[Topstar News] Song Jae-rim's Final Work 'Crypto Man' Released on Netflix

'Crypto Man' is a film based on the true story of a global cryptocurrency crash. In reality, the Luna and Terra coin collapse caused nearly 50 trillion won to evaporate, affecting many people. This film portrays the market manipulation in the cryptocurrency market, reckless investments by the younger generation, and get-rich-quick mentality.

Yang Do-hyun, played by Song Jae-rim, is an ambitious have-not who falsely registers his residence in Daechi-dong. He loses his exchange student opportunity to a friend who drives a Mercedes-Benz while receiving disability benefits. Later, upon discovering this friend wasn't actually disabled, Do-hyun realizes the loopholes in government subsidies. With his college startup club peer Ji-woo, he exploits additional points given to youth, women, and disabled individuals to receive youth startup subsidies, identifying that "startup support funds are blind money given by the government to fail" and deliberately repeating planned bankruptcies and business closures.

Later, Do-hyun establishes a cryptocurrency venture with multi-million won backing from investor Kevin, develops the 'MOMMY' coin achieving record-breaking performance, but comes under monitoring from financial institutions due to algorithmic issues and incomplete interest earnings.

With an audience rating in the 8-point range, 'Crypto Man' has resonated strongly with viewers. The film effectively portrays the inner workings and realities of cryptocurrencies and investments—subjects that have tempted many. Audiences are surprised by its quality despite being an independent, low-budget film. Viewers praise it for its realistic portrayal and engaging narrative. Meanwhile, there are also regretful responses that this is actor Song Jae-rim's posthumous work.

'Crypto Man' effectively demonstrates the frightening aspects of cryptocurrency and capitalism. It depicts a reality where opportunities are unequally distributed and results matter more than process—a world where one must exploit everything to survive. The film adds immersion by portraying Yang Do-hyun's psychology as he struggles in this world. Audiences empathize with Do-hyun while watching his growth.

Do-hyun's life also reflects an overlooked reality in South Korea. His mother Ok-ja is a nursing assistant, and they live in Daelim-dong. Coming from difficult financial circumstances and already disadvantaged in competition from the start, the film describes Daelim-dong as "that neighborhood where many Chinese-Koreans live." This leads Ok-ja to fake their residence registration in Gangnam's 8th School District to help Do-hyun succeed.

What we should focus on is his narrative. After experiencing unfair realities in Gangnam's 8th School District, he realizes that effort isn't what truly matters. It's worth observing how he grows and changes, and subsequently how he falls and pays the price. Somewhere between illegal and legal activities, Do-hyun gradually succumbs to the temptation of money and power.

While the protagonist's name Yang Do-hyun reminds viewers of Kwon Do-hyung, the individual behind the Luna crisis, the production team clarified that he is "a fictional character unrelated to any real person." To prepare for the role, Song Jae-rim researched actual cryptocurrency news and financial fraud cases to embody Do-hyun. The production team explained, "Without him, the character of Yang Do-hyun would not have been portrayed so three-dimensionally."

Just as Song Jae-rim's acting in 'Crypto Man' was due for reevaluation, he tragically ended his life. It's deeply regrettable that this posthumous work marks the final opportunity to witness his passion.

Source: Topstar News (https://www.topstarnews.net)