based on limited reviews.[2][5]Synopsis and Characters
Plot
The film opens in New York City, where North Korean terrorist leader Jang Myong-jun, having been captured by the FBI for his criminal activities, escapes during a transport operation back to Pyongyang. His accomplices ambush the convoy, allowing him to seize $1 billion in illicit funds and flee to South Korea using a forged passport, motivated by his desire to expand his drug empire and evade justice.[3][8] In Seoul, North Korean agent Im Cheol-ryong, returning from the events of the 2017 film Confidential Assignment, is dispatched to recapture Jang, reuniting with his former South Korean partner, detective Kang Jin-tae. The duo is joined by FBI agent Jack, whose colleagues were killed in the New York ambush, forming an unlikely trilateral team driven by shared goals of national security, personal redemption for Kang, and international justice. Their cooperative investigation spans borders, uncovering Jang's sophisticated money laundering scheme that funnels drug profits through underground networks in Seoul, leading to tense action sequences including high-speed chases, a dramatic helicopter rescue of Jang from a skyscraper, and brutal confrontations with his armed criminal organization.[3][8][9] As the pursuit intensifies, personal stakes rise when Im Cheol-ryong proposes marriage to Park Min-young, Kang's sister-in-law and his romantic interest, highlighting his internal conflict between duty and budding personal life. The team discovers Jang's plan to deploy a virus bomb as a bioterrorist weapon to cover his escape, prompting a high-tension climax where they defuse the device amid a fierce shootout, ultimately subduing and killing Jang. In the resolution, the recovered $1 billion is redirected for humanitarian purposes, delivered to UNICEF, while Im Cheol-ryong bids farewell to his partners and returns to North Korea, underscoring the fragile alliances forged across divides.[3][8][9]Cast
The film stars Hyun Bin and Yoo Hae-jin reprising their lead roles as North and South Korean detectives from the 2017 prequel Confidential Assignment, alongside new additions including Im Yoon-ah, Daniel Henney, and Jin Seon-kyu in prominent supporting positions.[10][11] The main protagonists include Im Cheol-ryung, a skilled North Korean operative, and Kang Jin-tae, his South Korean counterpart, who form the core of the international investigation team.[2] Park Min-young serves as an intelligence officer and romantic interest for Im Cheol-ryung, adding emotional depth to the ensemble.[12] Joining them is Jack, a charismatic FBI agent who brings American law enforcement expertise to the collaboration.[13] The primary antagonist is Jang Myeong-jun, the ruthless leader of a transnational criminal syndicate.[11] Supporting roles flesh out the law enforcement and criminal elements, such as Park Sang-wi, a member of the crime syndicate, and Park So-yeon, Kang Jin-tae's wife.[14] Other notable characters include First Sergeant Kim, a military liaison.[15]| Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hyun Bin | Im Cheol-ryung | North Korean detective, lead protagonist |
| Yoo Hae-jin | Kang Jin-tae | South Korean detective, lead protagonist |
| Im Yoon-ah | Park Min-young | NIS officer and love interest |
| Daniel Henney | Jack | FBI agent, international ally |
| Jin Seon-kyu | Jang Myeong-jun | Terrorist leader, main antagonist |
| Park Hoon | Park Sang-wi | Member of the crime syndicate |
| Jang Young-nam | Park So-yeon | Wife of Kang Jin-tae |
| Im Sung-jae | First Sergeant Kim | Military support officer |