“Boss” (2025) is a Korean action comedy film. It is a remake of the Hong Kong film “Once a Gangster” (2010) by Felix Chong. The movie is streaming on Viki.
- Memorable Quote: “Look at him. He totally looks like a boss.”
SUMMARY: Three (3) gang members competing for the boss’s seat while secretly chasing their own personal dreams — from restaurant ambitions to tango dancing. Their rivalry spirals into hilarious chaos when an undercover cop infiltrates their world.
♦ But I Don’t Want to Be Boss
“Boss” is a Korean action-comedy that reimagines gang rivalry through humor, and a surprising amount of heart. Set in the city of Yongdu, the film follows the chaotic internal election of “Sikgupa,” the largest criminal organization in the region. After the death of their mob boss, three (3) contenders emerge — each with wildly different personalities and ambitions. They all want (to avoid) the top seat. Why? They have dreams. They want OUT!
Boss Candidate No. 1
Na Soon-Tae, the frontrunner, is shrewd, capable, and respected — but he has absolutely no desire to become the next boss. His true dream is to transform his Chinese restaurant, Mimiru, into a nationwide culinary empire. Na Soon-Tae tries everything possible to avoid being chosen while still maintaining his dignity and reputation. His character wants a peaceful, honest life despite being trapped in a crime world.
Boss Candidate No. 2
Dong Kang-Pyo is next in line. He is a charismatic manipulator with deep influence in the organization. But instead of craving power, Dong Kang-Pyo is obsessed with tango — pouring his passion into dance halls and auditions. He attempts to balance gang politics with his artistic aspirations.
Boss Candidate No. 3
Jo Pan-Ho is the third contender and the only one who genuinely wants to be boss. Unfortunately, he is universally seen as unfit for the role. So he schemes to seize power and his plans constantly backfire, turning him into a lovable disaster. Having amobition without skill is absurd. Particularly in a crime syndicate.
The Delivery Guy?
And then there’s Hong Tae-Kyu. He’s not even a gangster. He’s an undercover cop who infiltrates the organization as a delivery man. His job is to gather evidence while seamlessly navigating the gang’s internal politics. Hong Tae-Kyu’s undercover investigation intertwines with the election of the new boss.
The mob boss election spirals out of control, as each contender is fighting not for dominance, but for the freedom to pursue their own aspirations. This comedic twist on the gangster genre gives Boss a refreshing tone.
Main Characters:
- Na Soon-Tae (played by Jo Woo-Jin, “Gangnam B-Side”, “Narco-Saints”, “Happiness”)
- Dong Kang-Pyo (played by Jung Kyoung-Ho, “Pro Bono”, “Oh My Ghost Clients”, “Crash Course in Romance ”, “Hospital Playlist 1 and 2”, “Missing Nine”, “Princess Ja-Myung”)
- Jo Pan-Ho (played by Park Ji-Hwan, “Queen Woo”, “The Murky Stream”, “Seoul Busters”, “My Lovely Boxer”, “Gyeongseong Creature”)
- Hong Tae-Kyu (played by Lee Kyoo-Hyung, “Doctor John”, “Seoul Vibe”, “KICKKICKKICKKICK”, “Uncle Samsik”, “May It Please The Court”, “Happiness”, “Stranger 1 and 2”)
Viewership and Rating:
- IMDb: 5.7 out of 10 stars
- MyDramaList: 7.5 out of 10 stars
- Viki viewing audience rating: 9.1 out of 10 stars
My personal rating is the same as the Viki viewers.
“Boss” is joy and fun! Jo Woo-Jin, Jung Kyoung-Ho, Park Ji-Hwan, and Lee Kyoo-Hyung. If you see a movie with these four South Korean actors, you know you’re probably gonna be laughing.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
KMOVIE REVIEW: Boss (2025). | A Fangirl’s Heart – Entertainment and Lifestyle
Boss (2025) Review: A True ‘Absurdist’ Comedy That Is Actually A Comedy. | Society Reviews
Boss (South Korea, 2025) – Review | AsianMovieWeb
TRAILER/TEASER:
213 Pictures & Media (formerly 815 Pictures). “BOSS.” YouTube, 3 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzd5eukFB-E.
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