Midnight Runners (청년경찰) is a 2017 South Korean action comedy film directed by Jason Kim.
The film stars Park Seo-joon and Kang Ha-neul as two police academy cadets who find themselves embroiled in a dangerous situation when they witness a kidnapping. The duo teams up to take down a human trafficking ring, leading to a mix of comedic moments and thrilling action sequences.
The story centers on Park Ki-joon, played by Park Seo-joon, a risk-taking troublemaker, and Kang Hee-yeol, portrayed by Kang Ha-neul, a nerdy intellectual. As they train at the police academy, the two form a close friendship despite their contrasting personalities. When they see a woman being abducted, they decide to take matters into their own hands and investigate the case themselves, despite their status as students. Their comedic antics, combined with the serious undertones of their mission, create a dynamic and engaging narrative.
Released on August 9, 2017, in South Korea, Midnight Runners was a commercial success, grossing over $39 million against a budget of approximately $7 million. The film received positive reviews from both audiences and critics, who praised the chemistry between the lead actors and the effective blend of humor and action. The film's pacing and engaging storyline contributed to its popularity, making it a standout in the buddy cop genre.
In addition to its success in South Korea, Midnight Runners inspired an official Indian remake titled Saakini Daakini, released in 2022, featuring Regina Cassandra and Nivetha Thomas. Overall, Midnight Runners is celebrated for its entertaining mix of comedy and action, driven by the charisma and chemistry of its two leads.