'Kingmaker' Inspired by Late President Kim Dae-jung and Election Advisor Eom Chang-rok

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The film Kingmaker was completed by adding imagination to a story inspired by real-life figures.

Opening on the 29th, Kingmaker depicts the drama that begins when politician Kim Unbeom, who challenges to change the world, and the election strategist Seo Changdae, whose existence and name are hidden, enter a fierce election battlefield.

The film is a fictional work created based on the dramatic election processes of the 1960s-70s, inspired by the late former President Kim Dae-jung and his election aide Eom Chang-rok, combined with cinematic entertainment and imagination.

Director Byun Sung-hyun, who began writing the Kingmaker screenplay by envisioning the story of young politicians with conviction and passion who wanted to change the world and the election aides who supported them, said he completed the film while considering how to make it easy and comfortable for audiences unfamiliar with the 1960s-70s background and the era’s circumstances to enjoy the movie.

Seol Kyung-gu, who plays Kim Unbeom, focused on carefully watching and studying speech scenes to create a new cinematic character rather than imitating the person who inspired the role, putting great effort into making the unique ‘Kim Unbeom’ of Kingmaker.

Also, Lee Sun-kyun stated, “Since the character is not well known, I felt it was rather open. I pondered why Seo Changdae chose this path and what his purpose and ideals behind his actions were.”

Through the newly reinterpreted characters Kim Unbeom and Seo Changdae and the intense election war, the film is determined to show a dilemma faced by everyone regardless of era or field, not just a story limited to the politics of that time.

The story of Kim Unbeom, who pursues victory with the legitimacy of both purpose and means, and Seo Changdae, who spares no means or methods for victory, is expected to raise questions among contemporary audiences about whether the process and means must be justified for a just cause, or whether any means should be accepted for the sake of the goal.