Veteran 2015

Action

Drama

Comedy

Crime

Box Office

$94M

Runtime

123 min

Language

Korean

Directed by

Seung-wan Ryoo

Made by

CJ Entertainment

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Veteran Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Veteran (2015). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Seo Do-cheol is a ruthless police detective who delves into the mysterious suicide of a truck driver named Bae. As he investigates, he learns from Bae’s son that Jo Tae-oh, the sadistic third-generation heir to the powerful conglomerate Sinjin Group, assaulted Bae for protesting against the conglomerate over unpaid debts. Driven by a personal vendetta, Do-cheol initiates a thorough investigation, provoking Tae-oh’s wrath.

In a bid to undermine Do-cheol, Tae-oh leverages his considerable influence to assign him to a different case. He even attempts to bribe Do-cheol’s wife with the support of his company’s SVP, Choi Dae-woong, but she staunchly refuses. Enraged by the situation, Do-cheol confronts Tae-oh after learning of this betrayal. Seeking justice, he enlists the help of a tenacious reporter to publicize the matter, but his efforts go unrecognized.

Tae-oh, determined to eliminate Do-cheol, hires a logistics contractor named Jeon to carry out his murderous plan. Meanwhile, the internal affairs department interrogates Do-cheol, but his team leader, Oh, timely comes to his rescue. During a harrowing murder attempt orchestrated by Jeon, in which another detective is stabbed, Do-cheol narrowly escapes. Seizing this chance, he and his team gather crucial evidence and earn approval to investigate Tae-oh, but the conglomerate chairman, Jo, ensures that Dae-woong takes the fall for the wrongdoings.

Using his investigative skills, Do-cheol uncovers that Bae was murdered after trying to seek revenge against his assailant, and his death was subsequently staged as a suicide. After questioning Dae-woong, Do-cheol learns that Tae-oh plans to flee to Singapore. In a desperate bid to stop him, Tae-oh throws a lavish party where he encounters his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Jeong Da-hye, and attempts to silence her when she confronts him.

Do-cheol devises a clever plan to set up Tae-oh, framing him for assault against Da-hye. A fierce battle ensues between the police and Tae-oh’s bodyguards as they attempt to detain him. Following an intense car chase, a gripping hand-to-hand fight breaks out between Do-cheol and Tae-oh. Despite suffering brutal injuries, Do-cheol ultimately prevails, resulting in Tae-oh’s arrest. Both he and Dae-woong are brought to trial at the Supreme Court and sentenced to prison.

In the aftermath of these tumultuous events, Do-cheol recuperates from his injuries in the hospital, determined and ready to return to duty once more.

Veteran Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Veteran (2015) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Bae's Death

The movie opens with the mysterious suicide of truck driver Bae. His death raises questions, prompting Seo Do-cheol, a ruthless police detective, to investigate the circumstances surrounding it.

Introduction of Jo Tae-oh

During the investigation, Do-cheol learns from Bae's son that Jo Tae-oh, the sadistic heir of the Sinjin Group, had assaulted Bae. This revelation sets off a chain reaction of events driven by revenge and justice.

Tae-oh's Retaliation

In an effort to undermine Do-cheol's investigation, Tae-oh uses his influence to reassign Do-cheol to a different case. This move indicates Tae-oh's determination to protect himself from the growing scrutiny.

Bribery Attempt

Tae-oh attempts to bribe Do-cheol's wife through his SVP, Choi Dae-woong, but she remains steadfastly loyal. This refusal further angers Tae-oh and escalates the conflict between him and Do-cheol.

Confrontation

Feeling betrayed, Do-cheol confronts Tae-oh about the bribery attempt against his wife. This confrontation highlights the high stakes involved and Do-cheol's personal vendetta.

Seeking Publicity

Determined to bring the matter to light, Do-cheol recruits a tenacious reporter. Unfortunately, his efforts to publicize the injustice go unrecognized, demonstrating the pitfalls of fighting against powerful adversaries.

Murder Attempt

Tae-oh hires logistics contractor Jeon to eliminate Do-cheol. In a harrowing attempt, Jeon stabs another detective, but Do-cheol narrowly escapes, showcasing the violent lengths to which Tae-oh is willing to go.

Gathering Evidence

Following the murder attempt, Do-cheol and his team gather crucial evidence against Tae-oh. Their investigation receives the green light, indicating a turning point in the battle against the powerful conglomerate.

