Amidst a rather bleak atmosphere in the recent Korean film scene, there’s one highly anticipated movie awaiting release. “12.12: The Day” boasts an impressive lineup including Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Kim Sung-kyun. The film’s subject is the military coup of December 12, 1979.
Official Trailer of “12.12: The Day”
Even in its short duration of around 40 seconds, the video is impactful. The man adorned with the nameplate “Jeon Du-kwang” points to someone that most of Korea’s older generation can likely guess. Despite little physical resemblance between the actual person and Hwang Jung-min, there’s surprisingly no discomfort, showcasing once again the powerful acting prowess of Hwang Jung-min.
Release Date, Screening rating, and running time of “12.12: The Day”
It will be released in theaters on November 22, 2023, and has a rating suitable for ages 12 and above. The running time is 141 minutes (2 hours, 21 minutes, and 15 seconds).”
synopsis of “12.12: The Day”
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Jeon Du-kwang (played by Hwang Jung-min), and his followers incite a coup. Lieutenant General Lee Tae-shin (played by Jung Woo-sung), a staunch soldier who believes the military should not engage in political actions, stands against Jeon Du-kwang. As their conflict intensifies, military leaders stick to their decisions, and the Minister of National Defense disappears. Amidst this chaos, everyone’s yearning for “Spring in Seoul” heads in an unintended direction.
“Spring in Seoul” typically refers to the period in modern Korean history from the October 26, 1979 Incident to the May 18 Democratization Movement in 1980. It signifies the time when, much like the hopeful feeling the word “spring” invokes, there was hope for the end of authoritarianism and the arrival of a democratic society.
Originally, the expectation was to encompass this approximate six-month period. Nevertheless, with the inclusion of the teaser’s subtitle, “The hidden story of 9 hours,” it suggests that the movie might intensely spotlight the events of December 12, 1979, the day the incident unfolded.
The movie title seems to bear an ironic or paradoxical significance, as it is fair to assert that the so-called “spring” period did not transpire subsequently.
casting of “12.12: The Day”
Hwang Jung-min Portrays Jeon Du-kwang
The character is modeled after Chun Doo-hwan, the former Chief of the Defense Security Command. He masterminded the military coup on December 12th, quelling opposition through force until the May 18th Democratization Movement, ultimately seizing control. Following this, he assumed the presidency for the 11th and 12th terms in South Korea, implementing authoritarian policies throughout his leadership.
Jung Woo-sung Portrays Lee Tae-sin
The character, Lee Tae-sin, is crafted in homage to the former Capital Defense Commander, Jang Tae-wan. Amidst the tumultuous events of the December 12 military coup, Lee Tae-sin emerges as a resilient soldier. Together with General Jung Byung-joo and Army Military Police Commander Kim Jin-ki, he steadfastly opposes the rebel forces in Seoul, demonstrating unwavering resolve and perseverance until the culmination of the conflict.
Lee Sung-min Portrays Jung Sang-ho
The character, Jung Sang-ho, draws inspiration from the former Chief of Staff, Jung Seung-hwa. After the events of October 26, he rose to the role of Martial Law Commander, holding the highest authority. Nevertheless, in the immediate aftermath of the December 12 military coup, he faced swift dismissal the following day. His fall from grace included a demotion to the rank of private and compulsory conscription.
Park Hae-jun Portrays No Tae-geon
The character is based on the then 9th Division Commander, No Tae-woo. Serving as a central figure and one of the architects behind the December 12 military coup, he assumed the crucial role of second-in-command under the Chun Doo-hwan administration. Later, he went on to become the 13th President of the Republic of Korea.
Kim Sung-kyun Portrays Kim Joon-yeop
The character draws inspiration from Kim Jin-ki, who held the position of Army Military Police Commander at the time. Alongside figures such as Capital Defense Commander Jang Tae-wan and Special Forces Commander Jung Byung-joo, he actively resisted the rebel forces during the December 12 military coup. In the aftermath of the event, he found himself essentially conscripted against his will.
Jung Hae-in Portrays Oh Jin-ho
The character is based on Kim O-rang, who served as the Chief of Staff to the Army Special Warfare Commander during that time. On the day of the uprising, he valiantly stood against the rebel forces, wielding only a single pistol in a firefight, ultimately sacrificing his life in the midst of the conflict.
Production crew of “12.12: The Day”
Director Kim Sung-soo, renowned for his work on films such as “Beat,” “City of the Rising Sun,” “The Warrior,” and “Asura: The City of Madness,” is overseeing both the direction and screenplay for this project. The deep connection between Kim Sung-soo and Jung Woo-sung is evident, as Jung Woo-sung has been part of all four of the director’s works.
Behind the Scene of “12.12: The Day”
- The names of the significant characters were subtly modified from the real individuals who inspired them, featuring adjustments in their given names while preserving the original surnames. Notably, the character portrayed by Jung Woo-sung, Lee Tae-sin, deviates by having a switched order of given and family names compared to the actual person who served as inspiration.
To find out about another movie that attracted over ten million viewers https://triviaaboutkorea.com/exhuma-the-vicious-emerges/
Where to watch https://watcha.com/contents/mWvqVXx
