‘Independence Army: The Unfinished War’ Actor Jo Jin-woong, Speaker Woo Won-sik, and Others Gather Together

On October 27, 2025, after completing the theatrical screening journey of the documentary film 〈Independence Army: The Unfinished War〉, Speaker Woo Won-sik, Chairman Lee Jong-chan of the Korean Liberation Association, Member of the National Assembly Park Hong-geun (Chairman of the General Hong Beom-do Memorial Project Association), Ambassador Nurgali Arstanov of Kazakhstan, Actor Jo Jin-woong, Director Moon Seung-wook, film producers, cast members, theater officials, sponsors, the Korean Liberation Association, the General Hong Beom-do Memorial Project Association, and the Korean Association of Koreans gathered in one place. During this event, the significance and process of the film's production, as well as behind-the-scenes stories, were shared.

(1) Background of the Film's Birth: A Record to Establish the Identity of the National Army

The production of this film originated from the controversy surrounding the relocation of General Hong Beom-do's bust at the Army Academy. At that time, the General Hong Beom-do Memorial Project Association was seeking ways to correct historical distortions and establish the roots and identity of the National Army while promoting amendments to the National Army Organization Act. At this time, Director Moon Seung-wook proposed a documentary centered on the life of General Hong Beom-do, and as the memorial project association's goals aligned, the production of 〈Independence Army: The Unfinished War〉 officially began. Then, on December 3, 2024, the illegal martial law incident occurred, making this film a practical and timely work that questions “What values should our military stand on?”

(2) From the Independence Army to the National Army, Continuing the Historical Lineage

Participants unanimously stated that 〈Independence Army: The Unfinished War〉 not only highlights the life of one hero, General Hong Beom-do, but also sheds light on the history of countless independence fighters who fought without names, reminding us of the roots of our military. They also agreed that, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution of 1948 and the Constitution of 1987, the starting point of our military should be legally clarified as the Independence Army and the Korean Liberation Army. Chairman Park Hong-geun emphasized, “This film is a symbolic record showing where the legitimacy of our National Army originates,” and stated, “Now, we will work with the Korean Liberation Association to promote the legalization of the legitimacy of the National Army, creating an opportunity for our military to become the military of the people.”

(3) New Developments: The Spirit of the Independence Army Leading to Educational Settings

The General Hong Beom-do Memorial Project Association announced that it will re-edit this work into a 60-minute version to be screened in military units and schools. Through this, the history of the independence war will be vividly conveyed to the younger generation and soldiers, and it will develop into an educational platform that connects the sacrifices and spirit of the independence fighters to the spirit of today’s National Army. This dialogue marked the moment when the theatrical screening of 〈Independence Army: The Unfinished War〉 concluded, and it signified a new starting line to legally establish the legitimacy of the National Army, which connects to the Independence Army and the Korean Liberation Army. The film will now remain as the practical first step in the historical legalization of establishing the roots and identity of the Republic of Korea's military beyond the screen.