The late Lee Sun-kyun portrays “Park Heung-joo” in the film, a characterization of Colonel Park Heung-joo, who served as secretary to CIA Director Kim Jae-kyu during the October 26 Incident.
This is the true visage of Army Colonel Park Heung-ju, who was executed for his involvement in the October 26 Incident. Kyunghyang News archive photo
Colonel Park Heung-ju was an assistant to Kim Jae-gyu, the CIA Director who shot and killed President Park Chung-hee on October 26, 1979. Despite being a close advisor to the CIA director and possessing significant power, he was known for his integrity and honesty. Trial records indicate that he lived in a stone house in the mountainous area of Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, with total assets amounting to 4 million won. As the only military figure involved in the October 26 incident, he was tried once by a military court. After 16 days of proceedings, he was sentenced to death and executed by firing squad on March 6 of the following year.
The film, set to be released on the 14th, examines the life of Park Heung-ju, who was overshadowed by Kim Jae-kyu, through the lens of his actual trial. Director Choo Chang-min, who gained fame as a “millionaire director,” helms the project. Actor Cho Jung-seok plays the lawyer, Lee Sun-kyun portrays Colonel Park Heung-ju, and Yoo Jae-myung assumes the role of Army Major General Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power during the December 12 military uprising. The character “Jung In-ho,” representing the defense lawyer, is fictional, while the names of Park Heung-ju and Chun Doo-hwan are altered to “Park Tae-ju” and “Cheon Sang-du,” respectively.
In an interview with reporters on the 8th, Director Choo Chang-min stated, “I aimed to portray the ‘barbaric era’ rather than focusing solely on the 10/26 incident or Colonel Park Heung-ju himself.” He added, “Jeon Sang-doo symbolizes the brutality of the powerful, Jung In-ho embodies the civic spirit opposing power, and Park Tae-ju represents the sacrifices made by the people. However, the film should not solely concentrate on Park Heung-ju’s character. It is an exaggeration to claim that over 95% of Park Heung-ju’s actions and trial described in the film are based on real data.”
The film offers a unique courtroom drama. Typically, courtroom films generate intense drama and suspense while championing the defendant’s innocence. However, there is no attempt to heroize or justify Colonel Park Heung-ju in this narrative. The film neither portrays Colonel Park as innocent nor asserts that his actions were a “democratic act.” Park Tae-ju, as depicted in the film, is a character with complex inner conflicts, making him difficult to comprehend. A distinct “distance” between Director Choo Chang-min and Colonel Park Heung-ju is palpable, as he appears to consciously avoid emotionally persuading the audience.
Director Choo remarked, “There remain ongoing questions regarding the appropriateness of Colonel Park Heung-joo’s actions during the October 26 incident, and I am unable to narrate a story of which I lack knowledge. For this work to genuinely connect with the audience, the trial scenes need to be presented impartially. I believe there is no absolute good or evil in the world, only a spectrum between 49 and 51. Nonetheless, Colonel Park was indeed a significant figure. I refuse to distort his life.”
In the movie, Jo Jung-seok portrays Jung In-ho, a key member of the defense team that aids Colonel Park Heung-ju who was implicated in the October 26 incident.
Actor Yoo Jae-myung portrays Chun Doo-hwan, a dominant character who came to power during the December 12 military uprising in the film.
The project faced significant challenges in its development. In 2011, the production company finalized the script and began casting actors. However, after the rise of the Park Geun-hye administration in 2012, production was halted due to political pressure. Subsequently, the production company executives became independent and established new companies, “Papas Film” and “Oscar 10 Studio,” to promote the film’s production once more. Notably, filming for the live-action movie had been completed prior to last year’s box office hit, but it was put on hold entirely following Lee Sun-kyun’s suicide.
After the incident involving Lee Sun-kyun, Director Joo confessed, “I felt powerless for a while. When I resumed work, I was struck by thoughts about him. Lines like ‘The living must be saved’ resonated deeply. However, I had no particular intention, so I thought it best to present it to the audience and let them judge.”
Numerous actors feel daunted when participating in films that depict real political events. According to the production company, Cho Jung-seok was highly enthusiastic about the script and successfully convinced his agency, while Lee Sun-kyun expressed, “I want to work with Cho Jung-seok,” leading to his decision to act. Initially, Yoo Jae-myung declined the offer, but later reconsidered, stating, “I’ve been contemplating this scene.” The performances of the three lead actors are remarkable, especially Yoo Jae-myung, who depicted Chun Doo-hwan as a formidable figure. Comparisons with Hwang Jung-min, who played the same character in “The King’s Woman,” are intriguing.
