Silmido (2003 Film)

Silmido is a 2003 South Korean action drama film directed by Kang Woo-suk. The film is a dramatization of the history of Unit 684, a covert South Korean military unit formed in 1968 with the objective of assassinating North Korean leader Kim Il-sung in retaliation for the Blue House raid.

Historical Background

The film is based on the true story of Unit 684, which was established by the South Korean government following the January 21, 1968, attempt by North Korean commandos to assassinate President Park Chung-hee. The unit was composed of 31 recruits, including social outcasts and prisoners, who were promised that their criminal records would be cleared upon the successful completion of their mission. After years of brutal training, the mission was eventually aborted due to shifting geopolitical conditions. On August 23, 1971, the surviving members of the unit revolted, hijacking a bus and heading toward Seoul, where they were eventually stopped by the military.

Production

The film was produced by Cinema Service and directed by Kang Woo-suk. Production involved various locations across South Korea, including Kangwon Province, Busan, Incheon, Silmido, Jeju Island, Buan, and Paju. Additionally, scenes requiring snow-covered environments were filmed in New Zealand to simulate the harsh training conditions of the unit.

Actor Sol Kyung-Gu — Sol Kyung-Gu, who portrays the character Kang In-chan

Actor Ahn Sung-Ki — Ahn Sung-Ki, who portrays the character Choi Jae-hyun

Actor Heo Jun-Ho — Heo Jun-Ho, who portrays Sergeant Jo

Actor Jung Jae-Young — Jung Jae-Young, who portrays Han Seung-Pil

Actor Lim Won-Hee — Lim Won-Hee, who portrays Won-Hee

Cast

Sol Kyung-Gu as Kang In-chan
Ahn Sung-Ki as Choi Jae-hyun
Heo Jun-Ho as Sergeant Jo
Jung Jae-Young as Han Seung-Pil
Lim Won-Hee as Won-Hee
Kang Shin-Il as Keun-Jae
Kang Sung-Jin as Chan-Suk
Kim Kang-Woo as Min-Ho
Uhm Tae-Woong as Won-Sang
Lee Jeong-Heon as Sergeant Park