The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil loosely based on real-life events that occurred in South Korea around 2005 TheGATE.ca

The parallels between K and Yoo Young-chul are undeniable:

The "Devil": Yoo Young-chul vs. "K"

In the film, the serial killer "K" is a faceless, spectral figure who kills for a twisted sense of pleasure. He has no clear motive, lacks empathy, and is always smiling. This character is almost entirely the invention of screenwriter Kim Min-seok.

Critics and audiences generally praise the film for its unique spin on the thriller genre.