Cast members and director Hwang Byeong-guk, left, of "Yadang: The Snitch" pose at a press event in Seoul, March 13. Yonhap

Director Hwang Byeong-guk of the upcoming crime-action movie "Yadang: The Snitch" was instantly attracted to the story of snitches who operate between drug dealers and authorities, selling secret information and tips to investigators.

The director said he came across a news article in 2021 about snitches who visit prosecutors' offices daily to exchange information. Their ambiguous moral standing intrigued him, inspiring him to develop a film on the subject.

"They appear to be working legally, yet there's something dubious about them. They exist in a gray area," the director said at a press event in Seoul on Thursday. "I thought it would make for an interesting film."

The film seeks to set itself apart from the flood of drug-related movies by centering its narrative on the role of an informant, the director said.

"Yadang: The Snitch" features actor Kang Ha-neul as Lee Kang-su, a wrongfully convicted man serving time behind bars. He is recruited by ambitious prosecutor Koo Kwan-hee (Yoo Hae-jin) to work as a snitch. However, their covert alliance takes a turn when drug detective Oh Sang-jae (Park Hae-joon) gets involved following an incident linked to the child of the country's most powerful presidential hopeful.

Kang described the movie as more than just a typical drug crime movie.

"The scenario is incredibly well-structured, and I couldn't put it down. I read it all in one go," he said.

The film is Hwang's first feature in 14 years since the 2011 crime action "S.I.U.," starring Uhm Tae-woong and Joo Won. When he is not directing films, the director works as an actor. He has had a prolific career as a supporting actor, most recently appearing in the 2023 mega-hit political film "12.12: The Day."

Kang said the director's deep understanding of acting was invaluable in shaping his performance.

"There are aspects of acting that only those who have been in front of the camera can truly grasp. The director had a keen eye for those details and was great at discussing them with me," he said.

Hwang conducted extensive research on drug addicts and dealers. Reflecting on his encounters with severe addicts, including high school students, he stressed his goal was to create a film that not only raises public awareness of the serious issue but also remains deeply immersive and gripping for audiences.

Yoo Hae-jin of "Exhuma" described the film as "brimming with realism," adding, "It tells a true-to-life story in an engaging and fast-paced way."

"Yadang: The Snitch" is set to hit local theaters April 23. (Yonhap)