Don't Buy the Seller : For Fans of Shin Hae-Sun

[cmoneyspinner]

"Don't Buy the Seller" (also titled “Target”) is a 2023 Korean drama movie categorized as a Thriller, Suspense, Crime, and Mystery.
In “Don't Buy the Seller”, Shin Hae-Sun plays a woman who lost money to a scammer who turned out be a serial killer.
♦ Buying Online Can Be Very Dangerous

In “Don't Buy the Seller”, Soo-Hyun is a working woman who lives alone and has just moved into her new apartment. She buys a washer from an online seller and gets ripped off! She reports the scam to the police but they tell her there is a backlog of similar cases. They probably won't get to her complaint for a few months.

Meanwhile ... Soo-Hyun is not willing to wait for the police, She wants her money back! So she starts searching for the seller online and can't find him. It's like he's vanished! Or has he?

Recognizing that he is a scammer, Soo-Hyun is certain that he must have other victims. She diligently searches buy and sell sites until she finds clues that lead her to the seller. For all of his postings where he says he is selling merchandise, she warns potential buyers by posting that he is a scammer.

So did she really track down the guy who scammed her? Oh yeah! It was him alright and she had made him very angry. So angry that ... a lot of other creepy things started happening to her. She returned to the police and reported that the scammer was now a stalker.

The police took her report but this time, they did a little more investigating because they also had leads and information on a similar case. They slowly start putting the pieces together but it seems that the scammer/staker is always one step ahead of law enforcement.

Soo-Hyun's life has become a nightmare. But she doesn't plan to allow the nightmare to last forever. She may have the appearance of being frail, weak, and physically and mentally exhausted from being stalked non-stop, but ... she's made up her mind. She is going to MAKE HIM STOP!!

Main Characters:
Soo-Hyun (played by Shin Hae-Sun)

Where to Watch

Viewership and Rating:
IMDb: 6.5 out of 10 stars
My Drama List: 7.8 out of 10 stars
Letterboxd: 3 out of 5 stars

My personal rating is 8 out of 10 stars.

My rating is based on two factors: (1) the female lead's performance, and (2) the movie's relevancy to today.

(1) FEMALE LEAD: Shin Hae-Sun is an extremely talented South Korean actress who made her debut as a student at Seungri High in the K-drama series “School 2013” (2013).

Her most memorable role (my opinion) was when she played “Mr. Queen” (2020-2021) in the hilarious time travel rom-com Korean drama series about a first-class male chef from the 20th century who traveled back in time to Joseon and ended up in the body of Queen Kim So-Yong.
Her projects for 2023-2024 include two series: “See You in My 19th Life”, and “Welcome to Samdal-ri”; and the film “Don't Buy the Seller”.
As of January 2024, it was reported that Shin Hye-sun is set to star in the K- drama ‘To My Harry’. (No release date as yet.)

(2) TRUE STORY: Whereas the Korean movie “Unlocked” is not based on a true story, viewers need to know that "Don't Buy the Seller" is not fictional:

“Don't Buy the Seller” is “based on 2020 news and documentary programs that unraveled the case of a scam that further expanded into a murder case targeting secondhand marketplace app users.” (Quote Source)

FINAL REMARK: I do have a question that is nagging me about this film:

Would you mind telling me what is the point of having a CCTV camera and anybody can easily take the SD card out? What kind of security is that? ()
LINKS OF INTEREST:
[Herald Review] ‘Don’t Buy the Seller,’ a nail-biting thriller based on real-life secondhand marketplace scam | The Korea Herald
The 20 Most Watched Korean Movies In 2023 | KORB (“Target” is on this list.)
TRAILERS/TEASERS:

Zone, Kdrama. “Don’t Buy the Seller (2023) Official Trailer | Shin Hae Sun, Kang Tae Oh, Kim Sung Kyun | Movie.” YouTube Video. YouTube, August 2, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dofut6jB6tw.‌

 

[PiagetianTheory]

Soo-Hyun's journey from victim to vigilante is both compelling and relatable, offering a nuanced portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity. Shin Hae-Sun's performance adds depth and authenticity to the character, showcasing her versatility as an actress. As the narrative unfolds, the blurred lines between virtual and physical threats underscore the pervasive nature of online scams in today's society. While the film's portrayal of CCTV security flaws may raise eyebrows, its underlying message about the importance of vigilance in the digital age remains poignant. Overall, "Don't Buy the Seller" captivates audiences with its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and timely social commentary, cementing its status as a standout thriller in contemporary cinema.

 

[MelodyGiorza87]

This show tells a disturbing story that goes beyond the confines of standard thriller conventions. Soo-Hyun's perseverance in seeking justice against her fraudster turned stalker is deeply moving, representing people's fortitude in the face of tragedy. Shin Hae-Sun's portrayal of the character exudes genuine passion and strength, anchoring the film's examination of trust, betrayal, and empowerment. The combination of online anonymity with real-life consequences serves as a stark reminder of the risks that lurk in cyberspace. Furthermore, the film's reliance on true events provides an air of authenticity that heightens its effect. Despite technical criticism of CCTV security, its philosophical resonance and excellent performances lift it beyond ordinary entertainment. "Don't Buy the Seller" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate societal issues and provoke meaningful discourse.

 

[Kay]

This movie hits close to home with the prevalence of online scams nowadays. Soo-Hyun's determination to seek justice resonates with many who have been victims of fraud. It's a reminder to be cautious when making online purchases.

 

[CindyLuStar]

I can't help but wonder about the security flaws mentioned regarding the CCTV cameras. It's a valid concern raised by the article. Hopefully, it doesn't detract too much from the overall viewing experience.

Despite any minor criticisms, the overall consensus seems to be positive, with decent ratings across various platforms. It's reassuring to know that viewers are appreciating the film for its performances and relevance to contemporary issues.