# Troll Factory

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***Troll Factory*** () is a 2024 South Korean [crime thriller film](/source/Crime_thriller_film) directed and written by [Ahn Gooc-jin](/source/Ahn_Gooc-jin), and starring [Son Suk-ku](/source/Son_Suk-ku), [Kim Sung-cheol](/source/Kim_Sung-cheol), [Kim Dong-hwi](/source/Kim_Dong-hwi), and [Hong Kyung](/source/Hong_Kyung). Based on the novel of the same Korean name by [Chang Kang-myoung](/source/Chang_Kang-myoung), a work based on the National Intelligence Service's illegal election intervention case. The film is about a public opinion manipulation company that infiltrates Internet sites and manipulates public opinion by leaving malicious comments. It was released on March 27, 2024.[4]

## Plot

A talented but overly conceited journalist, Im Sang-jin, is investigating [corporate corruption](/source/Corporate_corruption) involving the conglomerate Manjeon. However, his report is later revealed to be false, leading to his suspension. One day, a mysterious informant approaches him, claiming to have manipulated public opinion online.[5]

## Cast

- [Son Suk-ku](/source/Son_Suk-ku) as Im Sang-jin, a newspaper reporter seeking reinstatement after being suspended for writing an article exposing the tyranny of a large corporation.[6]
- [Kim Sung-cheol](/source/Kim_Sung-cheol) as Jjingppeotking, the de facto leader who takes the lead in manipulating public opinion.[6]
- [Kim Dong-hwi](/source/Kim_Dong-hwi) as Chattatkat, an anonymous writer who creates hooked stories and an informant.[6]
- [Hong Kyung](/source/Hong_Kyung) as Paeptaek, a keyboard warrior who becomes increasingly addicted to the power of online public opinion manipulation.[6]
- [Lee Seon-hee](/source/Lee_Seon-hee) as Pyo Ha-jeong, [editor-in-chief](/source/Editor-in-chief) of a newspaper company.[7]
- [Kim Jun-han](/source/Kim_Jun-han) as Nam Ki-hong, the head of the public opinion team.[1]
- [Oh Ye-ju](/source/Oh_Ye-ju) as Lee Eun-chae, a college student.[8]

## Production

### Development

The film developed under the working title *The Comments Army* and director [Ahn Gooc-jin](/source/Ahn_Gooc-jin), who directed *[Alice in Earnestland](/source/Alice_in_Earnestland)* (2015) took the megaphone.[9]

It is produced by Cinematic Moment and distributed by Acemaker Movieworks.[10]

### Casting

[Son Suk-ku](/source/Son_Suk-ku) was offered the role of the main character in July 2022.[10]

The appearance of Son along with [Kim Dong-hwi](/source/Kim_Dong-hwi) were confirmed in January 2023.[11][12] Followed by [Kim Sung-cheol](/source/Kim_Sung-cheol) and [Hong Kyung](/source/Hong_Kyung) in February 2023.[13][14]

### Production design

Art Director Hong Joo-hee, who worked on *[The School Nurse Files](/source/The_School_Nurse_Files)* (2020), *[My Name](/source/My_Name_(TV_series))* (2021) and *[The Moon](/source/The_Moon_(2023_film))* (2023), contributes to the film's unique visual identity with a realistic and original production design. Costume Designer Jo Sang-kyung, who worked on *[Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds](/source/Along_with_the_Gods:_The_Two_Worlds)* (2017), *[Squid Game](/source/Squid_Game)* (2020–present), and *[Hunt](/source/Hunt_(2022_film))* (2022), brings her expertise to craft unique and distinct character portrayals through the costumes.[15]

### Filming

[Principal photography](/source/Principal_photography) began on March 6, 2023.[16]

### Visual effects

Cinematographer Cho Hyung-rae, who worked on *[The Merciless](/source/The_Merciless)* (2017), *[Kingmaker](/source/Kingmaker_(film))* (2022), *[Kill Boksoon](/source/Kill_Boksoon)* (2023) and *[Concrete Utopia](/source/Concrete_Utopia)* (2023), and Lighting Director Lee Gil-gyu who worked on *[Tune in for Love](/source/Tune_in_for_Love)* (2019), *Kingmaker* (2022), *Concrete Utopia* (2023) and *[Citizen of a Kind](/source/Citizen_of_a_Kind)* (2024) have combined their talents to craft the film's overall visual concept.[15]

## Music

Music Director Cho Young-wook, who worked on *[A Taxi Driver](/source/A_Taxi_Driver)* (2017), *[The Man Standing Next](/source/The_Man_Standing_Next)* (2020), *[Hunt](/source/Hunt_(2022_film))* (2022), *[Decision to Leave](/source/Decision_to_Leave)* (2022), *[Narco-Saints](/source/Narco-Saints)* (2022) and *[Honey Sweet](/source/Honey_Sweet)* (2023), will compose the score, creating a unique atmosphere for the film to take place.[15]

## Accolades

Award ceremony Year Category Nominee Result Director's Cut Awards 2025 Best New Actor (Film) Hong Kyung [17]

## References

1. Jung, Soo-jin (March 21, 2024). ["ko:\[시네마 데이트\] 온라인 여론조작의 희생양 손석구의 고군분투기, '댓글부대'"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=465&aid=0000007765) [[Cinema Date] Son Suk-ku's struggle as a victim of online public opinion manipulation, 'The Comments Army'] (in Korean). Ize. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325111623/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=465&aid=0000007765) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. "Troll Factory". 31315820. Retrieved September 15, 2024.

