12.12: The Day (2023 Film)

12.12: The Day (Korean: 서울의 봄; RR: Seoul-ui Bom; lit. Spring of Seoul) is a 2023 South Korean historical drama film directed by Kim Sung-su. The film dramatizes the events of the December 12, 1979, military insurrection in Seoul, a pivotal moment in South Korean history that led to the rise of military authoritarianism.

Background

The film is based on the 1979 military coup d'état, often referred to as the 12.12 Military Insurrection. The incident occurred in Seoul, South Korea, following the assassination of President Park Chung-hee. The narrative focuses on the nine-hour power struggle between military factions.

Plot

The story centers on Jeon Doo-gwang (played by Hwang Jung-min), the commander of the Defense Security Command and leader of the clandestine military group Hanahoe. Jeon orchestrates a coup, ordering the arrest of a senior general without presidential authorization. Opposing him is Lee Tae-shin (Jung Woo-sung), the commander of the Capital Security Command, who attempts to defend the capital against the insurrectionists.

Production

Directed by Kim Sung-su, the film features an ensemble cast including Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Kim Sung-kyun. Principal photography for the production commenced on February 17, 2022.

Reception and Awards

The film received significant critical acclaim and commercial success in South Korea. It was honored at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2024, winning Best Film, Best Actor (Hwang Jung-min), and Best Film Editing. Additionally, at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards, director Kim Sung-su received the Grand Prize (Daesang), and the film secured awards for Best Film and Best Actor.