The Terror Live (2013 Film)
The Terror Live (Korean: 더 테러 라이브) is a 2013 South Korean suspense-thriller film written and directed by Kim Byung-woo. The film centers on a disgraced former television anchor who attempts to use a live terrorist threat as a means to revitalize his career.
Plot
Yoon Young-hwa (Ha Jung-woo) is a former high-profile news anchor who has been demoted to a radio host following a personal scandal. During a morning broadcast, an anonymous caller contacts the show, claiming he intends to blow up the Mapodaegyo Bridge. While initially dismissed as a prank, the situation escalates when the bridge is destroyed in real time, an event visible from the radio station's office.
Seeing an opportunity to return to prime-time television, Yoon negotiates with his news bureau chief, Cha Dae-eun (Lee Kyoung-young), to secure an exclusive live interview with the bomber. As the broadcast progresses, the caller demands a massive financial payout and a formal apology from the South Korean President. The situation becomes increasingly perilous when the caller reveals that he has strapped an explosive device to Yoon, effectively turning the anchor into a hostage within his own studio.
Production
The film was directed and written by Kim Byung-woo. Principal photography for the project commenced on January 24, 2013. The film was distributed by Lotte Entertainment and features a runtime of 97 minutes.
Cast
- Ha Jung-woo as Yoon Young-hwa
- Lee Kyoung-young as Cha Dae-eun
- Jeon Hye-jin as Park Jung-min
- Kim So-jin as Lee Ji-soo
- Lim Hyun-sung as newsroom monitor engineer
Reception and Festivals
The Terror Live held its world premiere on July 26, 2013, at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, where it served as the closing film. It was subsequently screened at various international events, including the Udine Far East Film Festival and the New York Asian Film Festival. Director Kim Byung-woo received the Best New Director award at the 34th Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2013.