The Martial Law Crisis Leads to a Reappraisal of the ‘12.12: The Day (Seoul Spring)’ Movie After One Year

Following President Yoon Suk-yeol's sudden declaration of martial law in the middle of the night, which led to the mobilization of the military in a national emergency, the film 12.12: The Day (Seoul Spring), which is based on a similar historical situation, is receiving renewed attention one year after its release.

On the night of December 3, at 10:25 p.m., President Yoon announced in an emergency address, "I declare martial law to protect the constitutional order of freedom." This marks the first martial law declaration in 45 years, since the assassination of President Park Chung-hee by the head of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, Kim Jae-gyu, on October 26, 1979.

Citizens and politicians, shocked by the martial law declaration, have started drawing comparisons to the 1987 democratic transition, with some referring to the current situation as the "2024 version of Seoul's Spring." On X (formerly Twitter), the real-time trending keywords included "Martial Law," "Lifting of Martial Law," "Impeachment of the President," and Seoul's Spring.

Released on November 22 last year, 12.12: The Day (Seoul Spring) is a film that depicts the intense 9-hour struggle to prevent the military coup by the new military regime in Seoul on December 12, 1979. It is the first Korean film to depict the 12/12 military coup in such depth, with a runtime of 141 minutes, earning high praise. The film's portrayal of Jeon Du-gwang (played by Hwang Jung-min), based on former President Chun Doo-hwan, was particularly notable, with Hwang's performance stirring strong emotions and public outrage.

12.12: The Day (Seoul Spring) drew 13.12 million viewers through word of mouth and multiple screenings. It also swept four awards at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards, including the prestigious Best Picture award and Best Actor (Hwang Jung-min).

The new military regime, led by Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, declared martial law and seized power in 1979, later facing charges of rebellion and treason in 1996.

On social media (SNS), users shared photos and videos of helicopters, tanks, and soldiers entering the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the night of the martial law declaration, with comments like "This reminds me of 12.12: The Day (Seoul Spring)" and "The scene looks just like from 12.12: The Day (Seoul Spring)."

Politicians also weighed in on the situation, referencing the film. Kim Kyung-soo, former Governor of Gyeongnam, who was reportedly studying in Germany at the time, posted on Facebook after the martial law declaration, saying, “We must not let the tragedy of 12.12: The Day (Seoul Spring) repeat itself. History cannot be reversed,” using the film to criticize President Yoon. Jo Guk, leader of the Justice and Innovation Party, also commented, stating, "The situation the military regime created in 1980 during 12.12: The Day (Seoul Spring) is being reenacted in the 21st century," calling the martial law declaration unconstitutional and illegal.