The Struggle for Democracy on Screen: A Series of Korean Dramas and Films Depicting Demonstrations & Political Change

Snowdrop (2021-2022). Set against the backdrop of 1987, this drama tells the story of a man found bleeding in a women's dormitory at Hosoo Women's University. The main character, Su Ho, played by Jung Hae In, is a secret agent in disguise caught in the political turmoil and student demonstrations.

Youth of May (2021). This drama is set in May 1980, during the crisis and uprising in Gwangju. The story follows the lives of young people involved in this historical event. Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee are a young couple fighting for their love amidst the chaos of political and social turmoil.

Sandglass (1995). This classic drama tells the story of the friendship between two men from different backgrounds who find themselves on opposite sides during the pro-democracy demonstrations in South Korea in the 1980s. The drama became very famous for its realistic portrayal of those difficult times.

A film that recounts the events of the demonstration in Gwangju in 1980 and the role of a taxi driver in documenting those events. With a unique perspective, A Taxi Driver showcases how an ordinary individual can play a significant role in history. The film not only depicts historical events but also highlights the courage and dedication of individuals in preserving the truth.

This political thriller film is set in South Korea in 1987, during a time when the country was still under military dictatorship. It tells the story of massive demonstrations that erupted across South Korea demanding elections. 1987: When the Days Comes showcases the brave struggle of the people against unjust authorities. The film not only depicts historical events but also highlights the courage and dedication of individuals in fighting for democratic rights.

A film based on the massacre of the pro-democracy movement in Gwangju on May 18, 1980. The events occurred when General Chun Doo-hwan attempted to eradicate demonstrators using military force. May 18 portrays the tragic events that had a significant impact on the history of democracy in South Korea. The film emphasizes how authoritarian power can destroy the lives of the people and how the struggle for democracy can continue.  

A film that tells the story of Kim Gang-Il, a parachutist sent to Gwangju to suppress the Gwangju Democratic Movement in May 1980. After being discharged from the military, Kim Gang-Il works as an excavator driver and discovers a skull in the ground, which then leads him to seek the truth behind the Gwangju Uprising that has been hidden for the last 20 years. Excavator showcases how an individual's struggle can transform into a quest for truth and justice.

A film that narrates the story of five ordinary people who unite to kill those responsible for the massacre of civilians in Gwangju in May 1980. With a very tragic background, 26 Years illustrates how individual struggles can evolve into a collective fight for justice. The film highlights how past trauma can motivate individuals to continue fighting.