Innocent Witness (2019 Film)

Innocent Witness (Korean: 증인; RR: Jeungin) is a 2019 South Korean drama film directed by Lee Han. The film explores the intersection of legal ethics and human connection through the story of a lawyer tasked with defending a suspect in a murder case, where the only witness is a teenager with autism.

Innocent Witness promotional poster — Promotional poster for the film Innocent Witness.

Plot

Yang Soon-ho, a lawyer struggling with financial difficulties, takes on a high-profile murder defense. To secure an acquittal for his client, he must discredit the testimony of the case's sole witness, Im Ji-woo, a high school student on the autism spectrum. As Soon-ho attempts to communicate with Ji-woo, the two develop an unexpected bond that challenges his professional perspective and personal values.

Production

The film was directed by Lee Han, with a screenplay written by Moon Ji-won and Lee Han. Principal photography for the project commenced on July 7, 2018, and concluded on October 10, 2018. The film was distributed by Lotte Entertainment and released in South Korea on February 13, 2019.

Jung Woo-sung, who portrays the lead character Yang Soon-ho.

Kim Hyang-gi, who portrays the witness Im Ji-woo.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including:

Jung Woo-sung as Yang Soon-ho
Kim Hyang-gi as Im Ji-woo
Lee Kyoo-hyung as Hee-joong
Jang Young-nam as Hyun-jung
Park Geun-hyung as Kil-jae
Yum Hye-ran as Oh Mi-ran
Kim Seung-yoon as Shin-hye

Lee Kyoo-hyung in his role as Hee-joong.

Reception and Awards

Jung Woo-sung received significant recognition for his performance in the film. He was awarded the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards in May 2019 and the Best Actor award at the 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards in November 2019.