What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
In 12.12: The Day, a struggle between rival commanders unfolds over one tense night as loyalties shift and control of Seoul hangs in the balance. The 2023 South Korean drama looks back at the military coup of December 12, 1979, set in motion after President Park Chung-hee’s assassination.
What is 12.12: The Day about?
Directed by Kim Sung-soo, the film follows Defense Security Commander Chun Doo-gwang and officers allied with him as they move to seize power. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin resists, while other military leaders weigh their loyalties and the defense minister is absent. The Korean title is 서울의 봄, commonly rendered Seoul-ui Bom or Seoul Spring. The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) lists the film as a 2023 release, rated 12, with a runtime of 141 minutes. KOFIC film record
Is it based on a true story?
Yes. The film dramatizes the real December 12, 1979 coup, a crisis that followed Park Chung-hee’s assassination and the declaration of martial law. Its focus is the contest for control among military leaders during a political vacuum—not simply a clash between individual officers. KOFIC describes the film’s central action as a nine-hour confrontation; that framing identifies the dramatic focus, but does not establish that every scene or timeline choice is a literal reconstruction. KOFIC industry article
Who was Chun Doo-gwang?
Chun Doo-gwang is the film’s name for the coup’s central officer, portrayed as Defense Security Commander and leader of the allied officers. The historical figure behind the character was Chun Doo-hwan. Kim Sung-soo’s film presents the events through the crisis and competing decisions of that night; KOFIC’s synopsis and credits establish the film’s premise, rather than serving as a scene-by-scene historical verification.
#1 Best Overall
- Korean Drama
- English Subtitles
- Region Free
How long is the film?
KOFIC lists a running time of 141 minutes. Apple TV’s South Korean listing gives the duration as 2 hours 22 minutes. Those are the runtimes stated by the respective sources and listings. Apple TV South Korea listing
How widely was it seen?
KOFIC’s film record reports 13,128,587 admissions and a gross of $95,201,267, with both figures current as of September 12, 2026. These are dated KOFIC figures; box-office totals from other snapshots may differ. KOFIC film record
Rank #2
Where can you watch it with English subtitles?
Availability depends on your country, and the listings below do not establish a current streaming option everywhere. Apple TV’s South Korean page lists the film with Korean audio and an English-language listing; check the storefront for your region to see whether it is available there. Apple TV South Korea listing
A South Korean Blu-ray edition is listed as a two-disc, Region A release with Korean and English subtitles. Before buying, confirm that your player supports Region A and that the specific seller’s edition includes the subtitles you want. The listing does not establish current stock or price. Blu-ray.com edition listing
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A Korean Cultural Centre Canada online screening ran from March 20 to 26, 2024, so that event is no longer a viewing option. Korea.net event listing
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the film’s perspective matters
Director Kim Sung-soo has spoken about living near the Army Chief of Staff’s official residence during the coup. That personal proximity informs the film’s vantage point, while the movie remains a dramatization rather than a documentary record. KOFIC also records it as South Korea’s selection for the 97th Academy Awards International Feature Film category. KOFIC director interview · KOFIC selection announcement
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
