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South Korean Cinema

Land of Happiness (2024 Film)

Land of Happiness (Korean: 행복의 나라; RR: Haengbokui Nara) is a 2024 South Korean historical drama film directed by Choo Chang-min. The film centers on the legal proceedings following the 1979 assassination of South Korean President Park Chung-hee, specifically focusing on the defense of a soldier involved in the event.

Promotional poster for Land of Happiness
Promotional poster for the film Land of Happiness.

Plot

Set in 1979, the narrative follows lawyer Jung In-hoo, portrayed by Cho Jung-seok, as he takes on the challenging task of defending Park Tae-joo, played by Lee Sun-kyun. Park Tae-joo is a soldier implicated in the assassination of the South Korean president. The film explores the legal and political tensions of the era as the defense team attempts to navigate a highly volatile judicial environment.

Production

The film was directed by Choo Chang-min with a screenplay written by Heo Joon-seok. Principal photography for the project commenced on October 1, 2021, and concluded on January 29, 2022. The film was distributed by Next Entertainment World and received a theatrical release in South Korea on August 14, 2024.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast including:

  • Cho Jung-Seok as Jung In-Hoo
  • Lee Sun-Kyun as Park Tae-Joo
  • Yoo Jae-Myung as Jeon Sang-Doo
  • Woo Hyeon as Lee Man-Sik
  • Lee Won-Jong as Jung Jin-Woo
Cho Jung-Seok
Cho Jung-Seok as lawyer Jung In-Hoo.
Lee Sun-Kyun
Lee Sun-Kyun as Park Tae-Joo.
Yoo Jae-Myung
Yoo Jae-Myung as Jeon Sang-Doo.

Awards

At the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards held in 2025, Yoo Jae-Myung received the award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film.

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