Sea Fog (2014 Film)

Sea Fog (Korean: 해무; RR: Haemoo) is a 2014 South Korean maritime drama film directed by Shim Sung-bo. The screenplay was co-written by Shim and Bong Joon-ho, with Bong also serving as producer. The film is based on a 2007 stage play of the same name, which was inspired by a real-life incident that occurred on October 7, 2001, near Yeosu, South Korea.

Plot

Set in 1998, the story follows the crew of the fishing vessel Jeonjiho. Facing financial ruin due to poor catches, the ship's owner decides to sell the vessel. Captain Kang (Kim Yun-seok), desperate to save his livelihood, enters into a risky agreement to transport Chinese-Korean stowaways across the sea. The crew, including the young sailor Dong-sik (Park Yoo-chun), reluctantly agrees to the plan. During a dangerous transfer in a storm, a young woman named Hong-mae (Han Ye-ri) falls overboard, and Dong-sik risks his life to save her, setting off a series of tragic events.

Production

Principal photography for Sea Fog commenced on October 6, 2013, and concluded on February 27, 2014. The role of Dong-sik was initially offered to actor Song Joong-ki, who declined the part to fulfill his mandatory military service. The film was distributed by Next Entertainment World.

Reception and Distribution

Following its release, the film was screened at numerous international film festivals, including the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival and the San Sebastian International Film Festival. It was selected by the Korean Film Council as South Korea's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 87th Academy Awards. The film also secured international distribution deals in markets including Japan, France, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore during the 2014 Cannes Film Market.