The Old Woman with the Knife is a 2025 South Korean action thriller directed by Min Kyu-dong, based on the novel by Gu Byeong-mo. The film premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025.
The Old Woman with the Knife Information
| Category | The Old Woman with the Knife |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 파과 (Pagwa) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Director | Min Kyu-dong |
| Writer | Based on the novel by Gu Byeong-mo, screenplay by Min Kyu-dong |
| Cast | Lee Hye-young as Hornclaw Kim Sung-cheol as Bullfight Yeon Woo-jin as Dr. Kang Kim Moo-yul as Ryoo Shin Si-ah as Young Hornclaw |
| Runnin Time | 118 minutes |
| Airing Period | 2025 (South Korea) |
| Streaming Info |
The Old Woman with the Knife Cast
Lee Hye-young as Hornclaw
Hornclaw is a seasoned assassin in her mid-sixties, renowned for her efficiency in eliminating targets deemed as societal threats. Despite her age, she remains the most formidable operative in her organization, often referred to as “pest control.” As she contemplates retirement, Hornclaw faces challenges that test her resolve and skills.
Lee Hye-young
- Birthdate: November 25, 1962
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Debut Work: “The Age of Success” (1988)
- Notable Works: “The Age of Success,” “No Blood No Tears,” “Boys Over Flowers,” “The Handmaiden,” “The Old Woman with the Knife”
- Social Media: Not publicly available
Kim Sung-cheol as Bullfight
Bullfight is a young, ambitious assassin who joins Hornclaw’s organization. Eager to prove himself, he exhibits both admiration and rivalry towards Hornclaw. His presence introduces a dynamic shift within the team, leading to unforeseen complications.
Kim Sung-cheol
- Birthdate: December 31, 1991
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Debut Work: “Prison Playbook” (2017)
- Notable Works: “Prison Playbook,” “To. Jenny,” “The Battle of Jangsari,” “Do You Like Brahms?,” “The Old Woman with the Knife”
- Social Media: Instagram
Yeon Woo-jin as Dr. Kang
Dr. Kang is a compassionate internist who becomes entangled in Hornclaw’s life after treating her for an injury. His genuine concern for her well-being offers a stark contrast to her violent profession, prompting Hornclaw to reflect on her choices and the possibility of redemption.
Yeon Woo-jin
- Birthdate: July 5, 1984
- Birthplace: Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea
- Debut Work: “Just Friends?” (2009)
- Notable Works: “Arang and the Magistrate,” “Marriage, Not Dating,” “Divorce Lawyer in Love,” “Queen for Seven Days,” “The Old Woman with the Knife”
- Social Media: Instagram
Kim Moo-yul as Ryoo
Ryu is a key figure within the assassination organization and serves as a liaison between the operatives and their assignments. His interactions with Hornclaw reveal layers of loyalty, secrecy, and the moral ambiguities inherent in their line of work.
Kim Moo-yul
- Birthdate: May 22, 1982
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Debut Work: “The Scam” (2009)
- Notable Works: “The Scam,” “War of the Arrows,” “My Beautiful Bride,” “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil,” “The Old Woman with the Knife”
- Social Media: Instagram
Shin Si-ah as Young Hornclaw
The portrayal of Hornclaw’s younger self provides insight into her backstory, shedding light on the experiences and decisions that shaped her into the formidable assassin she becomes. These flashbacks offer context to her current psyche and motivations.
Shin Si-ah
- Birthdate: February 17, 1998
- Birthplace: South Korea
- Debut Work: “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One” (2022)
- Notab“le Works: “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One,” “The Old Woman with the Knife” “Resident Playbook overview“
- Social Media: Not publicly available
The Old Woman with the Knife Plot
The story centers on Hornclaw, a legendary female assassin in her 60s who has spent over four decades eliminating society’s undesirables. As she contemplates retirement, her life takes an unexpected turn upon meeting Bullfight, a young and ambitious killer eager to work alongside her. Unbeknownst to Hornclaw, Bullfight harbors a personal vendetta: she killed his father 25 years ago but also showed him an act of kindness, making their relationship complex and fraught with tension.
he film delves into themes of aging, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Critics have lauded Lee Hye-young’s compelling portrayal of Hornclaw, highlighting the film’s exploration of a seasoned assassin confronting her past and mortality.
The Old Woman with the Knife Viewing Tips
Awards and Reception
Title: The Old Woman with the Knife
Korean Title: 파과 (Pagwa)
Author: Gu Byeong-mo
Original Publication: Published in South Korea in 2013 by Hyeonamsa Publishing
English Translation: Translated by Chi-Young Kim, published by Tin House Books in March 2022
Genre: Action, Thriller, Psychological Fiction
The Old Woman with the Knife received critical acclaim in South Korea for its unique premise and compelling exploration of aging and societal roles. The novel’s portrayal of a 60-something female assassin stood out in a market often dominated by younger protagonists and male-centric action narratives.
When the English translation was released in 2022, it garnered international attention, praised by literary critics and featured in publications like The New York Times and The Guardian. The novel’s fresh take on the thriller genre and its deeply human approach to an unlikely hero helped it attract a global audience, leading to its adaptation into the 2025 film.
The story follows Hornclaw, a 65-year-old female assassin who has spent her life working as a “pest control” operative—an elite hitwoman who eliminates individuals considered harmful to society. As she approaches retirement, Hornclaw faces the physical and emotional toll of her work. She begins to question her purpose and struggles with the loneliness of her secretive life.
