What Movie Should You Watch After Spring in Seoul?

 

Spring in Seoul, a movie centered around the 12/12 incident, is currently a box office hit.

The success of the movie Spring in Seoul is gaining attention. The film vividly portrays the tension-filled process leading to the 12/12 incident, where the military regime led by Chun Doo-hwan toppled the Cabinet of Choi Kyu-hah and seized power during a pivotal moment in modern Korean history. Within just 24 days of its release, the movie has attracted over 8.49 million viewers. A viral challenge has also emerged, where viewers verify their feelings of anger after watching the movie by recording their heart rates using smartwatches. The Chun Doo-hwan regime marked a significant turning point in South Korea's journey towards democracy. Through Spring in Seoul, we can further explore important events in Korea that followed this historical moment.

Photo of Gwangju citizens gathering at Gwangju City Hall to participate in the democratization movement. Source: 5.18 Democratic Uprising Photo Exhibition.

The May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement: Standing Against Chun Doo-hwan’s Military Regime

After Kim Jae-gyu assassinated President Park Chung-hee, Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo took advantage of the ensuing chaos by leading the military to stage the 12/12 coup. To swiftly consolidate power, Chun declared martial law across the country. Major political figures and leaders of the student movement were arrested, sparking protests. In Gwangju, students and citizens defied the martial law and demanded its repeal. The military brutally suppressed the pro-democracy protesters, but Chun’s regime sought to erase the movement's memory by strictly controlling the media. However, a German journalist brought the Gwangju Uprising to the world's attention, helping it gain global recognition. For a long time, the uprising was unjustly framed as a rebellion incited by North Korean agents until a special law was passed. If you want to experience the intense atmosphere of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, I recommend watching the film A Taxi Driver.

 

The June Democratic Uprising in Response to the April 13 Emergency Decree

ChunDoo-hwan’s military regime orchestrated the 8th Constitutional Amendment following the coup, introducing a seven-year single-term presidency and indirect presidential elections. As his seven-year term neared its end in 1987, Chun declared the April 13 Emergency Decree, aimed at maintaining the current constitution. Students, who were already resentful of the military regime, began protesting, leading to the incident where Yonsei University student Lee Han-yeol was struck by a tear gas canister, causing his collapse. This tragedy ignited nationwide protests, with citizens and students alike demanding the abolition of the decree and the end of dictatorship, culminating in the June Democratic Uprising. Ultimately, the Chun regime was forced to amend the constitution, allowing for direct presidential elections, which concluded Chun’s presidency. After Roh Tae-woo took office, the anti-democratic and anti-human rights actions of the Chun regime eventually faced legal consequences. If you want to feel the anger of the people during the June Democratic Uprising, I recommend watching 1987: When the Day Comes.

 

Younger generations unfamiliar with modern Korean history are watching the movie Spring in Seoul and sharing their feelings of anger. Even the MZ generation, who did not experience the fear and oppression of the dictatorship and military regime, are empathizing with this anger. Shouldn't we study this history and pass on this sentiment to future generations?

 

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