SEOUL, Sept. 5 (AJP) -"12.12: The Day," directed by Kim Sung-su, has been chosen as Korea's entry for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) announced on Wednesday.
The film chronicles the military coup on December 12, 1979, which followed the assassination of President Park Chung-hee. Major General Chun Doo-hwan led the coup, taking control of the government and declaring martial law. This coup marked the start of a period of military rule and significant political changes in Korea.
"12.12: The Day" has captivated audiences, becoming the ninth most popular Korean film of all time with over 13 million domestic viewers. Each year, KOFIC selects a film to recommend for the Oscars' Best International Feature Film category. The council selected "12.12: The Day" unanimously, praising its "wonderful storytelling and screenplay by actors."
The Oscars will announce a shortlist of 15 international films by the end of the year. Five of these will be nominated for the 2025 award, with the winners revealed at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles next March.
Korea's previous Oscar success came in 2020 when Bong Joon-ho’s "Parasite" won Best International Feature Film, making history as the first Korean film to earn the award.
