The historical film 12.12: The Day has been selected as South Korea's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards, according to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC). This announcement, made on Wednesday, highlights the film's artistic and cultural significance, underscoring the strength of Korean cinema on the global stage.

KOFIC stated that the unanimous decision to submit 12.12: The Day was based on several factors, including its captivating narrative, exceptional performances by the cast, and the high quality of its production. Moreover, the film's insightful and intense portrayal of the pivotal events of December 12, 1979, stood out as a remarkable reflection of a crucial moment in Korean history.

Directed by Kim Sung-su, 12.12: The Day recounts the dramatic nine-hour conflict between Chun Doo-hwan, played by Hwang Jung-min, who led the military coup that marked a turning point in Korean politics, and Lee Tae-shin, portrayed by Jung Woo-sung, the Capital Defense Commander who risks everything to oppose the coup. The film, noted for its dynamic direction and historical accuracy, sheds light on one of the most controversial and consequential periods in South Korea’s modern history.

Since its release in November, the film has garnered significant attention, drawing over 13 million viewers to theaters, further cementing its impact as a major cinematic work. Its success is not only attributed to its storytelling but also to the depth of its historical exploration and the strong performances of its lead actors.

This marks another milestone for Korean cinema, which has seen continued international recognition following the global success of films like Parasite and Decision to Leave. Each year, at the request of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, KOFIC selects one film to represent the country in the prestigious Best International Feature Film category. Last year, the apocalyptic disaster thriller Concrete Utopia, directed by Eom Tae-hwa, was chosen as Korea’s submission.

The Academy is expected to announce the shortlists for several categories, including Best International Feature Film, by the end of this year. As the competition intensifies, anticipation is growing to see if 12.12: The Day will make its mark at the 97th Academy Awards.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com