Yadang: The Snitch Review: Snitches get Stitches

Yadang: The Snitch is an outstanding action-filled thrillfest that will have your adrenaline pumping from start to finish. 

These people facilitate deals between buyers and sellers, and act as middlemen, so to speak. Then, they give law enforcement and prosecutors intel for a financial reward or a reduced drug sentence.

Yadang: The Snitch focuses on three characters with conflicting agendas. For Kang-su (Kang Ha-neul of Squid Game season 2) who is the yadang, profit is his main incentive, and he isn’t afraid to burn bridges along the way. Then, there’s Ku Gwan-hee (Yoo Hai-jin), a prosecutor who is relentlessly chasing more power and status. Lastly, we have police investigator Sang-jae (Park Hae-joon) who wishes to punish drug offenders and prove himself in the narcotics unit. However, when Kang-su and Gwan-hee team up, the detective finds himself left in the shadows, as he’s always one step behind his rival duo.

Themes of deceit, betrayal, corruption, power struggles, revenge, and moral ambiguity are almost a staple in South Korean thrillers, and in Yadang: The Snitch such elements are alive and unapologetically impactful. The combination of these key components reflected through various plot points makes the film even more gripping, while adding layers of depth and intensity to the story. 

From the very first scene, Yadang: The Snitch catapults viewers into non-stop mayhem. Though this is a film where you’ll have to overlook logic frequently, the experience is an exhilarating action-packed thrill ride that will have you willingly suspending disbelief. Balancing grit with humor is no easy task, yet the movie skillfully blends the two. One moment you’ll be laughing and the next wincing with unease through the more sinister sequences. 

Another impressive aspect is how the tone remains consistent, even when the film transitions between comedic beats and raw gritty scenes. Rather than distracting from the story, the comedy and darkness complement one another and steer the narrative. Both work in tandem to reflect character-driven humor, while also highlighting the absurdity of high-stakes situations. The film knows what it wants to be and fully commits to its vision without hesitation.

All the cast give good performances, but what makes Yadang: The Snitch delightfully entertaining is Kang, who commands each moment and shines in every scene. The actor continues to impress me with his range and always brings something fresh to the screen. I’d even go as far as to say this is his most impressive performance to date. Kang-su is a charismatic trickster, and his ethics and actions are questionable. Still, even though he walks the moral gray line, somehow the character wins you over. Kang strikes the perfect balance between charm, goofiness, and a dark edge, and his physical comedy creates moments of pure hilarity. Throughout the film’s runtime, Kang-su keeps viewers wondering what mischief lies ahead of him and how he’ll manage to wriggle his way out of it.

Although Yadang: The Snitch unfolds in a non-linear fashion, the smart use of cinematography and editing keeps viewers engaged while ensuring the narrative is easy to follow. Action enthusiasts will find plenty to sink their teeth into here, with high-octane chaos throughout, and relentless pacing that never lets up. From high-speed car chases to brutal fights, this South Korean action flick delivers on all fronts. It’s a full-throttle experience with no shortage of thrills.

Clocking in at just over two hours, Yadang: The Snitch is a wild, unpredictable, pulse-pounding journey from the get-go and one of the best action films of the year so far.

Yadang: The Snitch will be released in theatres in the US & Canada on April 25, 2025.