Difference between revisions of "Song of the Bandits"

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Drama: Song of the Bandits (English title) / Bandit: The Sound of the Knife (literal tilte)
Revised romanization: Dojeok: Kalui Sori
Hangul: 도적: 칼의 소리
Director: Hwang Joon-Hyeok
Writer: Han Jung-Hoon
Network: Netflix
Episodes: 9
Release Date: September 22, 2023
Runtime:
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

While under Japanese occupation, people in South Korea head to the lawless land of Jiandao in China. There, the travelers settle down and unite to protect their settlement from harm. Major characters are:

Lee Yoon (Kim Nam-Gil) is a Korean who serves under the Japanese military in South Korea. Circumstances leads him to leave everything behind and travel to Jiandao, China. He becomes a bandit to protect the settlement in Jiandao and its people.

Nam Hee-Shin (Seohyun) hides her real identity and works as a section chief in the railway bureau for the Japanese controlled government in Korea.

Choi Chung-Soo (Yoo Jae-Myung) was an army commander for the independence movement in Korea and he now leads the Korean settlement in Jiandao.

Lee Gwang-Il (Lee Hyun-Wook) is a Japanese military officer who is hostile to Lee Yoon.

Eon-Nyeon (Lee Ho-Jung) is a contract killer and highly skilled with guns. She is hired to kill Lee Yoon and heads to Jiandao to carry out her contract.

Cast



Kim Nam-Gil	Seohyun	Yoo Jae-Myung	Lee Hyun-Wook	Lee Ho-Jung
Lee Yoon	Nam Hee-Shin	Choi Chung-Soo	Lee Gwang-Il	Eon-Nyeon



Kim Do-Yoon	Lee Jae-Kyoon	Cha Yub	Cha Chung-Hwa
Kang San-Gun	Choraeng-yi	Geumsu	Kim Seon-Bok

Myeongjeong City



Kim In-Woo	Jeong Mu-Seong	Song Hoon	Kang Shin-Ha	Kim Shin-Yong
Consul General Yamada	Superintendent Ooka	Vice-Consul Hashimoto	Byung-Pal	bar owner



Park Boo-Gun	Park Da-On	Hyun Oh-Bong	Oh Jin-Seok
Nodeoksan (ep.1)	Toshio Yamada (ep.4)	Chinese gambler (ep.7)	police officer (ep.7)

Jang Ki-Ryong's Gang



Han Kyu-Won	Kim Seol-Jin	Park Kwang-Jae	Kim Min	Jeon Seung-Hoon
Jang Ki-Ryong	Kimura	Heuk-Dong	Jin San	Togu

Japanese Imperial Army



Ko Kyu-Pil	Park Sang-Won	Jin Hyun-Kwang	Cha Jung-Hwan	Wang Woo-Jin
Han Tae-Ju	Ishida	Major Minami (ep.2)	Sugiyama (ep.2)	Ishikawa (ep.5,8)



Kim Ryoon-Ho	Lee Jong-Shin
gambling soldier (ep.7)	officer (ep.9)

Taepyeong Village



Jung Sun-Chul	Kwon Ji-Min	Kim Sung-Hyo	Lee Kun-Goo
Kim Nam-Chun	Ye-Bun	Ye-Bun's mother	villager

Independence Army



Kim Jong-Tae	Kim Dae-Ryeong	Jo Hwan	Kwon Tae-Jin	Park Sang-Hoon
Lee Sang-Guk	independence fighter	Jang Seok (ep.2)	independence fighter (ep.4)	Kim (ep.5-6)

Moon Jae-Won

Park (ep.5-6)

Eon-Nyeon's Group



Lee Yoon-Hee	Kim Hak-Sun	Jang Myung-Kab	Ko Suk-Jin	Jung In-Gi
Mr. Park	branch manager	Park Chun-Ho (ep.2)	Kawaguchi (ep.2)	Hwang Sam-Deok (ep.4)

Kim Min-Seo

Eon-Nyeon (child) (ep.6-7)

Others



Yoon Sung-Woo	Lee Joo-Won	Lee Ye-Seo	Choi Jong-Ryul	No Seong-Eun
Moo-Myung (ep.1)	Lee Yoon (child) (ep.3)	Nam Hee-Shin (child) (ep.3)	tavern man (ep.5)	tavern man (ep.5)



Sung Hong-Il	Yoo Soon-Chul	Li Yongqun	Lee Dong-Wook
train passenger (ep.5,8)	Daur elder (ep.6)	Chinese commander (ep.9)	Lee Gwang-Il's informant (ep.9)

Additional Cast Members:

Byeon Gyeong-Rok - host (ep.4)

Trailers

Comments

May Jun 28 2025 11:10 am A nice drama. But the episode is too short. It should be 16 ep instead of 9. Pity they can't show the romance between lee yoon n hee shin. That's why we felt something missing. But if hee shin with Gwang ill i also support. Hahaa.. Season 2 please.