The production team also reached out to the family of Colonel Park Heung-ju through the Seoul High School Alumni Association. The family of the deceased remarked, “Filmmaking is an expression of freedom,” adding that they would not participate. Director Choo chose not to incorporate this letter into the film, but it is noted that Colonel Park Heung-ju had written to his two daughters while in prison, stating, “Isn’t the most critical aspect of our lives the choices we make? If you decide based on your own judgment, you must bear the consequences of that choice. Choose in a way that you will not regret.”
Director Choo Chang-min’s film maintains a “distance” from Colonel Park Heung-ju, refraining from heroizing or justifying him.
Exploring the Film “Happiness Country”: A Deep Dive into Colonel Park Heung-Joo’s Life and Legacy
Colonel Park Heung-Joo: The Man Behind the Legend
In the film “Happiness Country,” the late Lee Sun-kyun portrays Colonel Park Heung-Joo, a significant figure in Korean history associated with the October 26 Incident that led to the death of President Park Chung-hee in 1979. Colonel Park was known for his integrity despite his close association with Kim Jae-kyu, the CIA Director who executed the assassination. Historical records depict Park as an honest figure, living modestly with an asset valuation of approximately 4 million won.
The Historical Context of the October 26 Incident
The October 26 Incident is a pivotal moment in Korean history, marked by political turmoil and the subsequent military uprising in December. Understanding this context is essential to grasp the complexities of Colonel Park’s character as depicted in the film.
Character Analysis and Film Dynamics
The film does not aim to deify Colonel Park Heung-Joo. Instead, it embraces a more nuanced portrayal, urging viewers to reflect on the moral ambiguities surrounding his actions. Director Choo Chang-min emphasizes that the film illustrates the “barbaric era” of Korea rather than glorifying certain historical figures.
Cast and Characters
- Lee Sun-kyun as Colonel Park Heung-Joo
- Cho Jung-seok as Jung In-ho, the defense lawyer
- Yoo Jae-myung as Chun Doo-hwan, the military leader post-incident
The Trial and Its Representation
The courtroom drama unfolds as a crucial backdrop to the film, lending depth to Colonel Park’s complex inner world. Unlike traditional courtroom films that often depict the defendant as a clear hero, “Happiness Country” presents Colonel Park’s trial as a space for moral ambiguity and reflection. His defender, Jung In-ho, becomes a symbol of civic resistance against oppressive forces.
Unique Approach to the Courtroom Genre
This film distills the courtroom dynamics with layered storytelling. There is no instance of clear heroism or victimization, as Director Choo Chang-min intentionally maintains a ‘distance’ from the characters, inviting audiences to probe deeper into the moral foundations of their actions.
Director’s Vision and Artistic Choices
Choo Chang-min’s artistic approach strives for an authentic representation of the historical context rather than embellishing narratives for dramatic effect. The film is rooted in meticulous research, with over 95% of the depicted trial processes based on actual records – a testament to the director’s commitment to verisimilitude.
The Importance of Ethical Storytelling
In interviews, Choo emphasizes the necessity of presenting perspectives without bias. He acknowledges the complexities of human choices and stresses the importance of narratives that do not favor absolute good or evil. His depiction of Colonel Park is neither glorifying nor condemning, allowing for a balanced exploration of a historically complex figure.
Production Journey and Challenges
The making of “Happiness Country” was fraught with challenges, beginning in 2011 with casting and script development. Political pressures stemming from changes in government in 2012 led to significant delays in production. However, the resilience of the production team ultimately led to the film’s completion.
Impact of Real-Life Events on Filming
A tragic component of the film’s production was the untimely passing of actor Lee Sun-kyun, which momentarily halted proceedings. Director Choo reflected on the emotional weight of continuing the project after such a loss, acknowledging the lines in the script that resonated with profound meaning in light of the circumstances.
Public Reception and Actor Performances
Feedback from audiences has celebrated the performances of the main cast, particularly Yoo Jae-myung, whose riveting portrayal of Chun Doo-hwan adds an imposing layer to the film. His character acts as a counterpoint to Colonel Park, challenging viewers to evaluate the intricacies of power dynamics during tumultuous times.
Comparative Analysis with Other Works
| Actor | Role | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Yoo Jae-myung | Chun Doo-hwan | Happiness Country |
| Hwang Jung-min | Chun Doo-hwan | The King’s Woman |
Messages and Morality in ‘Happiness Country’
The film captures a poignant message from Colonel Park Heung-Joo’s life, illustrated in a letter he left for his daughters, emphasizing the significance of personal choice and responsibility. The moral dilemmas represented challenge the audience to consider their judgments against historical figures and the narratives constructed around them.
Film’s Impact on Korean Cinema
“Happiness Country” contributes to the ongoing discourse in Korean cinema surrounding political themes and historical events, pushing boundaries and urging audiences to engage with complex histories in deeper, more thoughtful ways.
