Hero (Korean: 영웅; RR: Yeongung) is a 2022 South Korean historical musical drama film directed by Yoon Je-kyoon, starring Jung Sung-hwa, Kim Go-eun, and Na Moon-hee. Based on the stage musical of the same name, the film follows the true story of An Jung-geun, a Korean-independence activist who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan and Resident-General of Korea in 1909. It was released theatrically on December 21, 2022.
Contents
Plot
Leaving his mother, Jo Maria, and his family behind, An Jung-geun, the leader of the Korean righteous army, departs his hometown.
Together with his comrades, An strengthens his resolve for national independence by forming the Danji Alliance, an oath sealed by severing the fourth finger. Sworn in blood, he vows to assassinate Itō Hirobumi, the mastermind behind Japan's invasion of Joseon, within three years or take his own life if he fails.
To fulfill his promise, Ahn Jung-geun travels to Vladivostok. Alongside his longtime ally Woo Deok-soon, sharpshooter Cho Do-seon, the youngest member of the independence army Yoo Dong-ha, and comrade Ma Jin-joo, who cares for the troops, he begins preparations for the mission.
Meanwhile, Seol-hee, an intelligence operative of the independence army, conceals her identity and infiltrates Itō Hirobumi's circle. Risking her life to gather information deep in enemy territory, she urgently relays a top-secret report that Hirobumi will soon visit Harbin for a meeting with Russia.
Finally, on October 26, 1909, the day An Jung-geun has been awaiting arrives. At Harbin Station, he unhesitatingly pulls the trigger on Itō Hirobumi upon his arrival. Captured at the scene, An Jung-geun faces trial not as a prisoner of war but as a criminal under Japanese law, not Joseon's.
Cast
Jung Sung-hwa as An Jung-geun
Kim Go-eun as Seol-hee
Na Moon-hee as Cho Maria
Jo Jae-yoon as Woo Deok-soon
Bae Jung-nam as Cho Do-seon
Lee Hyun-woo as Yoo Dong-ha
Park Jin-joo as Ma Jin-joo
Jo Woo-jin as Ma Do-sik
Lee Il-hwa as Empress Myeongseong
Kim Seung-rak as Ito Hirobumi
Jang Young-nam as Lady Kim Ah-ryeo
Kim Joong-hee as Wada
Nojima Naoto as Chiba (Japanese-Korean interpreter & prison guard)
Production
Principal photography began on September 10, 2019, with South Korea and Latvia as the main shooting location. The filming wrapped on December 15, 2019.
Release
The first poster and teaser trailer debuted on March 26, 2020. It was slated to release theatrically in July 2020, but due to COVID-19 pandemic its release was delayed.
Philanthropy
On December 15, 2022, Film Hero donated 8.15 million won to 815 Run to renovate the homes of the children of freedom fighters.