Korean Movie Recommendation: Assassination

Looking for a Korean movie to add to your list? Our guest author from a local high school in Korea introduces one of their favorite classic movies.

About the Movie Assassination

The 2015 blockbuster “Assassination,” directed by Choi Dong-hoon, is not just a suspense filled action movie. While it delivers gripping drama and intense shootouts, it also allows viewers to experience the emotions of Korea during one of its darkest parts.

For foreigners living in Korea, this movie may remind them that learning about a country’s past is one of the best ways to understand the present.

The Director’s Message

Choi wanted to do more than entertain. He aimed to revive the memories of Korean independence activists during the Japanese colonial rule. This film emphasizes that freedom is never free. This is a message that Americans can easily sympathize with throughout the history of the War of Independence. Choi also highlighted the reality of betrayal and showed how many people change sides in difficult times. He wanted the audience to remember not only the story but also the various characters that reflected the complexity of the era.

The Historical Background

The film is set in 1933, during the height of Japanese colonial rule in Korea. Its story unfolds both in Gyeongseong (modern-day Seoul) and in Shanghai, where the Korean provisional government operated.

Gyeongseong, the center of colonial rule, was filled with Koreans struggling with Japan and oppression. Shanghai, on the other hand, served as a refuge and operational base for South Korean activities planning missions abroad.

This dual setup shows that the independence movement has expanded across borders, not limited to one city or country. By showing this historical space on screen, the movie “Assassination” vividly conveys to modern audiences the struggle that shaped Korea today.

Women Breaking Boundaries

One of the film’s most striking aspects is the character of Ahn Ok-yoon, a female sniper who leads key missions. At a time when Korean women were heavily oppressed, Ahn’s courage and leadership demonstrated how women broke through both colonial and gender barriers.

For viewers, her story resonates with universal values of gender equality and female empowerment. It also challenged stereotypes of Korea as purely traditional or conservative. This movie showed that strong women were always present our the nation’s history.

Why It Matters for Foreigners in Korea

For foreigners living in Korea (including military personnel, teachers, or families) watching the movie “Assassination” offers more than entertainment. It provides a lens to understand why Koreans remain deeply connected to their past, especially in their attitudes toward Japan. The film bridges shared values between Korea and the United States: the fight for freedom, the importance of unity, and respect for those who sacrificed. By watching it, foreigners can gain cultural insight, strengthen empathy, and deepen their connection to the community they live in.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Movie

Assassination is a powerful reminder that freedom always comes at a cost. It also redefines the role of women in history, portraying them not as bystanders but as leaders. For foreigners in Korea, the film is both an introduction to the nation’s turbulent past and a chance to reflect on universal struggles. Through cinema, one can appreciate not only the sacrifices of Koreans but also the resilience and spirit that continue to shape the country today.

About the “Shared Voices” Initiative

South of Seoul volunteers collaborate with Korean public schools to provide students meaningful opportunities to expand their English communication experience while sharing their world views with the international community in Korea.

Through guided projects, students in Korean classrooms use digital and creative tools to express themselves in English, building confidence in their communication skills. At the same time, they learn to approach writing with empathy. They participate in guided discussions that consider different perspectives, practicing cultural awareness, and developing a deeper understanding of how their words can connect communities across borders.

It’s important to know that schools in South Korea are becoming increasingly diverse, this includes the students who participate in South of Seoul programs like “Shared Voices.”