26 Years (2012 Film)
26 Years (Korean: 26년) is a 2012 South Korean drama and action film directed by Jo Keun-Hyun. The screenplay is based on the popular webcomic of the same name by Kang Pool. The film explores the fictional aftermath of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, a historical event in which state troops were ordered to open fire on civilians in Gwangju, resulting in significant loss of life.
Plot
The narrative follows a group of individuals who seek to hold the person responsible for the Gwangju massacre accountable. The group includes a national team shooter, a gang member, a police officer, a corporate CEO, and the director of a private security firm. Key characters include Kwak Jin-Bae (Jin Goo), a gang member seeking vengeance for his father's death; Shim Mi-Jin (Han Hye-Jin), a national team shooter; and police officer Kwon Jung-Hyuk (Im Seul-Ong), who lost his family during the uprising.
Production History
The film faced a prolonged and difficult development process due to its sensitive subject matter. Initial production efforts were halted in 2008 due to financing challenges, as potential investors were reportedly reluctant to back a project centered on the Gwangju Democratization Movement. At that time, the project was intended to be directed by Lee Hae-Young with a different cast, including Kim Ah-Joong and Ryoo Seung-Bum.
After several years of delays and changes in leadership, the project resumed under director Jo Keun-Hyun. Filming officially commenced on July 19, 2012, and concluded on October 10, 2012. The film was released in South Korea on November 29, 2012.
Cast
- Jin Goo as Kwak Jin-Bae
- Han Hye-Jin as Shim Mi-Jin
- Im Seul-Ong as Kwon Jung-Hyuk
- Bae Soo-Bin as Kim Joo-An
- Lee Kyoung-Young as Kim Kap-Se
- Jang Gwang as Chun Doo-Hwan
- Jo Duk-Je as Ma Sang-Ryeo
- Ahn Suk-Hwan as Ahn Soo-Ho
- Lee Mi-Do as Jin-Bae's mother
- Kim Jung-Suk as crane man with vest
- Park Hyuk-Kwon as Prosecutor Kang
- Chun Woo-Hee as Jung-Hyuk's sister
