South Korea rose from rock bottom to one of the strongest "tiger economies in Asia." The country works its way up from the 50 years of hostilities from the North.
The entertainment industry finds ways to make films that show the stories behind the real-life events that may provide insights to the people. Movies are one way to learn and appreciate Korean history, bringing the true nature of the social, political, and personal issues involved.
Check out these 5 amazing films with shocking real-life events
Memories of Murder (2003)
One of the popular films by director Bong Joon Ho, "Memories of Murder" is based on Korea's first serial killer. It stars Song Kang Ho, Kim Sang Kyung, and Kim Roe Ha. In 1986 and 1991, a serial killer was known to have murdered ten women in Hwaseong. Detectives are assigned to the case with unequipped skills and knowledge to deal with the situation. The police showed ways of torturing and brutality to the suspects without any practical result.
Peppermint Candy (1999)
Starring Sol Kyung Gu, Moon So Ri, and Kim Yeo Jin in the outdoor excursion in the spring of 1999, this movie is about a group of friends who meets for their 20th reunion, while they sing and dance up a storm. Their long-lost friend shows up, disrupting the party and climbs on top of a railroad track and refuses to stay away from the oncoming train. It tackles the IMF crisis, the authoritarian brutality in the 80s, the 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement, and more. This is one of the masterpieces of director Lee Chang Dong.
The President's Last Bang (2005)
A struggle between the three men for the President's influence, this movie stars Song Jae ho, Han Seok Kyu, and Baek Yoon Shik. It's a black comedy featuring the assassination of military strongman Park Chung Hee, which director Im Sang Soo manages to foretell the story in a brilliant way. This film is wherein it unfolds before the assassination is due to take place. In 24 hours that shocked and changed South Korea forever, the President's last bang.
Han Gong-Ju (2013)
This is a film that tackles a young girl's life and her past that reveals her true identity. Starring Chun Woo Hee, in character as Gong-Ju, which means "princess" in English, she struggles to rebuild her life after a traumatic experience. The movie and its story are based on a shocking event that caused a public disturbance in 2004. It's an amazing movie that triggers an emotional and powerful viewing experience.
Silenced (2011)
"Silenced" is a true story based on a school that caters to hearing-impaired children who were sexually assaulted by the principal as well as other teachers. Starring Gong Yoo, Jung Yoo Mi, Kim Hyun Soo, and Jung In Seo, it's a true-to-life story that occurred in 2000, which shocked the nation. Though the offenders were penalized, they received a lenient punishment that made the public outraged. After the movie was released, it created new laws to protect children from such traumatic events.
