Ashfall (2019 Film)
Ashfall (Korean: 백두산; RR: Baekdusan) is a 2019 South Korean disaster action film directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo. The film centers on a catastrophic volcanic eruption at Mount Paektu, which threatens the entire Korean Peninsula.
Plot
Following a sudden and devastating eruption of the volcano at Mount Paektu, the Korean Peninsula is plunged into chaos as further eruptions are predicted. Government official Jeon Yoo-kyung (Jeon Hye-jin) consults Professor Kang Bong-rae (Ma Dong-seok), a geologist who had previously warned of the mountain's instability. To mitigate the disaster, the South Korean government initiates a secret operation based on Kang's theories. Jo In-chang (Ha Jung-woo), an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) captain, is tasked with leading the mission. During the deployment, a plane crash leaves Jo and his team isolated in North Korea, forcing them to carry out the operation alone. Jo eventually locates Lee Joon-pyeong (Lee Byung-hun), a former North Korean Ministry of People's Armed Forces operative, to assist in the mission. Meanwhile, in Seoul, Jo's pregnant wife, Choi Ji-young (Bae Suzy), struggles to survive the escalating environmental disaster.
Production
Principal photography for Ashfall commenced on February 17, 2019, and concluded on July 21, 2019.
Reception and Awards
The film received recognition for its technical achievements. At the 56th Daejong Film Awards in 2020, Lee Byung-hun won the Best Actor award, and Jin Jong-hyun received the Best Technical Award. At the 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2021, the film was recognized with the Best Technical Award and the Top Box Office Seller award.