Uncovering the Truth

Do-cheol discovers that Bae was murdered after seeking revenge for the assault. The shocking revelation that Bae's death was staged as a suicide propels Do-cheol to double down on exposing Tae-oh.

Tae-oh's Party

Tae-oh throws a lavish party as he plans to flee to Singapore, where he encounters his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Jeong Da-hye. Tensions rise when she confronts him about his past actions, putting him on edge.

Setting up a Trap

In a clever maneuver, Do-cheol frames Tae-oh for assaulting Da-hye. This strategic move serves to entrap Tae-oh and draw him into the police's grasp.

Police Showdown

A fierce battle erupts between Do-cheol's team and Tae-oh's bodyguards. The tension escalates as both sides clash, underlining the stakes of the unfolding conflict.

Intense Car Chase

Following the initial confrontation, a gripping car chase ensues, showcasing the desperation of both parties. It exemplifies the high-stakes nature of the conflict and Do-cheol's determination to capture Tae-oh.

Final Confrontation

The climax features a brutal hand-to-hand fight between Do-cheol and Tae-oh. Despite facing life-threatening injuries, Do-cheol ultimately triumphs, culminating in Tae-oh's arrest.

Aftermath and Recovery

In the aftermath, both Tae-oh and Dae-woong are sentenced to prison. Do-cheol recuperates in the hospital, contemplating his future as he readies himself to return to duty, a testament to his resilience.

Veteran Characters

Explore all characters from Veteran (2015). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Seo Do-cheol

Seo Do-cheol is a relentless police detective, driven by a personal vendetta against the corrupt elite. His strong moral compass and dedication to justice make him a formidable opponent, even when faced with danger. Throughout the movie, he showcases resilience and resourcefulness, rallying support to combat powerful adversaries.

👮‍♂️ Detective 💪 Determined ⚔️ Vengeful

Jo Tae-oh

Jo Tae-oh is a sadistic heir to the Sinjin Group, ruthless in protecting his interests. His character embodies the arrogance and entitlement of the elite, showing no hesitation in resorting to violence to eliminate threats. His increasingly desperate actions to silence those against him illustrate the lengths to which he will go to maintain power.

🤑 Aristocrat 🥊 Violent 🎭 Antagonist

Choi Dae-woong

Choi Dae-woong works as a senior vice president within the Sinjin Group, navigating the complexities of corporate loyalty and moral dilemmas. He becomes a pawn in the larger scheme orchestrated by Tae-oh, showcasing how individuals can be trapped by their associations with corrupt forces. His character adds layers of tension and intrigue to the corporate backdrop.

🏢 Corporate ⚖️ Complicit 🤔 Ambivalent

Jeong Da-hye

Jeong Da-hye, Tae-oh's pregnant ex-girlfriend, represents the dangerous consequences of personal ties to powerful figures. Her confrontation with Tae-oh reveals the darker side of their relationship, as she faces threats to her safety. Da-hye illustrates the emotional turmoil experienced by those entangled with the elite, serving as a pivotal character in the story.

👩‍👧 Mother 😟 Vulnerable 💔 Confrontational

Veteran Settings

Learn where and when Veteran (2015) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern-day societal issues such as corporate corruption and law enforcement struggles. The events resonate with current themes of justice and the influence of wealthy entities on legal systems.

Location

Sinjin Group headquarters, Singapore

The Sinjin Group headquarters is a powerful corporate hub, known for its influence in various sectors. Its operations extend internationally, including locations like Singapore, where high-profile individuals often seek refuge from legal repercussions. The stark contrast between its luxurious façade and the dark dealings behind closed doors creates a tense atmosphere in the storyline.

🏢 Corporation 🌏 International

Veteran Themes

Discover the main themes in Veteran (2015). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

⚖️

Justice

The quest for justice drives the narrative as Seo Do-cheol, a devoted detective, battles against a powerful conglomerate's influence. The film highlights the lengths one will go to in order to expose corruption and ensure accountability. It poses moral questions about the effectiveness of the justice system when pitted against wealth and power.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal is a pervasive theme throughout the movie, manifesting in various relationships, including that of Do-cheol and his adversaries. The emotional toll of personal and professional betrayals complicates the characters' motivations. It illustrates how trust can be exploited in the pursuit of greed and power.

👮‍♂️

Courage

Do-cheol exemplifies courage as he confronts threats from the corporation while protecting his loved ones. His resolve to pursue the truth despite overwhelming odds serves as an inspiring portrayal of bravery against systemic challenges. This theme resonates strongly in his unyielding commitment to justice.

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