12.12: The Day

12.12: The Day

Year: 2023

Runtime: 142 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Kim Sung-soo

Echo Score: 85
HistoryActionDramaThrillerCrime

Following the assassination of President Park, martial law is declared in South Korea, triggering a coup d’état led by Defense Security Commander Chun Doo-gwang. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin, a soldier opposed to military intervention in politics, stands against Chun’s actions. As military leaders grapple with the unfolding crisis and the Defense Minister disappears, a power struggle intensifies between the two commanders, leading to unexpected consequences for Seoul and the nation's future.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – 12.12: The Day (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 12.12: The Day (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

December 1979

The events are set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in South Korean history, specifically the night of October 26, 1979, following the assassination of President Park Chung-hee. The story unfolds during the immediate aftermath, focusing on the military coup attempt on December 12. This period was marked by political chaos, military power struggles, and a struggle for control following a sudden political vacuum.

Location

South Korea, Army Headquarters, Seoul

The movie takes place primarily in South Korea, with key scenes set at the Army Headquarters and various strategic locations within Seoul. These places are significant as centers of political and military decision-making during a critical historical period. Seoul, as the capital city, is depicted as a tense hub of military activity and political intrigue.

🌏 Country 🏛️ Military 🏙️ Capital

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:44

Main Characters – 12.12: The Day (2023)

Meet the key characters of 12.12: The Day (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lee Tae-shin (Jung Woo-sung)

A principled and cautious military officer who is reluctantly appointed as commander of the Capital Defense Command. He embodies the struggle to balance duty and morality amid a power vacuum and political chaos. Lee's actions demonstrate loyalty to the country and a desire to prevent unnecessary violence.

🛡️ Loyal ⚖️ Principled 🎯 Dutiful

Chun Doo-gwang (Hwang Jung-min)

A cunning and ambitious military officer who manipulates the investigation into the president’s assassination to seize power. Chun’s character is driven by a desire for dominance, willing to orchestrate a coup and use underhanded tactics to achieve his goals.

🤝 Manipulative 🏛️ Ambitious ⚔️ Ruthless

Jung Sang-ho (Lee Sung-min)

The martial law commander who initially seeks to investigate the assassination impartially. He develops suspicions about Chun’s motives and attempts to curb the coup, representing integrity within the military hierarchy.

🔍 Observant 🕊️ Honest ⚖️ Leader

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:44

Major Themes – 12.12: The Day (2023)

Explore the central themes of 12.12: The Day (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Power Struggle

The movie explores the intense conflict between military factions vying for political control after a sudden leader's death. It highlights themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle to maintain authority in times of crisis. The complex dynamics among military leaders and their ambitions play a central role in the narrative.

⚖️ Legitimacy and Authority

The film examines the question of legitimate power amidst chaos, showcasing how actions are justified or condemned depending on political motives. The characters grapple with morality, legality, and the consequences of their decisions during a coup that reshapes the nation's future.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:44

Unlock the Full Story of 12.12: The Day

Don't stop at just watching — explore 12.12: The Day in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 12.12: The Day is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

12.12: The Day Summary

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12.12: The Day Summary

12.12: The Day Timeline

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12.12: The Day Timeline

12.12: The Day Spoiler-Free Summary

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12.12: The Day Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 12.12: The Day

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12.12: The Day (2023) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

12.12: The Day (2023) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

12.12: The Day (2023) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow