Innocence (2020 South Korean Film)

Innocence (Korean: 결백; RR: Kyeolbaek) is a 2020 South Korean legal drama film written and directed by Park Sang-hyun. The film explores themes of family, memory, and the pursuit of justice within a complex legal framework.

Plot

The story begins at the funeral of Hwa-ja’s husband, where several attendees, including Mayor Choo, fall ill after consuming poisoned makgeolli. While the mayor survives, others perish. Suspicion immediately falls upon Hwa-ja (Bae Jong-ok), who suffers from Alzheimer's disease and cannot clearly account for her actions. Her daughter, Jung-in (Shin Hae-sun), a successful lawyer in Seoul who had long ago severed ties with her abusive father and hometown, returns to defend her mother. Upon her arrival, Jung-in discovers that her mother no longer recognizes her or her younger brother, Jung-soo (Hong Kyung), who has autism. Convinced of her mother's innocence, Jung-in works to uncover the truth buried within the community.

Poster for the film Innocence — Promotional poster for the film Innocence.

Production and Inspiration

The film was written and directed by Park Sang-hyun. It draws inspiration from a real-life incident that occurred on July 14, 2015, in Sangju, North Gyeongsang Province. In that event, a group of elderly women became ill at a village hall after consuming a beverage laced with pesticide, resulting in two deaths. A woman in her 80s was subsequently arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Shin Hae-sun as Jung-in — Shin Hae-sun portrays the lead character, Jung-in.

Bae Jong-ok as Hwa-ja — Bae Jong-ok portrays Hwa-ja.

Heo Jun-ho as Mayor Choo — Heo Jun-ho portrays Mayor Choo.

Hong Kyung as Jung-soo — Hong Kyung portrays Jung-soo.

Tae Hang-ho as Police Officer Yoon — Tae Hang-ho portrays Police Officer Yoon.

Ko Chang-seok as the seedsman — Ko Chang-seok portrays the seedsman.

Park Chul-min as Hwang Bang-young — Park Chul-min portrays Hwang Bang-young.

Cha Soon-bae as Na Il-jung — Cha Soon-bae portrays Na Il-jung.

Jung In-gyeom as Prosecutor Shin — Jung In-gyeom portrays Prosecutor Shin.

Reception

The film was released on June 10, 2020. At the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards held on May 13, 2021, actor Hong Kyung received the award for Best New Actor for his performance as Jung-soo.