South Korea has officially chosen the historical action film 12.12: The Day as its contender for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
The movie, directed by Kim Sung-su, is set during the country’s December 1979 military coup and portrays the tumultuous events that led to the rise of General Chun Doo-hwan, who later became South Korea’s president. The role of Chun Doo-gwang, a character based on Chun Doo-hwan, is played by veteran actor Hwang Jung-min.
The film was a massive success at the South Korean box office in 2023, achieving over 12 million admissions, making it the highest-grossing local film in the country since Parasite in 2019.
The Korea Film Council (KFC) unanimously voted for 12.12: The Day due to its domestic popularity and critical acclaim.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Kim Sung-kyun, the film has been praised for its intense performances and gripping retelling of a pivotal moment in South Korea’s history. Released in November 2023, the movie quickly became a cultural phenomenon and a contender for international recognition.
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