Hero (2022 South Korean Film)
Hero (Korean: 영웅; RR: Yeongung) is a 2022 South Korean musical film directed by Yoon Je-kyun. The film dramatizes the final year of the life of An Jung-geun, a prominent Korean independence activist who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the Japanese Resident-General of Korea, in 1909.
Background and Development
The film is an adaptation of the long-running South Korean stage musical Youngwoong, which premiered on October 26, 2009. Actor Jung Sung-hwa, who originated the role of An Jung-geun in the stage production, reprises his role for the film adaptation. The narrative combines historical events with fictional elements to explore the motivations and sacrifices of those involved in the Korean independence movement.
Plot
The story follows An Jung-geun (Jung Sung-hwa) as he plans the assassination of Itō Hirobumi. A central fictional character, Seol-hee (Kim Go-eun), is introduced as a former court lady to Queen Myeongseong. Following the queen's assassination, Seol-hee joins the independence movement, infiltrating the circle of Itō Hirobumi as a geisha to gather intelligence. Her information proves pivotal in helping An Jung-geun identify the timing and location of Itō's travel to Manchuria, where the assassination eventually occurs.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast portraying both historical figures and fictional characters:
- Jung Sung-hwa as An Jung-geun
- Kim Go-eun as Seol-hee
- Na Moon-hee as Jo Maria
- Jo Jae-yun as Woo Deok-soon
- Bae Jeong-nam as Jo Do-sun
- Lee Hyun-woo as Yoo Dong-ha
- Park Jin-joo as Ma Jin-joo
- Jang Young-nam as Kim A-ryeo
- Kim Seung-rak as Itō Hirobumi
- Kim Joong-hee as Detective Wada
