'Seoul's Spring' Director Kim Seong-su, Martial Law Called "Absurd Personal Coup"

"Younger Generation Holds Correct Beliefs About Justice"

Film director Kim Seong-su of 'Seoul Spring' criticized the December 3 Emergency Martial Law incident as an "absurd personal coup d'?tat."

On the 17th, Kim received the Best Director Award for 'Seoul Spring' at the 11th Korean Film Producers Association Awards ceremony held at Indiespace in Mapo-gu, Seoul. In his acceptance speech, Kim said, "When I was preparing and releasing the film, I was very anxious and worried about whether many audiences would watch it," adding, "Since it was a film with a considerable budget during the pandemic, I was also worried about whether it would surpass the break-even point." He continued, "After the release, a miraculous event happened, and I felt great happiness because so many people watched it," expressing gratitude by saying, "The people I am always thankful for are the audience."

On the 12th, the film "Spring in Seoul," which is based on the 12.12 military coup, is being screened at a movie theater in Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Kim then said, "On the other hand, I had some doubts about why so many people watched 'Seoul Spring,' especially why young people came to the theaters," referring to the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law incident.' He said, "A crazy president suddenly carried out an absurd personal coup d'?tat, and citizens rushed to the National Assembly," adding, "Also, seeing young people from all over the country running out to support the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol, I realized why our film was watched so much."

He continued, "I especially felt that young people these days have a proper belief in a sense of justice," and confessed, "As a film director, I was worried about what kind of story I should convey to these people and how I should speak to them in a different way than before." He added, "I am also excited as a storyteller to welcome new audiences in a new era."

Director Kim Seong-su. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, 'Seoul Spring' is a film inspired by the military rebellion that took place in Seoul on December 12, 1979, starring actors Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Sung-min, and Kim Sung-kyun. Released in November last year, the film gained great popularity, recording a cumulative audience of 13.23 million, far exceeding the break-even point of 4.6 million. In particular, this work was praised for its tense and detailed portrayal of the December 12 military rebellion.