Girl Feb 16 2025 8:04 am Agree with others, but I thought I was the only one thinking that way. Eon Nyeoni and Lee Yoon looked good together, and their close action scenes sent me butterflies. Everytime they came into the frame together, either fighting each other or together against a common enemy, they were spot on. But it was a shame that they had to bring in a delicate feminine lady for the love line. When the male lead kissed her in the tunnel, I was so shocked because it made no sense. I would've screamed in excitement if Eon Nyeoni and Lee Yoon had kissed each other instead. Their chemistry was no lie and their sexual tension was very much existent.

Well, I would recommend anyone and everyone to watch Chicago Typewriter. It was shot in a similar timeframe and the characters were more believable and there were less blood on the story. The love stuck to my heart and I still cry when I hear: Satellite love.

Mars Feb 16 2025 7:58 am A gripping tale of blood, betrayal and loyalty, all hand in hand. Everybody's acting was on notch. The male lead's fighting skills were so stylish to watch. I was in awe. The female killer was also a scene stealer. The pro-Japanese major, who was desperate to prove himself and failing everytime looked pathetic. His acting was brilliant. However, the tiny love story which the writer tried to embroider into this bloody plot didn't make any sense. Maybe it's because of the female lead's lack of emotions and expressions on her face that made the love story bland. It felt as if the male lead was talking to and expressing his love to a cold wall. I hope they choose someone better next time.

Yeruchii Oct 14 2024 10:12 am Damn the fight scenes are awesome and the music are bangers. But the romance was unnecessary. Eon-nyeonie had better chemistry with Lee Yoon than Hee-shin. This deserves a season 2 for how engaging this drama is.

CritiQueen Jul 12 2024 11:46 pm Solely watched this drama because I am a fan of Kim Nam Gil.

To begin with, I am not into Japanese occupation drama timeline. Japanese colonizers were beyond brutal. While it is true that I had a hard time getting into this drama, I love relationship built among the bandits. I especially love the action scenes. Eon Nyeon is a badass. The romance between Lee Yoon and Hee Shin felt forced. Eon Nyeon and Lee Yoon has better chemistry, but not at the romantic level. Maybe the drama shouldn't have included romance genre. I rate the drama 6.5/10

REALZY Dec 06 2023 3:21 pm Song of the Bandits is As Mediocre as it gets Kim Nam Gil has really dropped the ball recently ever since Through the Darkness the last great show he did

d33rama Nov 19 2023 10:12 pm Overall rating: 6/10. A classic gunslinger saloon shooting Western meets Joseon--a lot of potential, but not fully realized. Story feels too close to Mr. Sunshine, and falls short. Sloppy editting, feels all over the place and incoherent. The over reliance on remedial subpar Japanese dialogue was too cringe to bear.

The story lacked a strong villain: Gwang-Il just wasn't enough, Jang Ki-Ryong's gang only really stepped in at the end, even the Japanese empire didn't feel menacing enough. The romantic chemistry between the two Hee-Shin and Yoon was non-existent--Nam Hee-Shin's amnesia-like memory toward Lee Yoon was, again, cringe and hard-to-believe. The flirtatious banter between Eon-Nyeon and Lee Yoon was more believable and fun.

Make up and special effects were decent except for Lee Yoon's character looking too smooth and fresh while everyone has wild wild west chapped lips. The fighting choreography was the most entertaining. All actors I adore, but still a shame. Poor pacing, lack of closure, several cliff hangers, little character development where needed--needs a season 2 with a higher budget to fix this. Meh, I'd pass on this unless you're looking for a mediocre mindless shoot out.

Ani Nov 13 2023 2:37 pm Took a few episodes for me to get into it but glad I didn’t give up as for me, each episode got better. Enjoyed the storyline, fight scenes were awesome and I really enjoyed ALL the cast. I would love to watch a second season!

