Drive (2023 film)

Drive () is a 2023 South Korean action crime mystery thriller film directed and written by Park Dong-hee. It stars Park Ju-hyun, Kim Yeo-jin, Kim Do-yoon and Jung Woong-in. The film released in South Korea on June 12, 2024.

Synopsis

Despite being a well-known YouTube influencer, Yuna constantly denigrates other people. She receives an invitation to a party for the launch of a cosmetic brand, but things don't go as planned. Exhausted and under a lot of stress, she calls a designated driver, takes a few shots, and then falls asleep. Yuna discovers she is stuck in her car's trunk when she opens her eyes. In addition to demanding money, the kidnapper demands that she perform a "kidnapping live-stream" in which she pleads with the audience for ransom. However, everyone believes she is acting out a situation that she made up.

Cast

Main

Park Ju-hyun as Han Yoo-na, a Popular YouTube influencer who was kidnapped and locked in a car's trunk.
Kim Yeo-jin as Park Jeong-sook, a police lieutenant of the Woman and Youth Division who is an avid fan and supporter of Yoo-na who is the only one who believes in and assists Yoo-na.
Kim Do-yoon as Choi Yoon-seok, Agency representative. A cop who gets caught up in a case.
Jung Woong-in as Na Jin-soo, MBS director and a person who takes advantage of Yoo-na's ambition to engage in secret transactions.

Supporting

Ha Do-kwon as Detective Jo Seong-woo
Choi Yoon-ra as Ri-ah, Yoo-na's rival influencer
Kim Hye-na as MBS team leader
Jeon Seok-ho as Lee Do-yeong, a driver who kidnapped Yoo-na.
Moon Sang-hoon as Cha Geun, as trunk streamer
Choi Hyun-jin as Oh Yeong-soo, Park Jeong Sook's son
Choi Bum-ho as a fake Cadillac driver
Byeon Dong-wook as Kwang-soo, University team leader
Park Ji-yeon as a situation room police
Lee Chae-kyung

Production

The principal photography of Drive began on June 1, 2021.

Release

The film screened and included on the competition section on the 41st Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival on April 2023.

The film selected as the closing film of the 22nd Asian Film Festival of Dallas along with other asian films on July 16, 2023.

It was invited and selected as part of the official selection to a leading overseas film festival Greek Horrorant Film Festival on its ninth edition.

The Drive is eagerly awaited by both domestic and international media and reviewers and has risen to the top of the Korean cinema reservation list ahead of its debut on the 12th.

The home video DVD edition was released in South Korea on March 20, 2025.

Reception

Box Office

In South Korea, Drive sold 71,749 tickets, earning a total of US$764,276.

Critical

Park Ju-hyun's thriller film Drive has gotten mostly good reviews, with viewers complimenting its gripping plot, captivating performances, and tight atmosphere. However, some people think the finale is a little disappointing.

The film received favorable reviews overseas, including an invitation to the 41st Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in competition before its domestic release.

Accolades