SEOUL — "The Land of Happiness," a new political drama directed by Choo Chang-min, aims to explore the lesser-known narratives sandwiched between two major historical events in South Korea: the assassination of President Park Chung-hee in October 1979 and the subsequent military coup by Army Gen. Chun Doo-hwan in December of the same year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, who spoke at a press event in Seoul on Monday, the film delves into the obscured human stories and judicial trials that occurred between these well-documented incidents. His previous works, including the historical drama "Masquerade" (2012) and the thriller "Seven Years of Night" (2018), have also focused on significant historical or dramatic reconstructions. "The Land of Happiness" draws inspiration from real events and people, centering on Army Col. Park Tae-joo, whose life becomes intertwined with the national crisis following the assassination.
The film portrays Park Tae-joo, acted by the late Lee Sun-kyun, as a man of high moral and professional integrity, who is drawn into the historical turmoil under complex circumstances. His lawyer, Jung In-hoo, played by Cho Jung-seok, is a fictional character designed to represent the struggle for justice in a politically charged trial. Cho's portrayal aims to connect with the audience, serving as a proxy for viewers to engage with the unfolding drama.
"The Land of Happiness" also attempts to stay true to historical accuracy, with many scenes and dialogues derived from courtroom records and documentaries. Director Choo emphasized his commitment to maintaining a balanced perspective throughout the film, avoiding partisan interpretations of the events depicted. The title reflects a hopeful vision for South Korea, suggesting that learning from past mistakes could help forge a brighter future.
The film is scheduled for release on August 14, inviting audiences to revisit and reflect on a pivotal yet underexamined period in South Korean history.