The Korean Cultural Center in Hungary will present its monthly Korean Movie Club screening featuring the 2024 war drama "Escape" on September 12 at 6 p.m. The event is part of the center's ongoing initiative to showcase contemporary Korean cinema to Hungarian audiences.
The film tells the gripping story of Sergeant Kyu-nam, played by Lee Je-hoon, who has been secretly planning an escape to South Korea from a military camp near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The narrative unfolds in a divided land where the South represents freedom while the opposite side symbolizes repression. Kyu-nam's carefully laid plans are suddenly jeopardized when he gets caught while attempting to stop a common soldier named Dong-hyuk from deserting.
Facing the possibility of execution for his actions, Kyu-nam's fate takes an unexpected turn when State Security Department Major Hyun-sang, portrayed by Koo Kyo-hwan, recognizes him from their childhood. Rather than reporting Kyu-nam's escape attempt, Hyun-sang makes a strategic decision to transform him into a hero who successfully caught a deserter. This calculated move allows Hyun-sang to secure impressive performance records while simultaneously saving Kyu-nam's life.
Despite this reprieve, Kyu-nam remains determined to live according to his own will rather than following government commands. His unwavering desire for freedom keeps him focused on his ultimate goal of crossing the border to the South. Meanwhile, Hyun-sang finds himself in the difficult position of desperately trying to prevent Kyu-nam's escape attempts, as he seeks to protect the life he has carefully constructed by sacrificing his own dreams and aspirations.
The screening will be offered free of charge to attendees, but advance registration is required due to limited seating capacity at the venue. Those interested in attending can find additional information and register through the Korean Cultural Center's official website at hungary.korean-culture.org/hu. This event represents part of the center's broader mission to promote Korean culture and cinema throughout Hungary and foster greater cultural understanding between the two nations.