Co Nov 11 2023 7:28 pm The ending was Dope!!! I like it

Liz Nov 08 2023 10:42 pm Mindless fun with over the top action. One gripe though for someone suppose to lead double life, nam hee shin was not observant enough and didnt recognize lee yoon, what a poor excuse for a kiss lol

Starkesh Oct 21 2023 3:04 pm Best series this fall.

9 episodes don't do it justice. Definitely a SOTB 2. Are you listening Netflix!!

Hyperborea Oct 21 2023 2:23 pm This Korean western is better than most US westerns. Amazing action scenes, amazing music and wonderful actors.

Bimini Oct 20 2023 7:26 am Awards for the Writer, Set Designer, and Fight Choreographer! Wow! Couldn't wait for each new episode. So many unexpected plot twists, some unique to Korean, Japanese and Western ways contributing to the irreverent humour. And yes, there were some very violent images, but, like in Kill Bok-Soon (recent Korean drama), the viewer frequently ends up admiring the many innovative new ways to kill a target, rather than being overly offended or dismayed. Was not fond of the overwhelming and loud music track which often distracted, or the overly yellow caste to the Asian makeup (not sure I've seen any human this particular shade). If there is a Season 2, which I would definitely watch, I hope they tone both of these features down.

Dhang Oct 18 2023 10:02 pm Wow! One of the best series I have ever seen❤️ All actors are really great. Kim Nam Gil is one of my favorite actors in Korea he is really a good actor his eyes are so expressive. No dull moment in this drama. Worth it yo watch and you will wish there will be a season 2.

Travis-USA Oct 12 2023 10:27 am Can't get enough of this series. I want more!!! Great plot and story line. Awesome acting. Great cast.

Jillibean Oct 12 2023 3:56 am This drama kept reminding me of the classic Korean film blockbuster The Good, The Bad, And The Weird. The action scenes were just as impressive, the sets and wardrobe were pure 1920's, the acting was superb, especially by Nam Gil Kim, Yoo Jae Mung, and Cha Chung Hwa. The vintage sounding OST added a lot of haunting ambiance to the story. I loved seeing that era of the 1920's come alive in such an exciting way. I will definitely be watching this historical drama again in future. Obviously a lot of money went into this production.

Alan Oct 11 2023 9:08 am The scene where the bandit lights up a cigarette with a zippo lighter in episode 9 is wrong there where not invented ill 1933

lili Oct 10 2023 3:00 pm I am watching this series while Israel is at war. I am having a hard time processing already the killing in the series. And now, I am into reality, not already a drama series, of the senseless, brutal and barbaric killing of Hamas. My mind is frozen.

KIm Nam Gil is really one of the bests.

cath Oct 07 2023 7:03 am I Need Season 2!!! Omg This is 100/10 The choreography, the visual, the acting everything is so damn good. I just wish the episodes could be longer. Kim Nam Gil as always deliver perfect action as Lee Yoon, and all the bandits team do a really good job at portray their own character. i need more of their back story. I heard it got cut from 20 to 9 eps. Like for real???? 9 eps certainly doesnt do its justice. I Need Moreee. Netflix You Have To Make Season 2!! or Disney plus please pick it up, i need this series to be at least 20 eps!

VL Oct 07 2023 12:04 am Although there were several gory scenes (don't watch if you're not mentally prepared), it was still very interesting to watch. Kept me hooked every minute. All casts were perfect and portrayed their role well. 9 eps is a little short. Hoping for a second season and that it won't be an extremely long wait.

passingthru Oct 05 2023 10:49 am I am hooked, the cast did a really good job with this drama. Can't wait for the continuation of the story!

Ryunami Oct 05 2023 6:17 am The romance plots are shabby and I dont like it and just push forward when Seohyun appears. Enjoy very much the action scences of the bandits especially when it involves Eon Nyeon. This actress is very talented and promising!

Ao Oct 04 2023 12:36 am Watched it because the synopsis n trailer reminded me of mr sunshine. Overall, really good cinematics n production but had great potential to be better.

Storyline and action was fantastic but the romance n plot felt abit draggy and illogical in the later half of the show. Additionally, their depiction of the japanese army felt unrealistic because it felt like they downplayed their brutality and morale (esp bcos they was known to have such high loyalty to their emperor). Would be great if there were 16-20eps for further story development (like actual historical events n background, Eonnyeon n Cheongsoo story, Gwang-il's backstory, Lee Yoon n Gwang-il's childhood story) n either scrape the romance or have proper development for it because it felt very abrupt and the chemistry felt lacking. Acting wise, everyone did a great job but Lee Yoon and Eonnyeon rlly servedd.

