‘12.12: The Day’ has been selected as Korea’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
The Korean Film Council announced that ‘12.12: The Day’ has been selected as Korea’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The council cited the film’s gripping dramatic tension, stellar performances by seasoned actors, exceptional direction, and profound historical insight as reasons for its selection.
Set against the backdrop of the military rebellion on December 12, 1979, in Seoul, the film unfolds over nine high-stakes hours as efforts are made to thwart the rebellion of a new military faction. Hwang Jung-min stars as Chun Doo-kwang, the commander of the Defense Security Command, while Jung Woo-sung plays his rival, Lee Tae-shin, the commander of the Army Capital Security Command.
‘12.12: The Day’ has been a monumental success in Korea, drawing over 13 million viewers—the largest audience for a Korean film since the pandemic. It also swept major awards, including three honors at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards and four at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards including Best Picture Award. This acclaim has fueled anticipation for its chances at the Oscars, highlighting the growing global recognition of Korean cinema.
For director Kim Sung Soo, the film marks a milestone in his career. After debuting with Runaway in 1995, he joins the directors whose works have attracted over 10 million viewers in Korea—a feat 28 years in the making.
Kim traveled to the U.S. from November 19 to 23 for events held to support the film’s Oscar promotion campaign, hosted by distributor Plus M Entertainment.
Following a screening at the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) on November 19, Kim also engaged in a Q&A session with the audience. Additional screenings and promotional events included private viewings at the Rodeo Screening Room, Soho House, and Malibu Film Society, as well as a Critics’ Choice Association (CCA) and Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) luncheon.
As the Oscars approach, shortlisting votes will be held from December 9 to 13, with the results being announced on December 17. The final nominees will be revealed on January 17, following the main voting period from January 8 to 12.
The Korea Daily met Kim at the SLL office in Los Angeles to discuss the making of ‘12.12: The Day’.
What inspired you to direct ‘12.12: The Day’?
“I was there during the events of the December 12 military rebellion. I lived in Hannam-dong as a high schooler and vividly remember hearing the gunshots. It left a lasting impression on me, and I’ve wondered for years why such a thing happened. The military rebellion and its perpetrators became widely known in the 1990s when trials were held. When I received the script for ‘12.12: The Day’ from CEO Kim Won-guk of Hive Media Corp in 2019, I was thrilled. As a filmmaker, the unpredictable nature of this incident made it an incredible narrative to work with.”
The film resonated strongly with younger audiences. Were you expecting this?
“I hoped younger generations would find the film engaging and develop an interest in Korean history. Surprisingly, 60 percent of viewers were in their 20s and 30s. The film seems to have struck a chord, emphasizing that reckless decisions by irresponsible leaders can have grave consequences. Seeing young viewers explore this dark chapter of history after watching the film made all the effort worthwhile.”
Balancing historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling must have been challenging. How did you approach this?
“At first, I aimed for complete historical accuracy, but I realized many people weren’t even aware of the full story. Collaborating with my long-time cinematographer, production designer, and producer, we decided to create something engaging yet grounded in facts. The opening sequence quickly immerses viewers in the dramatic kidnapping of the Army Chief of Staff and follows a nine-hour timeline, capturing events as if it’s through a photo journalist’s lens.”
What message do you hope to convey through the film?
“The film isn’t just about retelling a 45-year-old incident. It’s about leadership and accountability. During the military rebellion, decisions weren’t made with careful deliberation but were driven by personal greed and impulsiveness. This selfishness dominated that fateful night—a theme that resonates globally, not just in Korea. Leaders everywhere need to act responsibly when it matters most.”
The actors’ performances received widespread acclaim. Can you elaborate on the casting process?
“Hwang Jung-min was the first to commit, and it was a tough decision for him. Casting took over six months, with Jung Woo-sung joining last. Due to the film’s theatrical style and shooting method, I prioritized actors with strong stage experience. Even background actors worked tirelessly to bring authenticity to every scene, despite the challenges of filming across multiple provinces from Seoul to Gyeongsangnam-do and Jeollanam-do.”
Kim Sung Soo’s Filmography:
1995: Runaway
1997: Beat
1999: City of the Rising Sun
2001: Musa
2003: Please Teach Me English
2013: Flu
2016: Asura: The City of Madness
2023: 12.12: The Day
BY EUNYOUNG LEE, HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
