'Wild Thing' Is Just the Beginning [Choi Hye-jin's Insight]

*This content was translated by AI.

[Editor’s Note] Broadcasting, film, and entertainment issues viewed through the eyes of reporter Choi Hye-jin.

Concerns that the trailer and the pre-released song 'Love is' would be all there is proved unfounded. 'Wild Thing' thoroughly breaks through the limits of retro comedy with the actors' wild performances.

The movie 'Wild Thing' (directed by Son Jae-gon) begins with the story of the legendary 1990s South Korean mixed dance trio 'Triangle'. At the height of their popularity, they crumbled overnight when the song offered by So Sok-sa (CEO) became embroiled in plagiarism controversy. Even the leader disappeared, and the team disbanded as is.

Twenty-five years later, the members are living shabby realities. Main dancer Hyun-woo (played by Kang Dong-won) has become a faded star, while rapper Sang-gu (played by Eom Tae-goo) and visual center Do-mi (played by Park Ji-hyun) are also enduring a harsh life. However, the three decide to step onto the stage once again. It is not for grandiose restoration of honor. They simply want to dance again and be applauded again.

But the path to the stage is not smooth. While chasing the past So Sok-sa (CEO) they happened to encounter, an accident occurs, and even their vehicle is damaged, leaving them with no way to reach the event venue.

Complicating matters further is the involvement of past rival ballad singer Seong-gon (played by Oh Jung-se). Seong-gon, who was heading to the same event venue, ends up giving the Triangle members a ride, and as unexpected incidents unfold, they find themselves pursued by the police.

'Wild Thing' is not simply a movie that is just funny. The process of former stars struggling to return to the stage is oddly poignant. The sight of people who only realized too late that their brightest days were on stage, trying to return to that moment, leaves a deep aftertaste amidst the laughter.

The viewing points are clear. Whether they can make it to the stage within the event time despite numerous accidents and obstructions, and how this absurd journey will end, are the core pleasures of the film.

The actors' performances enhance the viewing experience. Kang Dong-won, Eom Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun truly let themselves go. They skillfully portray immature and pathetic characters who live off past glory, generating more laughter than expected. Their comedy acting, which spares no physical effort, feels natural.

Among them, Oh Jung-se is the most striking. Seong-gon was once a successful ballad star, but after experiencing various storms, he now lives as a catcher. With his bushy hair, mustache, and somewhat shabby appearance, every time he sings a sweet ballad, a peculiar laughter erupts. Oh Jung-se, with his unique acting style full of everyday realism, is responsible for both the film's humor and its poignant emotions simultaneously.

Director Son Jae-gon's signature tight comedy rhythm is also alive. Even amidst rapidly unfolding events, the emotional arc is never lost. It is a work that offers a balanced mix of the actors' performances, laughter, and subtle heartwarming moments.

This movie beautifully overturned the worries that the trailer would be all there is. 'Wild Thing' is a proper comedy film that allows you to laugh comfortably in theaters and leaves an unexpected aftertaste.

Meanwhile, 'Wild Thing' is scheduled for release on June 3. Running time: 107 minutes.

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*This content was translated by AI.