The highly anticipated South Korean movie Crypto Man is set to premiere on January 15, 2025, and promises a gripping portrayal of the turbulent world of cryptocurrency. Directed by Hyun Hae-ri, the film is based on true events surrounding South Korea’s $34.9 billion crypto crash. Hyun, acclaimed for her Cannes-featured drama Nine Times Fired, brings her sharp storytelling and trademark dark humor to the big screen once again.

The film stars Song Jae-rim, whose untimely death in November 2024 adds a poignant layer to the production. Song plays Yang Do-hyun, a young entrepreneur who, after a string of failed ventures, creates an altcoin named MOMMY. The coin's meteoric rise thrusts Yang into the limelight, but also draws the scrutiny of regulators, unraveling a complex tale of ambition, greed, and consequences.

Hyun revealed that the movie aims to depict the financial struggles and aspirations of young Koreans, many of whom juggle stock trading by day and crypto investments by night. Despite the fictionalization, the director emphasized the importance of legal accuracy and conducted rigorous consultations during production.

South Korea’s fascination with cryptocurrency is well-documented, with a 2023 report revealing that nearly 3,800 individuals in the country owned crypto wallets valued at over $699,000. Young investors in their 20s represented a significant portion of these holdings, despite being outnumbered by their older counterparts. The film sheds light on this generational divide, exploring the motivations and consequences of a crypto-driven economy.

As the premiere approaches, Crypto Man promises to be more than just a thriller. It’s a commentary on the intersection of technology, finance, and human ambition—a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the highs and lows of the crypto world.