The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA), led by Director Jeong Sangwon, has announced the launch of Stories of Korean Liberation in Films, a year-long film screening series commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation. The series will feature six powerful films focusing on the history and culture of the independence movement during the Japanese colonial period, starting on March
13 and continuing through November 19. The first film in the series, A Resistance (2019), will be screened on March 13. This opening film was selected in honor of the March 1st Independence Movement and Women’s History Month. Directed by Cho Min-ho and starring Go Ah-sung and Kim Sae-byuk, the film portrays the year-long struggle of Yoo Gwan-Soon, a young Independence fighter, and other female activists imprisoned after the 1919 March 1st movement.
A Resistance received critical acclaim for its depiction of the courage and solidarity of women who boldly resisted Japanese rule, and it became a major box office success in Korea, attracting 1.15 million viewers. The film delicately captures the emotional life
of Yoo Gwan-Soon, who was only 17 years old at the time of her death, while also portraying her unwavering resistance against Japanese occupation.
On May 14, the series will continue with 1947 Boston (2023), a film based on the true story of legendary Korean marathoner Sohn Kee-chung (played by Ha Jung-woo) and his pupil, Seo Yun-bok (played by Im Si-wan), who took on a fierce challenge in the 1947 Boston Marathon. On June 18, the thrilling story of an assassination unit formed to eliminate pro-Japanese figures in the 1930s will be brought to the screen with Assassination (2015), starring Jeon Ji-hyun and Lee Jung-jae.
On August 20, the series will present The Battle: Roar to Victory (2019), a sweeping epic that portrays the first significant victory of the Korean independence army. On October 8, MAL-MO-E: The Secret Mission (2019), a film about the resistance efforts to preserve the Korean language and create a Korean dictionary during the Japanese occupation, will be screened.
The series will conclude on November 19 with Dongju; The Portrait of A Poet (2016), a film about beloved Korean poet Yun Dong-ju. Dongju beautifully depicts the young poet's inner turmoil and passion for independence, who resisted Japanese rule through his powerful words. Directed by Lee Joon-ik, the film stars Kang Ha-neul and Park Jung-min.
Director Jeong Sangwon of the KCCLA stated, “Stories of Korean Liberation in Films goes beyond simply screening films. It captures important moments in Korea’s anti-colonial struggle and honors the sacrifices and dedication of the independence fighters. We hope that this series, marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, will be a valuable opportunity to reflect on the meaning of independence and the future of our nation.”
All screenings will be held at the KCCLA Ari Hall at 6:30 PM, with advanced reservations available via the KCCLA website (www.kccla.org).
