In the underworld of a dark fictional city, Jang Tae-yeong is a successful problem solver as well as owner of a large casino. Disturbed by an entirely different personality lies within himself, Jang decided to seek the help of Dr. Choi Jin-ki. To help Jang be rid of the other personality, Dr Choi came up with an elaborate plan. Jang followed through the plan, however, it yielded unexpected consequences. The battle of the real and fake Jang Tae-Yeong then ensues...
Actress Han Ji-eun was cast after going through auditions which involved 4,200 other talents.
Filming began on January 3, 2016 and finished on June 30, 2016 in Paradise City, Yeongjongdo, Incheon.
Director Lee Jung-sub dropped out of the film and was replaced by Lee Sa-rang, first-time filmmaker, owner of the production company of Real.
Release
Real was initially released cinematically on 28 June 2017, then digitally in mid July 2017 in Korea. Taiwan has become the first region outside Korea for Real to have a cinematic release. It was released on 4 August 2017. Real was released in Hong Kong on 16 November 2017. Real was released in Japan on 14 April 2018. Sitges Film Festival, one of the world's foremost international festivals specialising in fantasy and horror films, has included Real in its 2017 catalogue.
Adaptation
On December 28, 2017, Cove Pictures, the production company of REAL, announced a television adaptation of the film. According to the company, the script will be written in 2017-2018, and the drama would be produced in 2019.
Reception
Real received mostly negative reviews during its initial release. MaxMovie's review stated that despite Kim Soo-hyun giving justice to his dual roles, the film's plot is non-existent, the editing and special effects are amateurish, in addition to its action scenes being boring. One critic felt the story was confusing and named the film "one of the most distastrous films ever made". One critic proclaims Real to be a "future camp cult classic" that "is the 'real' deal". Sitges Film Festival, one of the world's foremost international festivals specialising in fantasy and horror films, has included Real in its 2017 catalogue. The experimental adventure that is Real is in Kim Soo Hyun's words, not an endearing film that is easy for moviegoers to fall in love with. Yet, in the end, love it or hate it, there is no denying that Real is "one of the most singular Korean films to emerge in years". When Real was released for Digital Cable TVVOD and IPTV subscription in South Korea, it topped the charts at its initial release. In contrast to its box office response, the movie faired reasonably well on the VOD chart. While it is released via VOD platform only in mid July, the movie ranked quite high on the overall chart of July 2017. Real received positive reviews upon its opening in Taiwan in early August. Critics praised Kim Soo Hyun’s acting, proclaiming that both main characters, despite looking identical, were easily distinguished through his use of body language, mannerisms, and voice acting. Expat Korean Movie Critic/Blogger Pierce Conran has included Real in his list of top 15 Korean Movies of 2017 for its uniqueness and originality.
Box office
Real grossed over $1M NTD in its first weekend of release in Taiwan. It was the highest initial week box office take for a Korean film at the time. To date, Real has grossed over $4.7M NTD in Taiwan.
