[5][6] Hwang, then a professor of biotechnology at Seoul National University (SNU), gained international renown in 2004 after claiming that he had successfully carried out experiments cloning human embryonic stem cells.

[9][10][11] TV news producer Yoon Min-cheol is desperate for a scoop for his investigative journalism program PD Chase.

Lee had gained widespread acclaim and press attention following his groundbreaking experiments cloning human embryonic stem cells, and is considered a national hero whose research may mean the cure to several illnesses.

As Yoon hesitates whether to pursue such a revered and powerful figure, he gets an anonymous call from Shim Min-ho, a young scientist who works for Lee's lab.

Upon its release on October 2, 2014, Whistle Blower topped the box office on its three-day opening weekend, with 563,539 admissions and a gross of ₩4.5 billion (US$4.2 million).