Skip to content
12.12: The Day
A suffocating political crime thriller infused with visceral fury, where the fragile flickering light of democracy is swallowed whole by a shadow-cloaked serpent slithering through the claustrophobic corridors of power.
12.12: The Day
12.12: The Day

서울의 봄

"The worst historical day in Korean democracy."

22 November 2023 South Korea 142 min 7.6 (148)

Director: Kim Sung-soo

Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-joon, Kim Sung-kyun

Drama Crime War History Action Thriller Duty vs. Personal Ambition Cowardice, Hesitation, and Institutional Failure Factionalism and Systemic Corruption The Fragility of Democratic Hope The Illusion of Legitimacy and History Written by Victors

12.12: The Day — Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

실패하면 반역, 성공하면 혁명 아닙니까!
— Chun Doo-gwang

Context

Said during a heated confrontation when Hanahoe officers panic about facing execution for staging a coup.

Meaning

Defines Chun's cynical ethos: power creates its own law, and history belongs solely to the victor.

야 이 반란군 놈의 새끼야! 너희들 거기 꼼짝 말고 있어. 내가 지금 탱크를 몰고 가서 네놈들 대갈통을 다 뭉개줄 테니!
— Lee Tae-shin

Context

Delivered over the telephone when insurgent generals attempt to persuade Lee to surrender.

Meaning

Directly adapted from real historical audio of General Jang Tae-wan, expressing fiery indignation against traitors.

대한민국 육군은 다 같은 편입니다.
— Lee Tae-shin

Context

Said early in the film when Chun Doo-gwang attempts to recruit Lee into his political web.

Meaning

Highlights Lee's conviction that soldiers serve the nation impartially, contrasting Chun's corrupt factional loyalty.

너는 군인으로서도, 인간으로서도 자격이 없어.
— Lee Tae-shin

Context

Spoken face-to-face across razor-wire barricades to Chun Doo-gwang during their final standoff at dawn.

Meaning

Even in tactical defeat, Lee claims complete moral superiority, stripping Chun of legitimacy.

대한민국이 뭐 이때까지 민주주의 안 하고 살았습니까?
— Chun Doo-gwang

Context

Retorted to a journalist asking about democratic reform after President Park's death.

Meaning

Exposes Chun's disdain for democracy and his intent to preserve authoritarian rule.

Explore More About This Movie

Dive deeper into specific aspects of the movie with our detailed analysis pages

Similar Movies