Good News Movie Review: A tense, witty Korean thriller that finds humour in panic

It’s the kind of film that sneaks up on you—starting small and ending with something far more meaningful than you expect.

A hijacking that spirals beyond control

The story begins when a Japanese airplane is hijacked mid-flight. The hijackers want to go to Pyongyang, and panic spreads quickly. The authorities are confused, and politics soon take over. A mysterious officer, known only as “Nobody” (Sul Kyung-gu), is called in to handle the situation. He’s calm, secretive, and used to doing what others can’t.

Alongside him is a young air force lieutenant, Seo Go-myung (Hong Kyung), who believes this mission will define his future. As they try to solve the crisis, it becomes clear that saving lives is not the main goal—saving the government’s image is.

The film moves between tense moments on the plane and chaotic meetings on the ground, showing how confusion and ego can make a terrible situation worse. Each scene builds on the previous one, giving the story a steady rise in tension that never quite lets go.

Humour in chaos

What makes ‘Good News’ stand out is its tone. It mixes dark humour with sharp observation. There are moments that make you laugh even in the middle of tension.

One scene shows officials arguing about what to tell the press while the hijacking is still happening—it’s funny, but it also says a lot about how politics work. The editing keeps things tight, jumping between people and places to show how messy the system really is. The camera work is steady and stylish, giving a sense of calm even when everything is falling apart.

The background music adds a cool, jazzy feel that keeps the mood unpredictable. Byun’s direction feels confident throughout, as if he knows exactly how much chaos and calm the story can hold at once.

Performances anchor the madness

The acting is another strong point. Sul Kyung-gu plays Nobody with quiet power. He’s mysterious, not heroic, but you can feel his weight and weariness. Hong Kyung, as Seo Go-myung, the young lieutenant, brings energy and innocence to the film. He represents belief in duty before understanding the truth.

Their scenes together create a good contrast—one is hardened by experience, the other still hopeful. Ryoo Seung-bum, as a smooth-talking official, adds humour and danger at once.

The supporting cast, especially those playing the passengers and crew, give the film a real sense of panic and fear. Everyone seems perfectly placed, adding small shades of realism that make the story feel grounded.

A thoughtful ending

‘Good News’ doesn’t end with easy answers. The crisis is solved, but the questions stay. Who decides what the “truth” really is? How much of what we hear is shaped to make someone look good? Byun Sung-hyun doesn’t try to preach.

Instead, he lets the audience see the irony of how power and perception work. The film feels light at times but leaves an impact. It’s smart, sharp, and quietly emotional—a rare mix that keeps you thinking long after it ends.

This Korean thriller proves that even in chaos, a story told with honesty can still find humour, heartbreak, and humanity in the same breath. It’s an entertaining, smart, and thought-provoking film.

Rating: 4/5