On October 26, 1979, Defense Security Commander Jeon Du-gwang (Hwang Jung-min), who became the head of the Joint Investigation Headquarters, stages a military coup on December 12 to seize power by suddenly arresting Chief of Staff Jeong. The coup is met with resistance from Major General Lee Tae-sin (Jung Woo-sung), commander of the Capital Defense Command, leading to a tense 9-hour standoff. No film has detailed the night of the December 12th military coup with such precision as 12.12: The Day by director Kim Sung-soo. Despite the risks of highlighting the bitter memory of what is often termed a ‘successful coup’, 12.12: The Day boldly confronts this difficult subject. Returning after seven years since Asura: The City of Madness (2016), director Kim Sung-soo masterfully recreates this painful chapter of history with a tightly woven plot, fast-paced editing, a balanced yet impassioned perspective, and outstanding performances of the actors. (SONG Kyung-won)