SR Oct 03 2023 9:22 pm After finishing this drama, I'm convinced that Seo Hyun can't act. Only her hardcore fans will think otherwise.

Aleyn Oct 01 2023 10:06 am Woahh.... Nam Gill in action plot series never dissappoints.....and that girl is so badass..... them together in a few last episodes were humurous....:)

I wish season 2 is in the making already.... they can't settle wth just 1 season.... i believe there's some history between eony nyeon and chongsoo.

Zara Sep 30 2023 10:40 am All the actors delivered fantastic performances. It' quite intense with its graphic scenes, but it aligns with the plot. It's one of the best I've ever watched and the special effects are top-notch. I'm loving the soundtrack! It adds so much to the whole experience, making every scene even better. While I understand that not everyone may like this, I believe that everyone has the right to their own opinions.

Carla Henson Sep 29 2023 6:23 am One of the best series I have watched this year. Excellent it’s real, and the history of how people is suffered and overcome great show.

Barbara Sep 29 2023 4:37 am So gory, but the martial arts is fantastic. Really interesting historical context. There is still a large Korean minority in this area of China. Great story. I hope they are able to finish it.

G Sep 28 2023 9:59 am Cant help but comment. Totally love it. Hope there will be next season. I really love Kim Nam Gil and he is so handsome here. Watch it guys.

Tissa Sep 26 2023 10:37 am I really like this series, praying for a second season. My favorite part was definitely Lee Ho-Jung as Eon-Nyeon. She was just so cool and bad-ass. Kinda hoped Lee Yoon and Eon Nyeon would end up together, but well. I don't know whether Cha Chung-Wa has played or role similar to Kim Seon-Bok, but she really fits the character.

Gee Sep 26 2023 3:11 am I relly hope Lee Yoon & Eon Nyeon can be together... But he like Nam Hee Shin more

Primadona Sep 26 2023 1:24 am I'am waiting for the next season.. I hope kim nam gil and seohyun are together??‍?️?

Tobi Sep 24 2023 2:34 pm The best series of 2023

Renee Sep 24 2023 9:52 am There is no drama series that is more deserving for a second season than this drama bravo I absolutely have to say this is one of my favorites

winter Sep 24 2023 9:31 am Excuse me? Kim Nam-Gil is so hot there that it should be crime. And his chemistry with Seohyun? Like from different universe!! I just Love it. The best series in this year for me and it's not even close. Everythink was perfect: cast, ost, script, story. I need season 2 because ending was very open and I think that there is space was that. Oh and also Lee Ho-Jung, she take my breath. I liked her in Nevertheless but her acting here is on another level. She is amazing!

Cabab Sep 24 2023 6:55 am Need season 2! Binge worthy drama! I need lee yoon and nam heeshin together??!! Kwangil will made her suffer after he knew abt heeshin for sure

noran Sep 24 2023 2:48 am I watched it non-stop yesterday. Excellent drama, with perfect concentration of action and drama. But honestly, I wanted more of Yoon and Heesin's love story, their chemistry is chemistrying. Hope for season 2

Rain Sep 23 2023 6:02 pm The ending was bad, I am Totaly disappointed

Qinty Sep 23 2023 12:07 pm I think this is the best series in 2023. All character did so well. leeyoon n nyeon looks like sibling who like bickering each others. The bandits also funny. And I thought heeshin was weak but she has brain and stick with her stand to protect the country. I really like this kind of female lead. All was good. But the ending was hanging. Can we have season 2? Maybe a plot twist. Because i want to know what kwangil will do when know heeshin the one who robbed that money. He not simply forget about it.

if there's no season 2, it will be disappointed.

Tel Sep 23 2023 5:29 am I want season 2!!! And more of Lee Yoon and Heeshin together.

Jo Sep 22 2023 10:06 pm 2nd female lead was the real deal, wow a beauty remember her as lesbian character from nevertheless.

Parkminrinn Sep 22 2023 11:29 am I want a season 2 . Kim Nam Gil is so handsome <3

ColdeFiction Sep 22 2023 6:37 am It's Mr. Sunshine all over again.... T.T

Jessy Aug 26 2023 8:38 am Why only 9 episode :(

ledam Aug 24 2023 9:40 pm This is giving me Mr Sunshine vibes. Can't wait!

