”1980: Our Gwangju Uprising” depicts the dark side of modern Korean history from the perspective of ordinary Korean citizens. Starring Kim Gyuri and Baek Seong Hyeon talk about the behind-the-scenes story and their thoughts on the film.

Following on from "The Chiefs of the KCIA," "Spring in Seoul," and "A Taxi Driver," "1980: A Story of a Dark Side" depicts the dark side of modern Korean history from the perspective of ordinary Korean citizens.
"Our Gwangju Incident" will be released nationwide from April 4th (Friday) at Cinemart Shinjuku and other theaters.
The Namsan Chiefs deals with the assassination of long-time dictator President Park Chung-hee,
The Korean film industry has made a great hit by turning the military coup by Jeon Du-hwan, which occurred shortly after the incident, into a fictional masterpiece based on historical fact.
One thing we must not forget is the historical tragedy of the Gwangju Uprising, which was caused by the military regime that usurped power in "Spring in Seoul."
The film depicts a taxi driver and a German soldier who awaken to a sense of mission to tell the world about the soldiers who massacred good citizens who were calling for democratization.
It was an emotional portrayal of a journalist. The film focuses on the figure of a "normal family" living in the middle of the incident, and shows how power tramples on the small happiness of citizens.
The film depicts, with humor at times, how precious the desire to protect loved ones is even in the midst of tragedy.
A masterpiece movie was born here. "This is our story, our history" Kim Gyuri, Baek Seong Hyeon and others talk about the behind-the-scenes story and their thoughts on the movie
The film tells the story of Cheol-soo's family and neighbors who opened a Chinese restaurant in a back alley in South Jeolla Province, and expresses the pain of Gwangju in the 1980s.
Kim Gyuri, who plays Cheolsoo's mother, who never loses her smile no matter what the situation, explained how she ended up starring in the film:
"Actually, when I received the script, I was working as a radio DJ, and going to Mokpo to film was a burden, so I put it off for a while, but when I read the script, I thought it was really interesting.
"It's not easy to get a movie released these days. But 'Spring in Seoul' became a social phenomenon and was well received, so I decided to star in it," he said.
This film is set after the events of "Spring in Seoul." The 5.18 democratization movement happened because we couldn't prevent the 12.12 attacks. That's why this film was released in a large number of
"I hope that this film will be a film that gives strength to people. I hope that someone will do their best to help Cheol-soo's mother," he said of the film's connection to "Spring in Seoul."
I think that if you shed a tear, it will give me strength and comfort," he said. Baek Seong, who plays Cheol-soo's uncle, a heavy drinker who works hard at his father's Chinese restaurant, said in the message.
Hyun built a relationship with director Kang Seungyeon through the film "Like the Moon Breaking Through the Clouds," and while filming the TV series "Voice 4: The Miracle of 112," he said, "Looking at you, I want to be like '1980.
"I wrote the role of the uncle in the movie 'Our Gwangju Uprising'," he said, and was so touched by the words that he decided to take the role.
Regarding the set that he poured his entire career into, he said, "I went to see the Mokpo set, and as the director is a big name in that field, it was completely different from the others.
"It felt like I was visiting a Chinese restaurant in the back alleys of South Jeolla Province in 2000," he praised. He added, "It was full of wonderful details, so I was glad I was able to immerse myself in the acting."
Director Kang Seungyeon made his directorial debut with this film. "I was working as an art director and occasionally writing scripts, and by chance I came across the May 18 incident and wrote this film.
"This film is about small citizens. I didn't want to show warriors or heroes, but ordinary people who had no choice but to take part in a democratic uprising."
The director's attention to detail in recreating Gwangju at the time and the acting of the cast make the injustice of the incident even more vivid.
"Our Gwangju Uprising" will be released nationwide from Friday, April 4th at Cinemart Shinjuku and other theaters.
Directed and written by Kang Seungyeon. Starring Kang Shin-il, Kim Gyuri, Baek Seong Hyeon, Han Suyeong, Song Min-jae.
2024 / Korea / Korean / 99 min. / Cinemascope / 5.1ch / Subtitle translation: Honda Keiko / Subtitle supervision: Akizuki Nozomi
/ Original title: 1980 / Eirin G Distributor: Klockworx https://klockworx.com/movies/1980/ © 2024 JNC MEDIA
GROUP, All Rights Reserved. Released nationwide from 4/4 (Fri.) at Cinemart Shinjuku and other theaters