The Korean Cultural Center in Washington D.C. will present a free screening of the critically acclaimed 2018 Korean crime thriller "The Negotiation" (협상) on Wednesday, September 17, at 6:00 PM. The event, requiring an RSVP, will take place at the center's location on Massachusetts Avenue and includes complimentary snacks for attendees.
Directed by Lee Jong-seok, "The Negotiation" tells the gripping story of Chae-yoon Ha, South Korea's top hostage negotiator renowned for maintaining unshakable composure in the most challenging situations. The film opens with Ha devastated after a negotiation mission ends in complete tragedy, resulting in the deaths of both hostages and their captors. This traumatic failure shakes the foundation of her professional confidence and expertise.
The plot intensifies ten days later when Tae-gu Min, a dangerous international arms dealer already on the police blacklist, orchestrates a complex kidnapping operation in Thailand. Min specifically targets Korean police officers and journalists as his hostages, but his most unusual demand is that Ha serve as the sole negotiator for their release. What makes this hostage situation particularly dangerous and unpredictable is Min's refusal to provide clear reasons, purposes, or specific demands for his actions.
As the crisis unfolds, Min creates what becomes the deadliest hostage situation of Ha's career, forcing her into a psychological battle where she cannot afford to show any weakness or yield even slightly to his manipulations. With only 12 hours remaining before his unspecified deadline, Ha must engage in a life-or-death negotiation that will test every skill and instinct she has developed throughout her career.
The 114-minute film received widespread critical praise for several key elements that elevated it above typical entries in the crime thriller genre. Critics particularly highlighted the exceptional acting performances from the lead cast, the screenplay's unexpected storytelling twists and turns that keep audiences guessing, and most notably, the presence of a strong female protagonist in a film genre traditionally dominated by male characters.
The screening will present the film in its original Korean language with English subtitles, allowing audiences to experience the authentic performances and dialogue. The Korean Cultural Center has designated this screening for mature audiences due to the film's intense themes and violent content typical of the crime thriller genre. Interested viewers can attend this cultural event free of charge by completing the required RSVP process through the center's official channels.
