Plot Summary

Going by the Book follows the story of Do-Man (Jae-yeong Jeong), a meticulous and by-the-rules traffic police officer whose unwavering dedication to duty often sets him apart from his peers. His life takes an unexpected turn when a newly appointed police chief arrives in town with a bold plan to restore public trust in the department.

In an effort to demonstrate the effectiveness and professionalism of the police force, the chief organizes a simulated bank robbery exercise. Do-Man is assigned the role of the robber, a task he approaches with the same seriousness and discipline he applies to his everyday responsibilities. Determined to perform flawlessly, he immerses himself completely in the role.

However, what begins as a controlled training scenario quickly spirals into chaos. Do-Man’s obsessive commitment to realism turns the simulation into an intense and unpredictable situation, blurring the line between exercise and reality. As tensions rise and the stakes grow higher, both the police force and the participants find themselves caught in a situation far more complex than anyone anticipated.

Blending sharp humor with gripping tension, the film cleverly explores themes of authority, perception, and the fine line between duty and obsession, delivering a uniquely entertaining take on the crime-comedy genre.