Hees Jul 23 2023 2:23 am when there is Kim Nam Gil in the project, we will be satisfied to see the quality of his acting. Fighting to all the actors

taehofan Jul 08 2023 12:01 pm u know this will be a quality series seeing Thee Kim Namgil as the lead

ni Jun 19 2023 5:14 am i have been waiting so long for seohyun's next drama, im so excited for this one, pls come soon! what a star-studded cast!

Laura Jun 18 2023 5:43 am I know this is action but please some romance too. Kim Namgil is so handsome and pair with beautiful actresses but minimum .

Mipol May 26 2023 1:10 pm So happy for seohyun! Go girl! And there’s namgil. This will be daebak

Jua May 14 2023 10:41 am I wanna put a bet that KNG’s character will die here. Can we give this juicy a romcom genre series/movie?? Pls

zurykwon Apr 10 2023 12:45 pm bro kim namgil has been begging left and right for a romantic/melodrama genre movie and they never gave him ?? bro really said “im tired of action” but do it anyway. kim namgil hwaiting!!!! <3

snazzy Apr 04 2023 8:02 am I'm here just praying kim nam gil to didnt end dead in this drama.

taehofan Jan 28 2023 7:07 pm If Kim Namgil is in it, it's gonna be good !!

Sone Jun 24 2022 7:39 am I just noticed it is Seohyun & Lee Hojung's 2nd time starring together. Jinxed at first and this drama

(3 if u count Moon Lovers)

RD Castillo May 14 2022 12:14 am Even if it hasn't been released yet, I've seen Bridal Mask, Chicago Typewriter, and Mr. Sunshine respectively. Ever since I had watched all those three, I always wished to see more Japanese Colonial Era Korean Drama. The drama seemed to have the aura of all three and I hope that it will be as great as Bridal Mask.

Mars Apr 30 2022 5:26 am I’m happy to see that Seohyun’s finally had a great lead partner. She deserves this. Can’t wait!!

ZangZang Apr 13 2022 3:53 am Hawwyahhh~ Kim Nam Gil is back into action series!!

Namgil's fan Mar 22 2022 7:54 am Another drama from Kim Namgil!! Aaaa can't wait for it? fighting Kim Namgil and the team❤️

Shine Mar 20 2022 5:56 am So excited

supersnazzy Mar 19 2022 10:59 am I dont see a happy ending in this drama

Tulipaa Mar 17 2022 8:11 pm I'm so happy for her she gets to act with Kim namgil he is such a good actor, she deserves to be paired up with professional actors who will treat her with respect <3 Can't wait to witness their chemistry

ouhmiyaa Mar 16 2022 5:52 am Cant wait to see Seohyun as Nam Heeshin!!!

gilstory Mar 15 2022 6:52 am kim nam gil fighting

rocky geez Mar 13 2022 8:55 pm Wowwww, Great Cast

@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
 ===Myeongjeong City===
-{{CastPictures8-5
+{{CastPictures9
 |1picture=File:Song of the Bandits-Kim In Woo.jpg
 |1name=Kim In-Woo
@@ Line 84: / Line 84: @@
 |7name=Park Da-On (2017){{!}}Park Da-On
 |7charactername=Toshio Yamada (ep.4)
-|8picture=File:Song of the Bandits-Oh Jin Seok.jpg
+|8picture=File:Song of the Bandits-Hyun Oh-Bong.jpg
-|8name=Oh Jin-Seok (1988){{!}}Oh Jin-Seok
+|8name=Hyun Oh-Bong (1982){{!}}Hyun Oh-Bong
-|8charactername=police officer (ep.7)
+|8charactername=Chinese gambler (ep.7)
+|9picture=File:Song of the Bandits-Oh Jin Seok.jpg
+|9name=Oh Jin-Seok (1988){{!}}Oh Jin-Seok
+|9charactername=police officer (ep.7)
 }}

Difference between revisions of "Song of the Bandits"

Latest revision as of 03:25, 30 July 2025

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Cast

Myeongjeong City

Jang Ki-Ryong's Gang

Japanese Imperial Army

Taepyeong Village

Independence Army

Eon-Nyeon's Group

Others

Trailers

Comments

Leave a Comment

Comments