Nocturnal () is a 2025 South Korean neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Kim Jin-hwang, starring Ha Jung-woo, Kim Nam-gil, Yoo Da-in, and Jung Man-sik. It follows Min-tae's relentless pursuit of the truth after his brother's death, his sister-in-law's disappearance, and a bestselling novel that eerily predicted the crime. The film was released on January 22, 2025.
Seok-tae, a drug addict and gangster, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. His brother Min-tae, who has distanced himself from the criminal world, begins searching for the perpetrator. Around the same time, Seok-taeâÂÂs wife, Cha Moon-young, and their child disappear. The police launch an investigation as tensions rise within the local underworld.
Prior to his death, Seok-tae had been involved in drug distribution connected to the son of a powerful CEO, who falls into a coma after consuming narcotics allegedly supplied by him. Chang-mo, Seok-taeâÂÂs boss and Min-taeâÂÂs former superior, warns Min-tae not to interfere, suggesting that influential figures are involved.
Suspicion gradually centers on Moon-young. It is revealed that she had endured years of domestic abuse at the hands of Seok-tae. Her connection to renowned novelist Kang Ho-ryeong further complicates the case. KangâÂÂs novel Nocturnal depicts events strikingly similar to Seok-taeâÂÂs death and was written before the crime occurred. As investigators learn that the novel was inspired by Moon-youngâÂÂs experiences, both the police and Min-tae grow convinced that she may have played a role in orchestrating the murder.
Determined to find her, Min-tae recruits Byung-gyu, one of Chang-moâÂÂs subordinates, while Kang searches for Moon-young in an effort to protect her. After a series of confrontations, Moon-young secretly reveals her location to Kang. Min-tae follows him to a bus terminal, where Min-tae, Kang, Moon-young, and the police converge.
Before the truth can fully emerge, Byung-gyu suddenly kills Moon-young and flees. Enraged, Min-tae pursues him and discovers that the killing was ordered by Chang-mo. The revelation exposes Chang-mo as the true mastermind behind Seok-taeâÂÂs murder. On the night of the incident, both Seok-tae and the CEOâÂÂs son had consumed large quantities of drugs; when the CEOâÂÂs son fell into a coma, Chang-mo executed Seok-tae to appease the CEO.
It is also revealed that Moon-young had been a direct witness to Seok-taeâÂÂs murder and had long wished for his death after years of abuse. Chang-mo had spared her out of sympathy and on the condition that she disappear permanently. Following Seok-taeâÂÂs funeral, Min-tae confronts Chang-mo, kills his men, and forces a confession confirming his responsibility and the gangâÂÂs subservience to corporate influence. Min-tae ultimately kills Chang-mo and walks away.
Principal photography began on January 2021 and filming ended on April of the same year.
The film marks the second time Ha Jung-woo and Kim Nam-gil have appeared together in a work following The Closet.
Nocturnal premiered in South Korean theaters on January 22, 2025 released by Barunson E&A.
The film was released on February 5, 2025 on 805 screens. It opened at first place at the South Korean box office with 42,562 running audiences.
, the film has grossed from 128,926 admissions.