Tabloid Truth (2014) Review!!

Synopsis – A promising young actress takes her own life after a scandal erupts over her relationship with a married politician. Woo-gun, the actress’ long-time devoted manager who dedicated everything to building her career, initiates vengeful investigation to expose the sources of the malicious rumor. With help from a reporter friend, Woo-gun breaks into rag trade, and as he delves deeper into the case he is shocked to find a nasty conspiracy tangling politics, business, and the entertainment industry together in a nefarious web of lies.

My Take – It has been claimed that this is the first Korean movie to address the dangers of digital rumors and tabloid culture. Directed by Kim Kwang Sik, the movie is first of its kind to give spotlight on the sensational tabloid culture of Korean entertainment by focusing on a “Tip Sheet,” an online/ newspaper report made from secrets meetings consisting of corporate, political, and entertainment insiders.

The information is then published to their high paying subscribers, before making it to the tabloids and the internet as juicy gossip. These rumors are generally accepted to be truth, without sources or evidence, and spread carelessly and easily on the internet, because, after all, how much damage can a few words do? The movie moves quickly; throwing out a combination of action, drama, and humor to keep the viewer engaged throughout. The movie maintains a constant level of suspense as we also desire to know the truth along with the likable Woo Gon. Kim Kwang Woo keeps his character simple and straightforward with the fire burning in his hurt puppy eyes.

Jung Jin Young plays the jaded Mr. Park, a former investigative journalist who guides Woo Gun on his quest for truth, with the ease that comes from being a veteran actor. Go Chang Suk and Park Seong Wong lead the strong cast of supporting actors that has no weak links.On the whole, “Tabloid Truth” aka Jji-ra-si: Wi-heom-han So-moon does a fine job of answering the questions the viewer may have while watching, and yes luckily, the ending is satisfying without leaving any loose ends. However, what really makes this movie worth watching is the reveal of how the industry insiders operate (one hell of a concept!). While the movie does sacrifice some realism in order to provide some theatrical enjoyment, its surely one hell of a ride!