
12.12 The Day
12.12: The Day is a gripping Korean political thriller based on true events during the turbulent hours following the assassination of President Park Chung Hee in 1979. Set against the backdrop of a divided South Korea, the film captures the real-life military coup that threatened to shake the foundation of democracy and plunge the nation into chaos. At the center of the story is Jeon Doo Gwang, portrayed by the commanding Hwang Jung Min, a powerful general who takes advantage of the political vacuum and launches a secret operation to seize control of the military and government. Opposing him is Lee Tae Shin, played by the iconic Jung Woo Sung, a loyal commander determined to protect the constitutional order at all costs. Their ideological and strategic battle becomes the heartbeat of the film. As the conflict escalates, Chief of Staff Jeong Sang Ho (played by Lee Sung Min) struggles to maintain order among the rising tensions within the armed forces. With tanks rolling into Seoul, power-hungry generals clashing, and the fate of the republic hanging in the balance, 12.12: The Day delivers intense drama, moral dilemmas, and high-stakes military strategy. The film also features standout performances from Park Hae Joon, Kim Sung Kyun, and Jeon Soo Ji. Directed by Kim Sung Su, the movie masterfully blends historical accuracy with cinematic tension. 12.12: The Day is not only a compelling war-room thriller but also a reflection on ambition, loyalty, and the fragility of democracy. A must-watch for fans of Korean history films, military dramas, and political intrigue, this film captures a decisive moment that changed the course of a nation.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 베테랑2
🌎 Also Known As: Veteran 2
🎭 Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
🏷 Tags: Detective, Serial Killer, Police Investigation, Crime Thriller, Sequel
✍ Screenwriters: Ryoo Seung-wan, Lee Won-jae
🎬 Directors: Ryoo Seung-wan
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: September 13, 2024
📺 Original Network: CJ ENM
⏰ Duration: 118 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: R (Restricted)
Best Scenes
-
Confrontation at Gwanghwamun Square: A pivotal moment where Lee Tae-shin (Jung Woo-sung) stands resolute against the coup forces, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to democracy.
-
Final Group Photo of Hanahoe: The film concludes with the coup leaders posing triumphantly, a chilling reminder of their brief dominance before history’s judgment.
-
Tense Military Standoff: A gripping sequence depicting the standoff between loyalist and rebel forces, highlighting the nation’s fragile state during the coup.
-
Emergency Martial Law Meeting: The chaotic assembly of military leaders showcases the power vacuum and the ensuing scramble for control.
-
Symbolic Glances: Subtle scenes where characters exchange meaningful looks, conveying the deep-seated tensions and unspoken alliances.
Filming Locations
-
Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul: Central to the film’s narrative, this historic site serves as the backdrop for key confrontations.
-
Kyungpook National University, Daegu: Used to replicate military headquarters, adding authenticity to the setting.
-
Gwangyang and Suncheon: These cities provided diverse landscapes, enhancing the film’s visual depth.
-
Seoul’s Hannam-dong District: Director Kim Sung-su’s personal experiences here during the actual events added a layer of realism to the film.
-
Megabox COEX, Gangnam-gu: Hosted the film’s premiere, marking its official introduction to audiences.
Visual Design and Costumes
-
Authentic Military Uniforms: Meticulous attention to detail ensured accurate representations of 1970s South Korean military attire.
-
Period-Accurate Set Designs: Recreated interiors and exteriors reflect the era’s architectural and design sensibilities.
-
Cinematic Techniques: Use of split screens and tight framing intensify the film’s suspense and urgency.
-
Color Palette: Muted tones dominate, mirroring the somber mood and political tension of the period.
-
Symbolic Imagery: Visual metaphors, such as shadows and confined spaces, underscore themes of oppression and entrapment.
Themes and Messages
-
Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: The film delves into the struggle between democratic ideals and the lure of absolute power.
-
Moral Ambiguity: Characters grapple with ethical dilemmas, reflecting the complexities of loyalty and duty.
-
Historical Reflection: By revisiting a pivotal moment, the film prompts contemplation on the cyclical nature of history.
-
Personal vs. Political: Individual choices are portrayed as having profound national implications.
-
Resilience of the Human Spirit: Amidst chaos, characters exhibit courage and integrity, embodying hope for the nation’s future.
Interesting Facts
-
Director’s Personal Connection: Kim Sung-su experienced the actual events as a teenager, lending authenticity to his portrayal.
-
Box Office Success: The film became the highest-grossing South Korean film of 2023, earning over $97 million.
-
Oscar Submission: Selected as South Korea’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
-
Critical Acclaim: Praised for its storytelling, performances, and historical accuracy, resonating with both domestic and international audiences.
-
Educational Impact: The film has sparked renewed interest in South Korea’s political history among younger generations.
Awards
Awards for 12.12: The Day
🎬 60th Baeksang Arts Awards (2024)
-
Grand Prize (Daesang) – 12.12: The Day
-
Best Film – 12.12: The Day
-
Best Actor – Hwang Jung-min for portraying Chun Doo-gwang
-
Best Director – Kim Sung-su
-
Best Screenplay – Hong In-pyo, Hong Won-chan, Lee Young-jong, Kim Sung-su
-
Best Cinematography – Lee Mo-gae
-
Best SFX Makeup – Hwang Ho-kyun
🐉 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards (2024)
-
Best Film – 12.12: The Day
-
Best Actor – Hwang Jung-min
-
Best Editing – Kim Sang-bum
-
Audience Choice Award for Most Popular Film
🌏 17th Asian Film Awards (2024)
-
Best Supporting Actor – Park Hae-joon
-
Nominations:
-
Best Film
-
Best Director – Kim Sung-su
-
Best Actor – Hwang Jung-min
-
Best Cinematography – Lee Mo-gae
-
🌟 Allywood Film Critics Association Awards (2024)
-
Golden Elm Award – Top Ten Foreign Language Film
🎥 Korea Film Producers Association Awards (2024)
-
Best Picture – 12.12: The Day
Additionally, the film was selected as South Korea’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, recognizing its outstanding storytelling and production quality.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no real-life romance reported to have developed among the cast members of 12.12: The Day, also known as Spring in Seoul. The film, starring top actors like Hwang Jung Min, Jung Woo Sung, and Lee Sung Min, is a historical political thriller that focuses entirely on the events surrounding the 1979 military coup in South Korea.
Given the film’s serious tone, military backdrop, and lack of any romantic subplot, there was little narrative or production focus on personal relationships beyond the professional and political dynamics between characters. As such, no behind-the-scenes romance or personal involvement among the main cast members has been confirmed or speculated in public media.
12.12: The Day remains rooted in its portrayal of power struggles, loyalty, and national crisis—delivering intensity through performance and direction, not romantic chemistry.










