Kim Sung-soo, a South Korean filmmaker, is well-known for films such as Musa, Asura: The City of Madness, and City of the Rising Sun. His recent film, 12.12 The Day, is a gripping political thriller set in the aftermath of President Park’s assassination in 1979, portraying the power struggles and uncertainty that ensued. Led by outstanding performances, particularly from Hwang Jung-min and Jung Woo-sung, the film delves into the tensions within the military ranks as security commander Chun Doo-gwang, played by Hwang, seizes the opportunity to stage a coup.
Those who know Korean cinema well will be familiar with Jung Woo-sung’s name. His acting career began with a stroke of luck when he was street cast by Cha Seung-jae, former CEO of Sidus, during his time at Shin Cine. His cinematic debut in 1994 with The Fox with Nine Tails marked the beginning of his journey, co-starring with Ko So-young, who later joined him in the acclaimed Beat in 1997. Directed by Kim Sung-soo, Beat launched Jung into stardom, distinguishing him as one of Korea’s leading actors.
Continuing his collaboration with Kim Sung-soo, Jung starred in City of the Rising Sun in 1999, further expanding his repertoire with diverse roles in films like Musa (2001) and Mutt Boy (2003). Notably, his portrayal in Kim Jee-woon’s The Good, the Bad, the Weird brought widespread acclaim, earning him several awards.
Beyond the big screen, Jung’s television ventures include roles in series like Athena: Goddess of War and Padam Padam. In 2022, he made his feature directorial debut with A Man of Reason, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Kim Won-kuk, on the other hand, has been a successful producer and executive producer under Hive Media Corp. He is responsible for cinematic hits such as Inside Man, The Last Princess, The Man Standing Next, and Deliver Us From Evil.
With huge success in South Korea, 12.12. The Day was finally screened overseas, and that included the 26th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. During the festival, we had the privilege to exclusively speak to the actor, Jung Woo-sung, director Kim Sung-soo, and the film’s producer, Kim Won-kuk.
View of the Arts: I would like to start with the director, Kim Sung-soo, and the producer, Kim Won-kuk. Can you share your inspiration for diving into such a politically charged and historically significant subject matter with 12.12: The Day?
Kim Sung-soo: This screenplay brought back memories and reignited my age-old passion. Initially, upon receiving the screenplay, I found it quite enjoyable. However, I hesitated, uncertain of my capability or right to tell a story like this. Yet, contemplating how someone might eventually bring it to life gave me the courage to proceed. Such was the charm of the screenplay. Despite my excitement, embarking on the project filled me with apprehension; I felt a responsibility to do justice to the story. While many were familiar with the narrative, I aimed to present it in a compelling manner, ensuring audience engagement. Thus, I grappled with the question: how best to convey this tale? I realised that a straightforward historical retelling might not engage modern audiences. Entertainment value was crucial for bringing attention and interest to the events of that fateful night. Consequently, making this film became an ongoing quest for answers.
Even now, I remain uncertain if I’ve fully unlocked the key to storytelling. Nonetheless, it’s a challenging yet vital narrative, largely unfamiliar to today’s youth — a story entrenched in military history, devoid of a conventional happy ending. Conversations with Kim Won-kuk and Jung Woo-sung revolved around how to conclude the film, yet assurance eluded me. Throughout the process, I had the desire to create something I could be proud of, free from any sense of shame. Fortunately, our efforts paid off with a good film.
Kim Won-kuk: What subject to focus on and how it should be planned, as well as how we should work on it with the writer, was on my mind, but like the director said, how we could make it entertaining was the main question. This was a real event. When I was planning it, people questioned me because it’s a failed history that everyone knows. Also, it’s a story about the military, which most people often see as boring. When you make a film, you need investors. The director was concerned that this screenplay was based on a true story, so I think he did well in turning the screenplay into something the audience and investors could like. He also selected his key staff and great actors. We never expected this much success, but it came out better than we imagined. We’re still amazed by this, especially because it happened after the pandemic. It wasn’t like before the pandemic, when Korean films generally did well. After 12.12. The Day, Exhuma also did well. Korean films are starting to get back on their feet. I’m happy about that.
Kim Sung-soo: You’ll see from the film that a lot of big stars are in it. Many leading, middle-aged Korean actors are in it. This is because Producer Kim has worked on many films like this and knows many actors. That is why they came on board. Jung, Hwang, and Lee are top stars in Korea. Thanks to their participation, we were able to make this film. But as for the cast, they didn’t come on board because of the screenplay, me, or the producer. I think they all found their calling to participate in telling these historical events. They all worked hard.
View of the Arts: Jung Woo-sung, it is good to see you on the big screen again. In the film, you play Lee Tae-shin. Lee is based on the real character of Jang Tae-wan, Commander of the Capital Garrison Command. Could you elaborate on the extent of your research into embodying the persona of Jang?
Jung Woo-sung: As Producer Kim said, this modern history isn’t taught in schools. We each had our own interest in it, and I was the same. Even before receiving the screenplay, I saw documentaries on this historical event, and I’ve been made aware of it. So, I kind of knew who Lee Tae-shin was modelled after. After I joined the project, I also read his autobiography. Jang Tae-wan was the character’s inspiration, and I thought I should know him better in order to portray Lee Tae-shin. In 12.12, he’s the most fictitious character. As the director requested, I had to create a new Lee Tae-shin. So, instead of turning away, I tried to get a better understanding so I could make sure to create someone different.
