South Korea has officially put its hat in the ring for the 2024 Academy Awards with the historical drama 12.12: The Day, directed by Kim Sung Soo. The film examines the tumultuous events of December 12, 1979, when the military staged a coup, which would go on to result in years of military rule. It paints a vivid picture of this pivotal moment not just through the lens of history but encapsulates the emotions and fears of those who lived through it.
Upon its release, the film quickly became the year’s biggest box office success in South Korea, marking a significant moment for the country's film industry. This is especially noteworthy against the backdrop of current struggles faced by local theaters, which have been grappling with the expansive reach of streaming platforms. The film's powerful narrative and its focus on such a foundational event evidently struck a chord with Korean audiences, showcasing the thriving cinematic spirit of the nation.
The ensemble cast features heavyweights such as Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-joon, Kang Gil-woo, and Jung Hae-in, bringing life to characters who found themselves entangled in the chaos of the coup. For director Kim, these events held deeply personal significance; he recalls witnessing military vehicles rolling down his neighborhood street the night of the coup, an experience he describes as “indelible,” filled with the very real fear and confusion of the situation. “I climbed to the rooftop of my friend’s house and watched the shootout happen for the next 30 minutes,” he reminisces. “I could not shake the question of why this was happening.”
The film aims to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding December 12, 1979. According to Kim, many Koreans have heard the larger narratives of their country’s history but are often unaware of the specifics of this day. This insight led Kim to hone in on the events of the night itself rather than simply retracing the broader events surrounding it. He noted, “Their goal was re-creation,” referring to previous depictions of the era, “I wanted to focus on making it more dramatic and very real to feel, as well as putting my own perspective of what happened.”
It's this blend of personal connection, dramatic flair, and historical significance which makes 12.12: The Day stand out both as entertainment and as educational content. With films like Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite winning at the Oscars and previous South Korean entries like Burning and Decision to Leave receiving nominations, there’s high anticipation surrounding this submission.
Kim has plans for future projects, stating the quality of the scripts will dictate what he chooses next. His commitment to telling meaningful stories is evident from his reflections. He mentions how it wasn’t until years later, well after his debut as a filmmaker, when he fully came to terms with the impact of the events of December 12, 1979.
Industry experts note the current climate for South Korean cinema is challenging, and box office trends have fluctuated greatly. Kim points to the spring season, which saw remarkable success with two films, but admits the subsequent summer months saw turnarounds with much lower audience numbers, indicative of the struggles posed by streaming services.
The film has made its way to North American audiences through 815 Pictures, which has partnered with Echelon Studios for its digital release, anticipating it will attract viewers far and wide.
Back on the home front, the commercial success of 12.12: The Day is seen as important not only for Kim’s career but for the stature of South Korean cinema at large. It's suggested the film serves as both entertainment and as cultural commentary, reminding audiences of the not-so-distant past and offering new generations insight they may not have understood before.
With its Academy Awards submission, South Korea is reinforcing its commitment to storytelling through cinema, representing both its past and future aspirations on the global stage. Kim’s film is more than just another entry; it’s part of the continuous evolution of Korean cinema, standing resilient against the challenges of changing viewing habits and audience preferences. The hope is to build on the success of previous nominees and winners by sharing stories rooted deeply within the nation's historical and cultural fabric, continuing to pave the way for South Korean artists to shine brightly on the world stage.
