Environmental Journalist Nam Jun-ki, What is the Current Status of the Restoration Issue of Mount Gariwang at the Moment the Bell Rings?

The documentary film 〈At the Moment the Bell Rings〉, which won the Grand Prize in the Korean Competition section at the 22nd Seoul International Environmental Film Festival, is generating increasing anticipation as it achieves its crowdfunding project on Tumblbug ahead of the Winter Olympics to be held early next year, and the 30-second teaser is making headlines. It has exceeded 128% of its crowdfunding goal on Tumblbug, and with the enthusiastic support of its backers, the 30-second teaser has been released.

The released 30-second teaser leaves a strong impression. It begins with the forest of Mount Gariwang, which boasts a millennium of forest genetic resources, but the following narration delivers a heavy message. Nam Jun-ki, a journalist working on the restoration of the Mount Gariwang ecosystem, states, "There was a social agreement to restore it to its original forest, which is why this construction is happening. But that agreement is not being honored," emphasizing that the controversy surrounding Mount Gariwang goes beyond local interests and is a national responsibility. The video then shows construction sites with excavators and trees that have been cut down, leaving only their shapes. Over this, the phrase "The Last Story of the Forest That No One Heard" overlays, reminding viewers that the restoration of Mount Gariwang is an ongoing issue. The film aims to convey a heartfelt message that goes beyond mere denunciation, prompting reflection on the future of the environment and local communities.

Meanwhile, 〈At the Moment the Bell Rings〉 received enthusiastic support from backers, recording an achievement rate that far exceeded 100% of the target amount in the Tumblbug sponsorship project that ran for about a month starting September 26. Even before its release, 〈At the Moment the Bell Rings〉 has garnered heated responses and is highly anticipated as it heads to theaters nationwide on November 12, ahead of the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.