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Extreme Job Poster |
If you think action movies and fried chicken don’t go together, Extreme Job will prove you wrong—gloriously and hilariously. This 2019 South Korean comedy blends crime, food, and absurd humor into a film that became one of the biggest box office hits in Korean cinema history.
Let’s take a deeper look at why Extreme Job captured the hearts (and stomachs) of millions!
π¬ Movie Overview
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Title: Extreme Job (κ·Ήνμ§μ )
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Director: Lee Byeong-heon
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Main Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Lee Ha-nee, Jin Seon-kyu, Lee Dong-hwi, Gong Myung
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Genre: Action / Comedy
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Release Date: January 23, 2019
π Plot Summary: When Fried Chicken Meets Undercover Cops
The story centers around a team of low-performing narcotics detectives who are on the brink of being disbanded. Led by the tenacious but unlucky Detective Ko (played by Ryu Seung-ryong), the team gets one last chance to redeem themselves by taking down an international drug cartel.
To conduct surveillance, they buy out a failing chicken restaurant directly across the street from the gang’s hideout. But something unexpected happens—their special soy garlic chicken recipe becomes an overnight hit π₯
Soon, the cops find themselves more successful as chicken shop owners than as detectives. Their undercover operation is compromised not by the enemy, but by their own booming business!
π Why Extreme Job Works So Well
1. Perfect Casting
Every actor shines in their role. From Ryu’s tired but determined squad leader to Jin Seon-kyu’s comedic timing, the cast delivers a chemistry that's both believable and hilarious. One of the most iconic lines, "We sell chicken better than we fight crime," perfectly captures the film’s humor.
2. Genre-Bending Brilliance
This isn't your typical slapstick comedy. It blends fast-paced action, heartfelt teamwork, and clever satire on work culture. It makes you laugh, but also surprisingly makes you reflect on what it means to do your job well—whatever that job may be.
3. Fast-Paced Storytelling
There’s never a dull moment. The film keeps you engaged from the first scene to the last. Each subplot adds flavor (pun intended), whether it's a secret romance, a bungled arrest, or a last-minute fried chicken delivery.
π What Made It a Box Office Phenomenon?
Extreme Job didn’t just entertain—it struck a cultural chord. It made over KRW 140 billion (approx. USD 120 million) and sold over 16 million tickets, making it one of the highest-grossing films in Korea.
Its success lies in being relatable yet ridiculous. Everyone knows the grind of a thankless job, and watching these underdogs succeed in the most unexpected way hits a sweet (and savory) spot.
π Who Should Watch This?
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Fans of Korean cinema looking for lighthearted fun
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Anyone in need of a good laugh after a long day
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Viewers who love food-related films
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People curious about unique, offbeat comedies
Whether you're a fan of Brooklyn Nine-Nine or Kung Fu Hustle, you'll likely enjoy this wild ride through fried chicken and crime fighting.
π§ Final Thoughts
Extreme Job isn’t just a comedy—it’s a statement on survival, teamwork, and the joy of unexpected success. It's also proof that sometimes, doing something completely different leads to the biggest rewards.
So grab some chicken, hit play, and prepare to laugh until you cry. Because in Extreme Job, crime doesn’t pay—but chicken sure does. ππΌπ