Director Lee Myeong-se Directs Documentary “Ran 12.3” … Opens Next Month on the 22nd

Director Lee Myeong-se returns with a documentary film tackling the December 3, 2024 martial law declaration emergency. Distributor NEW announced on the 27th that “Ran 12.3”, which captures the tense moments of the martial law declaration emergency, will open nationwide next month on the 22nd.

“Records of Resistance,” captured through the lenses of about 150 citizens

“Ran 12.3” contains vivid on-the-ground accounts from citizens who resisted and opposed the martial law declaration emergency immediately after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration. The production team pieced together tightly structured materials, including videos and photos directly provided by about 150 citizens, records from National Assembly aides who stood guard at the scene, and data collected by reporting journalists, to reconstruct what happened at the time.

A “cinematic documentary” featuring the aesthetics of director Lee Myeong-se

This work is directed by Lee Myeong-se, who has shown a clear sense of visual artistry through works such as “There’s No Room for Pleading,” “Detective Duelist,” and “M.” He boldly left out narration and interviews that are common in typical documentary formats. Instead, the film adopted the “cinematic documentary” style—placing music at the center of the drama and creating a flow like that of a live-action feature—so viewers can fully feel the tension of the time.

A project completed by the power of 15,000 citizens

Citizen participation was remarkable throughout the production process. In December of last year, during the 1 billion won-scale crowdfunding campaign to cover post-production costs, more than 15,000 citizens took part and reached the goal ahead of schedule. “Ran 12.3” is even more meaningful in that it embodies “collective intelligence,” where citizens’ voluntary efforts became the driving force from the planning stage all the way to completion.

“Ran 12.3,” transforming a historic moment into art

The film title, “Ran (亂),” carries a double meaning, referring to the chaotic situation at the time and the spirit of resistance that emerged within it. Attention is focused on how the December 3 martial law declaration emergency—a turning point in modern Korean history—was artistically recorded through a director’s eye.

“Ran 12.3” will open next month on the 22nd and meet audiences.