Juror 8 (2019 Film)

Juror 8 (Korean: 배심원들; RR: Baesimwondeul) is a 2019 South Korean legal drama film written and directed by Hong Seung-Wan. The film centers on the introduction of the civil participation system in South Korean criminal trials, focusing on the experiences of the first group of jurors selected for a case.

Promotional image for the film Juror 8 — Promotional poster for the 2019 film Juror 8.

Plot

The narrative follows presiding judge Kim Joon-Kyeom (Moon So-Ri) as she oversees the first criminal trial in South Korea to include a jury. The jury consists of eight ordinary citizens, including Kwon Nam-Woo (Park Hyung-Sik). Despite their lack of legal expertise, the jurors become deeply invested in uncovering the truth behind the case, leading to unexpected developments in the courtroom.

Production

The film's production process began with the first script reading on June 29, 2018. Principal photography commenced on July 7, 2018, and concluded on September 22, 2018. The film was released in South Korea on May 15, 2019, and was distributed by CGV Arthouse.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast portraying the judge, the jurors, and other legal professionals:

Moon So-Ri as Kim Joon-Kyeom, the presiding judge.
Park Hyung-Sik as Kwon Nam-Woo, a juror.
Baek Soo-Jang as Yoon Geu-Rim, a juror.
Jo Soo-Hyang as Oh Soo-Jung, a juror.
Jo Han-Chul as Choi Young-Jae, a juror.
Cha Mi-Kyung as Yang Choon-Ok, a juror.
Yoon Kyung-Ho as Jo Jin-Sik, a juror.
Seo Jung-Yeon as Byeon Sang-Mi, a juror.
Kim Hong-Fa as Jang Ki-Baek, a juror.
Seo Hyun-Woo as Kang Doo-Sik, a juror.

Additional cast members include Tae In-Ho (judge), Rie Young-Zin (trial prosecutor), Kwon Hae-Hyo (president of the court), Kim Sun-Young (janitor), and Ryu Deok-Hwan (fleeing judge).