Believer 2 is the 2023 South Korean crime-action film directed by Baek Jong‑yul (also romanised Baek Jong-yeol), serving as a sequel to the 2018 film Believer. The story picks up following the explosive events of the first film. Detective Cho Jin‑woong’s character Jo Won-ho continues his dogged investigation into Asia’s largest drug cartel, determined to uncover the true identity of the mysterious “Mr. Lee”. In his search, Won-ho must deal with surviving underworld figures — including Rak (the sole survivor of a previous raid), and the ruthless Chinese-Korean drug lord “Big Knife” (Han Hyo‑joo) — each playing ambiguous, dangerous games as the web of crime deepens. The film blends high-stakes action sequences, gritty underworld politics, and moral ambiguity: characters shift alliances, trust is a currency in short supply, and the line between law enforcer and outlaw blurs. While the adrenaline-fuelled shoot-outs and chase scenes deliver, the emotional core lies in Won-ho’s obsession, Rak’s search for meaning, and the haunting question: who really pulls the strings? Reception has been mixed: some viewers praise the visceral action and world-building, whereas others criticise the film for narrative incoherence and failing to add meaningful depth to its predecessor. For instance: “I watched the first one a week or so ago... I was sorry to not have Ryu Jun-yeol in it… This sequel is not really a sequel. It’s just an ’expansion’ of the same story that offers nothing else new.” Reddit Ultimately, Believer 2 may appeal most to fans of stylised crime thrillers and intense action who are comfortable with ambiguity — less so for those seeking tight plots or polished character arcs. ⏱ Runtime: 116 minutes (1 h 56 m) approximately. 👩💼 Cast / Actors: Cho Jin-woong as Jo Won-ho Cha Seung-won as Brian Lee 📅 Release Date: Premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival on October 5, 2023 in the “Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere” section. Released for streaming on Netflix from November 17, 2023. Netflix ⭐ IMDb / Rating: While an exact IMDb rating isn’t listed here, it received mixed reviews: on Rotten Tomatoes the “Tomatometer” shows 71% critics score (though based on few reviews) and audience feedback was . Rotten Tomatoes Many users on review sites gave the film low ratings (average around 2.0 out of 5 on one Korean site). allkpop 🔖 Hashtags: #Believer2 #독전2 #Believer2Movie #KoreanCrimeThriller #NetflixKmovie #ChoJinwoong #HanHyojoo #ChaSeungwon #KDramaMovie #ActionThriller 🔍 SEO Keywords: Believer 2 review, Believer 2 cast, Believer 2 runtime, Believer 2 release date, Believer 2 Netflix, Believer sequel 2023, Korean crime action film 2023, Cho Jin-woong Believer 2, Han Hyo-joo Big Knife Believer2
