Synopsis of Kim Nam Gil's Latest Film NOCTURNAL (2025), When the Novel Predicts Death

Korean films in the thriller genre never fail to spike the adrenaline of their viewers. One of the latest releases that you should watch is NOCTURNAL (2025). This latest film by Kim Nam Gil, which premiered in early 2025, presents a combination of psychological tension, mystery, and family intrigue that binds emotions.

Not only Kim Nam Gil, NOCTURNAL also features performances from other top South Korean actors, including Ha Jung Woo. As a result, NOCTURNAL not only promises an intense story but also high-quality acting. Their off-screen closeness makes their chemistry in this film feel very natural and touching.

Not only is the story thrilling, but NOCTURNAL also holds many interesting facts behind its production process. You will be invited to delve into a world full of puzzles that slowly reveal one dark secret layer after another. Curious to know the synopsis and these interesting facts? Just check out the following review.

1. Synopsis of NOCTURNAL (2025)

Synopsis of NOCTURNAL (credit: mydramalist)

The story of NOCTURNAL begins with Bae Min Tae, a former gangster who is now living a new life as a construction worker. His life is turned upside down when he receives news that his only brother, Bae Seok Tae, has been found dead under mysterious circumstances. Not only that, but his brother's wife, Moon Yeong, is also missing without a trace, adding to the horror of that night.

This incident ignites anger and determination within Min Tae to uncover the truth. In his quest, he meets a famous novelist, Kang Ho Ryeong, played by Kim Nam Gil. This meeting is not mere coincidence, as it turns out that the details of Seok Tae's death have been written in detail in Ryeong's novel titled Night Trip.

The deeper the investigation goes, the more complicated the web of stories that unfolds. Many parties are involved—from the criminal organization that Seok Tae was once a part of to the police who suspect Moon Yeong's involvement. Kang Ho Ryeong, who was initially just a writer, also gets caught up in the situation because the story in his novel is too similar to real events.

In an atmosphere filled with uncertainty, Bae Min Tae continues to pursue the truth despite the threats to his life. He faces the reality that his closest ones may not be as he has always thought. Meanwhile, the mysterious Ryeong begins to show his dark side.

You will be left wondering throughout the film: who exactly is Kang Ho Ryeong? Is he just a writer or a witness to something darker? This film presents a struggle between emotions, logic, and justice, making it a must-watch for Kim Nam Gil fans.

2. Cast of NOCTURNAL (2025)

Cast of NOCTURNAL (credit: mydramalist)

The film NOCTURNAL also features a talented cast that enhances the emotions and intensity of the story. Before diving into the complex plot, let’s get to know the main and supporting actors who are part of this film.

Here is a list of the actors and the characters they portray in NOCTURNAL (2025):

• Ha Jung Woo as Bae Min Tae

• Kim Nam Gil as Kang Ho Ryeong

• Yoo Da In as Moon Yeong

• Jeong Man Sik as Chang Mo

• Im Sung Jae as Byeong Gyu

• Park Jong Hwan as Bae Seok Tae

• Heo Sung Tae as Detective Park

• Seo Hyun Woo as Detective Son

• Kim Chan Hyung as Jae Man

• Jung Jae Kwang as Cha Myeong U

• Cha Rae Hyoung as Yeong Seop

• Jang Nam Boo as Kang Ho

• Kim Ha Eun as Bae Su Min

3. Interesting Facts Behind the Film NOCTURNAL (2025)

Interesting Facts Behind the Film NOCTURNAL (credit: mydramalist)

The film NOCTURNAL premiered in South Korea on February 5, 2025, with a duration of 1 hour and 39 minutes and received a rating of 7.1 on MyDramaList. One interesting fact is that this film marks a reunion between Ha Jung Woo and Kim Nam Gil after five years of not appearing together since the film THE CLOSET (2020). Their strong chemistry is evident from the camaraderie that remains behind the scenes.

For those of you curious about the unique touch of the film's director, NOCTURNAL is the second work of Kim Jin Hwan, who previously gained recognition through the film THE BOYS WHO CRIED WOLF (2016). His debut film earned him the award for Best New Director at the 22nd Chunsa Film Art Awards.

The NOCTURNAL project actually finished filming in 2021, but faced delays in post-production. This actually provided time to refine the artistic elements and cinematography of the film. The final result has received praise for its dark tone and intense atmosphere.

Unlike many Korean crime films that are heavily action-oriented, NOCTURNAL emphasizes elements of psychological drama and mystery. Viewers are invited to delve into the inner conflicts of the characters and are taken into a narrative maze filled with twists. Kim Nam Gil's performance as a mysterious novelist is one of the main highlights that you must see.

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(kpl/psp)