View of the Arts: This question is for Jung Woo-sung and Kim Sung-soo. This film marks, if I’m not mistaken, your fifth collaboration together. Previous works include Asura, Beat, City of the Rising Sun, and Musa, if memory serves me right. How has your creative partnership evolved, and what factors contributed to the decision to work on another collaborative project together?
Kim Sung-soo: Jung Woo-sung is a star, isn’t he? [laughs]. He has always been a star, even in his twenties. But of course, I always want to work with him because he is a truly talented actor, whom I also respect a lot. We’re close, and despite him being younger, as film professionals, there is something consistent about him. He has been loved for a long time as a top star, yet he continues to stay new and charming. This is not easy to achieve, and it’s the same anywhere around the world. He is proof of this. When watching him, he was a great actor and a great person. I have fun working with him. He also writes and directs, and I receive a lot of help from him. I want to continue working with him.
Jung Woo-sung: Reflecting on my collaborations with Director Kim, it’s not solely based on personal affinity. While filming Beat, I found genuine enjoyment, which led me to accept the offer for City of the Rising Sun. It wasn’t just about being happy working with him; it was about ensuring each day held no regrets. The intense days stacked up, bringing enjoyable processes like collaborative discussions with the writer on set. [Over time], we built a great partnership, and that’s how we returned twenty-two years later after Musa. Yet, over such a span, five films may seem insufficient, or perhaps quite substantial.
My relationship with the director is built on honesty and active involvement, nourished by both love and respect, creating a nuanced tension. This question of our longstanding partnership is brought up frequently, emphasising our twenty-seven or twenty-eight years together. However, to us, these are merely numerical markers. Sometimes, we only meet once a year, and sometimes we meet often. We have to maintain a good relationship between our current and future meetings. Day after day, it piled on to seem like a long time. So, when I get this question, from our perspective, it’s just today and the next meeting.
Kim Sung-soo: As Jung Woo-sung aptly put it, he’s deeply committed and a true cinephile at heart. His passion for filmmaking and penchant for pushing his limits are visible. It’s this dedication that has cemented our great collaboration. The passage of time only dawns on us when prompted by questions like yours. Here we are, reunited after twenty-two years, reminiscent of our discussions during the making of Musa. It’s incredible how swiftly time has flown by.
View of the Arts: This is a commercially and critically acclaimed film. So, my question is this: what do you consider to be the most critical factors in ensuring the success of a film, both artistically and commercially?
Kim Sung-soo: Actually, we didn’t know that the film would become so successful. But perhaps Kim Won-kuk could answer this question.
Kim Won-kuk: We seem to have a knack for producing successful films [laughs]. Reflecting on our track record, even Inside Man thrived despite being released in November, which is traditionally a sluggish period at the Box Office. Over time, I’ve gained valuable experience in making films that the audience can relate to. While Inside Men was impactful, I believe 12.12 struck a deeper chord, inspiring viewers to learn further about [the events of 1979]. The feedback has been great; people have commended that the film was well made.
View of the Arts: As the director and producer, how do you see 12.12. contributing to the collective understanding of Korean history, particularly for audiences outside of Korea?
Kim Sung-soo: This reflects my sentiments during the production process. It not only depicts a historical event but also explores deeper themes such as concerns, choices, and human obligation. It encompasses a wide range of human experiences, highlighting the internal struggle between conflicting values and decisions. This complexity presents a raw portrayal of human nature, resonating with audiences regardless of cultural background. While international viewers may miss certain contextual details, they can still connect with the characters’ dilemmas and reactions, whether in anger or agreement. I’m uncertain about the audience’s ultimate takeaway, and I hold no lofty expectations. Initially, I didn’t consider how the film would be received by foreign audiences, so international releases and film festivals were not on my radar. This project holds significant importance as it narrates our history, making it a substantial endeavour even just for the Korean audience. Despite its historical relevance, I acknowledge that some Koreans may not embrace it or might find it dull. These reflections emerged after the film’s release.
Kim Won-kuk: The historical aspect really interested me, but what truly charmed me about it was my love for history. In my youth, I held the belief that history was shaped solely by prominent figures such as politicians, leaders, or notorious villains. However, with age comes wisdom, and I’ve come to realise that those immortalised in history are not always towering figures. Often, they are ordinary individuals whose actions are magnified for posterity’s sake, portraying their decisions as grand and timely. Yet, from my vantage point, their actions seem driven by simple, impulsive desires and fears. Even today, there’s a prevailing belief that important people make crucial decisions, but I beg to differ.
Whether in our generation or generations past, few individuals deliberate deeply before making decisions. Instead, they act on instinct and self-interest. For non-Koreans watching, this film portrays a swift, historically significant decision made by individuals who were not particularly remarkable, driven by their own selfish desires, ambitions, and fears. It shows a lesser-known page in history, one that many can relate to. Ultimately, I believe this film will challenge the notion that historical figures are inherently great. Instead, it sheds light on the humanity behind the historical façade, revealing the imperfections and complexities of those who shaped our past.
Interviewed by Sanja Struna for View of the Arts
Written by Maggie Gogler
Questions by Maggie Gogler
Interpreter: June Kim
Featured image © Sanja Struna for View of the Arts
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