a woman caught up in a scam to become a civil hero

"Not Just a Victim: The Extraordinary Revenge of a Common Woman!"

In January 2024, Citizen Deok-hee took the Korean box office by storm with a thrilling and empowering story based on real events. This film follows a woman who, after losing all her savings to a voice phishing scam, connects with a whistle blower from inside the scam operation and embarks on a journey to track down the criminals. What begins as a simple revenge plot evolves into an inspiring drama about courage, solidarity, and the power of ordinary citizens standing up for justice. The story, centered on the small but fierce Deok-hee, is one that resonates deeply with all of us.

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"A Fire and a Scam": A Life Shattered in an Instant

Kim Deok-hee (played by Ra Mi-ran), the protagonist, finds herself in the worst situation of her life after a fire destroys her laundry shop, leaving her with no livelihood. Struggling to make ends meet and receiving rejections from banks for loans, she receives a call offering a "sunshine loan." The friendly tone, convincing explanations, and a seemingly legitimate business card convince her to send documents and even deposit money in hopes of financial relief. However, she soon discovers that everything was a scam when the person in charge disappears and the bank confirms the entire operation was fraudulent.

The total amount lost? A staggering 32 million KRW, sent in eight separate transactions. When the police ask why she sent the money, Deok-hee tearfully responds: "The shop burned down. There was no insurance, and I had no way out."

This scene highlights the devastating reality that voice phishing victims are not simply naive—they are often driven by the desperate need for hope in an overwhelming crisis.

"I'm a Victim Too!" A Twist That Leads to Revenge

Just when Deok-hee thinks she's lost everything, the scammer's number calls again. "I'm really a victim. Please believe me," says the voice of 'Son Daeri' (played by Gong Myung), a man who claims to have been scammed into working for the Chinese phishing operation. He pleads with Deok-hee to report the scam to the police, providing her with an obscure lead—a cryptic acronym ‘CNK.’

Deok-hee, not convinced at first, begins to trace the mysterious clues left by Son. However, the police dismiss her lead as "unreliable, " leaving her voice unheard once again.

But Deok-hee refuses to give up. "I can't wait any longer," she decides. With the help of those around her, she begins planning a trip to China to take matters into her own hands. Alongside her are 'Bulldozer Sook-ja,' 'Taxi Driver Bong-rim,' and the whistle blower, Son Daeri. Their only goal: to catch the criminals responsible.

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The Real Heroes Could Be Ordinary People

Deok-hee's pursuit takes her across both Korea and China. She and her team visit building after building where they believe the phishing call centers are located. After multiple failed attempts, they finally uncover crucial evidence. Along the way, Deok-hee meets other victims, and the investigation begins to gain traction. What started as a laughable obsession becomes a movement that even prompts the police to act.

"Are you serious? You're really going after them?" they ask, mocking her determination. But it’s her refusal to give up that ultimately leads her to the heart of the scam operation, where she and her team face the criminals in a tense showdown.

In the final scene, a key question—"Is this really Kim Deok-hee?"—marks her transformation from a mere victim to a citizen hero. The film’s powerful message rings true: "Even small people can achieve great things."

Citizen Deok-hee: More Than Just a Revenge Story

Citizen Deok-hee is not just a revenge drama about a voice phishing victim. It’s a heartwarming film that demonstrates how courage, justice, and solidarity can rise even in a society tainted by fraud and mistrust. Ra Mi-ran’s portrayal of Deok-hee, balancing humor, tears, anger, and triumph, is a heartfelt tribute to real-life "Deok-hees" everywhere, offering them the support and hope they deserve.

The most important message from this true story is clear:
"Don't let it end with the scam. You can do it too."