1. ["KOBIZ - Korean Film Biz Zone : Yearly BoxOffice \[2024\]"](http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/boxOffice_Yearly.jsp?mode=BOXOFFICE_YEAR&selectDt=2024&category=ALL&country=K). *[KOFIC](/source/KOFIC)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240708182638/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/boxOffice_Yearly.jsp?mode=BOXOFFICE_YEAR&selectDt=2024&category=ALL&country=K) July 8, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 15, 2024.

1. Son, Jung-bin (January 31, 2024). ["ko:손석구 기자 됐다...영화 '댓글부대' 3월27일 공개"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0012348550) [Son Suk-ku became a reporter...Movie 'The Comments Army' released on March 27th] (in Korean). [Newsis](/source/Newsis). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090039/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0012348550) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Son, Jung-bin (January 31, 2024). ["ko:손석구 기자 됐다...영화 '댓글부대' 3월27일 공개"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0012348550) [Son Suk-ku became a reporter...Movie 'The Comments Army' released on March 27th] (in Korean). [Newsis](/source/Newsis). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090039/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0012348550) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2023. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Cho, Yeon-gyeong (January 31, 2024). ["ko:"여론 조작" 손석구·김성철·���동휘·홍경 '댓글부대' 3월 27일 개봉"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000377659) ["Public Opinion Manipulation" Son Suk-ku, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Dong-hwi, Hong Kyung's 'The Comments Army' opens on March 27th] (in Korean). [JTBC](/source/JTBC). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090039/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000377659) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Lee, Nam-kyung (March 22, 2024). ["ko:이선희, '댓글부대' 출연 확정…손석구와 호흡(공식)"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=057&aid=0001730286) [Lee Sun-hee confirmed to appear in 'The Comments Army'...Working with Son Suk-kyu (Official)] (in Korean). [MBN](/source/Maeil_Broadcasting_Network). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090043/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=057&aid=0001730286) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. ["ko:신예 오예주, 영화 '댓글부대'로 충무로 데뷔···이은채 역"](https://sports.khan.co.kr/article/202403270212003) (in Korean). *[Sports Kyunghyang](/source/Sports_Kyunghyang)*. March 27, 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241215173710/https://sports.khan.co.kr/article/202403270212003) December 15, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 15, 2024.

1. Lee, Chang-gyu (July 29, 2022). ["ko:손석구 측 "'댓글부대' 출연 제안 받고 검토 中" \[공식입장\]"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001482402) [Son Suk-ku's side "We have received an offer to appear on 'Comment Unit' and are considering it" [Official Position]] (in Korean). Sports News. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090045/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001482402) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Jung, Yoo-jin (July 29, 2022). ["ko:\[단독\] '대세' 손석구, 장강명 소설 원작 영화 '댓글부대' 주연 물망"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0006249292) [[Exclusive] 'Trend' Son Suk-ku is expected to star in 'The Comments Army', a movie based on Chang Kang-myoung's novel] (in Korean). News1. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090042/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0006249292) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Choi, Ji-ye (January 27, 2023). ["ko:\[단독\] '대세' 손석구, 차기작 '댓글부대' 확정...계묘년 열일ing"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=312&aid=0000593476) [[Exclusive] 'Trend' Son Suk-ku confirms his next work 'The Comments Army'...Year of the Black Rabbit working hard] (in Korean). Ten Asia. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090044/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=312&aid=0000593476) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Choi, Ji-ye (January 27, 2023). ["ko:\[단독\] '충무로 라이징' 김동휘, '댓글부대' 주연 캐스팅...손석구와 호흡"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=312&aid=0000593477) [[Exclusive] 'Chungmuro Rising' Kim Dong-hwi cast as lead role in 'The Comments Army'...Working with Son Suk-ku] (in Korean). Ten Asia. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240829050624/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/312/0000593477) August 29, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Cho, Yeon-gyeong (February 20, 2023). ["ko:\[단독\] '대세' 김성철 '댓글부대' 합류...손석구 만난다"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000332793) [[Exclusive] 'Trend' Kim Sung-cheol joins 'The Comments Army'...Meet Son Seok-gu] (in Korean). [JTBC](/source/JTBC). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090040/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000332793) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Kim, Bo-ra (February 20, 2023). ["ko:\[단독\] '약한영웅' 홍경, '댓글부대' 캐스팅…손석구·김동휘 연기 호흡"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004793265) [[Exclusive] 'Weak Hero' Hong Kyung, cast in 'The Comment Unit'...acting together with Son Suk-ku and Kim Dong-hwi] (in Korean). [OSEN](/source/OSEN_(newspaper)). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325090041/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004793265) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 15, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Kim, Yeon-ju (March 13, 2024). ["ko:'댓글부대', '오징어게임'→'콘유' 제작진 뭉쳤다"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0001289039) ['The Comments Army', 'Squid Game'→'Concrete Utopia' production crew unite]. TV Report. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240325101402/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0001289039) March 25, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Cho, Ji-young (March 7, 2023). ["ko:\[공식\] 손석구X김성철X김동휘X홍경 '댓글부대'로 뭉쳤다..6일 크랭크인"](https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=076&aid=0003978525) [[Official] Son Suk-ku X Kim Sung-cheol X Kim Dong-hwi X Hong Kyung, united in 'The Comments Army'..Crank in on the 6th] (in Korean). [Sports Chosun](/source/Sports_Chosun). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240829050707/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/076/0003978525) August 29, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 25, 2024. – via [Naver](/source/Naver)

1. Kim Mi-hwa (April 22, 2025). ["ko:유아인, 남자배우상 후보→여자배우상은 김고은vs김고은 \[디렉터스컷 어워즈\]"](https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003322300) (in Korean). *[Star News](/source/Star_News_(South_Korea))*. [Naver](/source/Naver). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250422004613/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003322300) April 22, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 22, 2025.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Troll Factory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_Factory) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_Factory?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.