The First Issue

  • 2019
  • Not Rated
  • 118m
movieMx RATING
7.0/101
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: The First Issue Review

Last updated: February 19, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 19, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The First Issue (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The First Issue features a noteworthy lineup led by Jung Hyung-suk . Supported by the likes of Moon Jong-won and Jo Dal-hwan , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The First Issue (2019) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The First Issue stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: The First Issue

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2019, The First Issue is a Drama film directed by Ji Il-ju. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jung Hyung-suk.

Ending Explained: The First Issue

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Ji Il-ju, The First Issue resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Jung Hyung-suk, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The First Issue reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The First Issue?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Jung Hyung-suk or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Top Cast: The First Issue

All Cast & Crew →
Jung Hyung-suk
Jung Hyung-sukDesignated Driver (segment "The Designated Driver")
Moon Jong-won
Moon Jong-wonDeputy Moon (segment "The Designated Driver")
Jo Dal-hwan
Jo Dal-hwanChief Yoon (segment "The Designated Driver")
Kim Jong-goo
Kim Jong-gooTaxi driver (segment "The Designated Driver")
Kim Jae-hwa
Kim Jae-hwaHye-soo (segment "Let's Get Divorced")
Jo Min-jae
Jo Min-jaeSang-min (segment "Let's Get Divorced")
Seo Dong-gab
Seo Dong-gabMin-seong (segment "Let's Get Divorced")
Lee Yeong-jin
Lee Yeong-jinJi-young (segment "Ambivalently Yours")
Baek Soo-jang
Baek Soo-jangHyung-gu (segment "Ambivalently Yours")
Ji Il-ju
Ji Il-juYoo-han (segment "Ambivalently Yours")
Song Dong-hwan
Song Dong-hwanDong-hwan (segment "Ambivalently Yours")
Kang Chan-hee
Kang Chan-heeHyun-jun (segment "Sorry")
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The First Issue Parents Guide & Age Rating

2019 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The First Issue age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The First Issue has not been officially rated yet.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The First Issue is 118 minutes (1h 58m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The First Issue is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2019 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for The First Issue. Rating: 7.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The First Issue worth watching?

The First Issue is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The First Issue parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The First Issue identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The First Issue?

The total duration of The First Issue is 118 minutes, which is approximately 1h 58m long.

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How The First Issue Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The First Issue

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.0
The First Issue
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-first-issue-589763" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The First Issue</div></div></a>

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