Her path takes a sharp turn when she meets Dr. Kang, a kind internist who treats her injuries. For the first time, Hornclaw contemplates a life of connection and care. However, a new threat emerges in the form of Bullfight, a young killer with a personal vendetta. As past secrets surface and dangers close in, Hornclaw must use all her skills to survive, protect those she cares about, and find redemption.
The novel masterfully blends action with introspection, offering readers a poignant look at what it means to age in a world that often overlooks the elderly. The tension between Hornclaw’s brutal profession and her yearning for a normal life creates a powerful narrative that lingers long after the final page.
Korean films featuring female killers
1. The Villainess (악녀, 2017)
- Director: Jung Byung-gil
- Cast: Kim Ok-vin, Shin Ha-kyun, Sung Joon
- Plot: The film follows Sook-hee, a highly trained assassin raised by a criminal organization in China. After her mentor is killed, she moves to South Korea, where the government offers her a deal: work as a sleeper agent for ten years, and she can live a normal life. However, secrets from her past resurface, leading to a trail of betrayal and vengeance.
- What Makes It Special: The Villainess is famous for its breathtaking action sequences, including a first-person perspective opening scene that draws comparisons to video game aesthetics. The film also explores deeper themes of identity and freedom, giving a fresh twist to the assassin genre.
2. The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (마녀, 2018)
- Director: Park Hoon-jung
- Cast: Kim Da-mi, Jo Min-su, Choi Woo-shik
- Plot: This movie tells the story of Ja-yoon, a seemingly ordinary high school girl with a hidden, violent past. After escaping a secret lab as a child, she grows up with no memory of her origins. However, when she appears on a national talent show, dangerous figures from her past come after her, revealing her deadly powers.
- What Makes It Special: With its mix of superhuman abilities and brutal action, The Witch offers a unique take on the female assassin trope. The movie became a cult hit, leading to a sequel, The Witch: Part 2. The Other One (2022), expanding its universe.
3. No Mercy (언니, 2019)
- Director: Lim Kyung-taek
- Cast: Lee Si-young, Park Se-wan
- Plot: The film centers around In-ae, a former martial arts champion who goes on a rampage to find her younger sister after she is abducted. Her journey is filled with intense, raw action as she fights against criminals and human traffickers.
- What Makes It Special: Unlike more stylized action films, No Mercy showcases gritty and realistic fight choreography. Lee Si-young’s physical transformation and commitment to the role added to the film’s authenticity, highlighting the strength and determination of a female lead.
4. A Special Lady (미옥, 2017)
- Director: Lee An-gyu
- Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Lee Sun-kyun, Lee Hee-joon
- Plot: The story revolves around Hyun-jung, the second-in-command of a crime syndicate who wants to leave the dangerous life behind for the sake of her son. However, her protégé, who feels betrayed by her decision, sets off a deadly chain of events.
- What Makes It Special: The film blends the noir genre with classic action elements, focusing on the internal and external battles faced by a woman trying to escape her violent past.
Anticipated Expectations for The Old Woman with the Knife
The Old Woman with the Knife is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most exciting and unconventional action thrillers, offering a fresh take on the assassin genre by focusing on an aging female protagonist. Directed by Min Kyu-dong, known for his versatility in films like All About My Wife (2012) and Herstory (2018), this movie promises not only thrilling action sequences but also deep emotional storytelling. Min’s ability to balance intensity with nuanced character development sets the stage for a unique and compelling narrative.
Leading the cast is Lee Hye-young, whose impressive filmography spans decades, including memorable roles in No Blood No Tears (2002) and The Handmaiden (2016). Her portrayal of Hornclaw, a 65-year-old assassin facing the struggles of aging and redemption, is expected to bring a rare depth and authenticity to the screen. Lee’s ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety will likely elevate Hornclaw from a mere action hero to a deeply relatable character.
The film also boasts a strong supporting cast. Kim Sung-cheol, who shined in Prison Playbook (2017) and Our Beloved Summer (2021), will bring his dynamic energy to the role of Bullfight, a young and ambitious killer. His on-screen chemistry with Lee Hye-young and his knack for portraying layered characters add to the excitement.
Yeon Woo-jin, known for his roles in Marriage, Not Dating (2014) and Thirty-Nine (2022), is set to play Dr. Kang, adding a softer, human element to the story. His gentle charisma could offer a compelling contrast to the movie’s darker, action-packed elements. Additionally, Kim Moo-yul, recognized for his intense performance in The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019), is likely to enhance the film’s gritty and suspenseful atmosphere.
The original novel by Gu Byeong-mo has already set a high bar with its engaging plot and exploration of aging and morality. The adaptation into a movie helmed by such talented creatives amplifies expectations. With the film premiering at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, international audiences are also eagerly waiting to see how this uniquely Korean story resonates on the global stage.
Overall, The Old Woman with the Knife is not just another action movie but a thoughtful blend of action, drama, and introspection. It challenges genre norms by placing an elderly woman at the center of a high-octane narrative, offering a fresh perspective that is rare in both Korean and global cinema. Fans of intelligent thrillers and powerful character studies should mark their calendars for this must-watch film.
The Old Woman with the Knife OST
update soon
The Old Woman with the Knife Trailer Video
The Old Woman with the Knife Poster
I love all kinds of stories.
Now I’m dreaming of becoming a pretty lady someday. Let’s join me if you like it!