A surprising mix of comedy, action, and tragedy, Secretly, Greatly adapts the popular webtoon Covertness into a poignant film about identity, loyalty, and sacrifice. With Kim Soo-hyun leading a young cast, the movie became a cultural hit and box-office success in Korea.
Plot Summary
Won Ryu-hwan (Kim Soo-hyun) is an elite North Korean spy trained in special forces. Brilliant, lethal, and loyal, he is sent on a covert mission to the South. His assignment? Blend into a small town as the village idiot, a role he plays so convincingly that locals dismiss him as harmless.
He is soon joined by two other young North Korean operatives: Rhee Hae-rang (Park Ki-woong), who poses as a rock musician, and Rhee Hae-jin (Lee Hyun-woo), the youngest agent pretending to be a high school student.
As the three await further orders, they start to taste normal life and even bond with the community. But when new directives from the North arrive, their double lives collapse, forcing them to choose between loyalty to their homeland and the newfound warmth of human connection.
Highlights
- Kim Soo-hyun showcases impressive versatility, shifting from slapstick comedy to intense action and deep emotion.
- Park Ki-woong and Lee Hyun-woo deliver strong supporting performances, creating a believable trio of conflicted spies.
- The tonal balance—lighthearted comedy in the first half, dark tragedy in the second—gives the film emotional impact.
- Action sequences and espionage tension heighten the drama while exploring themes of identity and belonging.
- At release, it drew over 6 million viewers, making it one of the most successful Korean films of 2013.
What Could Be Better
- The sharp tonal shift between comedy and tragedy may feel jarring for some viewers.
- Secondary characters could have been more developed to deepen the emotional stakes.
Verdict
Secretly, Greatly is an ambitious spy film that blends humor, action, and heartbreaking drama. While not flawless, it remains one of Kim Soo-hyun’s most memorable roles and a standout adaptation that resonated strongly with audiences.