Troll Factory

Troll Factory is a 2024 South Korean crime thriller film directed and written by Ahn Gooc-jin, and starring Son Suk-ku, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Dong-hwi, and Hong Kyung. Based on the novel of the same Korean name by 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.

Plot

A talented but overly conceited journalist, Im Sang-jin, is investigating 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.

Cast

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.
Kim Sung-cheol as Jjingppeotking, the de facto leader who takes the lead in manipulating public opinion.
Kim Dong-hwi as Chattatkat, an anonymous writer who creates hooked stories and an informant.
Hong Kyung as Paeptaek, a keyboard warrior who becomes increasingly addicted to the power of online public opinion manipulation.
Lee Seon-hee as Pyo Ha-jeong, editor-in-chief of a newspaper company.
Kim Jun-han as Nam Ki-hong, the head of the public opinion team.
Oh Ye-ju as Lee Eun-chae, a college student.

Production

Development

The film developed under the working title The Comments Army and director Ahn Gooc-jin, who directed Alice in Earnestland took the megaphone.
It is produced by Cinematic Moment and distributed by Acemaker Movieworks.

Casting

Son Suk-ku was offered the role of the main character in July 2022.
The appearance of Son along with Kim Dong-hwi were confirmed in January 2023. Followed by Kim Sung-cheol and Hong Kyung in February 2023.

Production design

Art Director Hong Joo-hee, who worked on The School Nurse Files, My Name and The Moon, 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, Squid Game, and Hunt, brings her expertise to craft unique and distinct character portrayals through the costumes.

Filming

Principal photography began on March 6, 2023.

Visual effects

Cinematographer Cho Hyung-rae, who worked on The Merciless, Kingmaker, Kill Boksoon and Concrete Utopia, and Lighting Director Lee Gil-gyu who worked on Tune in for Love, Kingmaker, Concrete Utopia and Citizen of a Kind have combined their talents to craft the film's overall visual concept.

Music

Music Director Cho Young-wook, who worked on A Taxi Driver, The Man Standing Next, Hunt, Decision to Leave, Narco-Saints and Honey Sweet, will compose the score, creating a unique atmosphere for the film to take place.