The documentary film 'Independence Army: The Unfinished War' (directed by Moon Seung-wook, narrated by Jo Jin-woong, produced by the Independence Army Production Committee, General Hong Beom-do Memorial Association, Blue Film Works, and Jenny Film, and supported by the Korea Liberation Association and distributed by Blue Film Works) successfully completed the VIP screening for its premiere.
The VIP screening of 'Independence Army: The Unfinished War', which took place on the 13th at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, was a great success. 'Independence Army: The Unfinished War' is a documentary film that covers the history of Korea's independence war, centered around General Hong Beom-do's life.
The VIP screening, conducted with great enthusiasm, was attended by key figures who poured their efforts into completing the film, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, Korea Liberation Association President Lee Jong-chan, National Assembly Member Park Hong-keun, and actors Jo Jin-woong and Lee Gwi-woo, as well as director Moon Seung-wook.
First, National Assembly Member Park Hong-keun, chairman of the General Hong Beom-do Memorial Association, said, "This is a film we prepared for the 80th anniversary of liberation. Until the Battle of Bongoh-dong and the repatriation of remains, we did not know much about Hong Beom-do, and as the statue was removed, public interest increased. If there is an independence hero in Korea that is most fitting for the 80th anniversary of liberation, I would certainly like to say it is General Hong Beom-do. This film asks where the identity of the Republic of Korea's military comes from," and added, "From the Speaker on down to actor Jo Jin-woong, I hope this film, to which everyone poured their heart and soul, is known to more citizens and serves as an opportunity to awaken pride as citizens of the Republic of Korea and awareness of history."
Woo Won-sik, who served as the second chairperson of the General Hong Beom-do Memorial Association and is a descendant of independence activist Kim Han, stated, "Where are the roots of our military? Are they composed of pro-Japanese elements, or should we find the legitimacy of our military from the countless unnamed independence soldiers who fell silently while leading our independence war begun by the independence army and the Korean Liberation Army? This is the starting point of the film. I wanted to create this film so our citizens could feel once again where the roots of our military legitimacy lie," expressing gratitude to the audience and sharing the reasons for producing the film.
Lee Jong-chan, the chairman of the Korea Liberation Association and the first chairperson of the General Hong Beom-do Memorial Association, a descendant of independence activist Lee Hwai-young, remarked, "The two most important battles in our independence war are Bongoh-dong and Cheongsan-ri. We fought the Japanese army's regular forces just twice—at Bongoh-dong and Cheongsan-ri—and General Hong Beom-do is a hero of our time, as he was victorious in both battles. I emphasize to all of you watching this film that he is indeed the root of our military," delivering the film's message clearly and profoundly.
Finally, actor Jo Jin-woong noted, "I don't think words are necessary. Let's not forget; let's remember. Beyond that, let's live proudly on this land. I hope it serves as an opportunity for that. Thank you to everyone who joined us today," sincerely expressing gratitude to the audience present, adding warmth to the event. In particular, after the final remarks, he took photos with the audience, and they ended on a cheerful note, shouting "Ariari," a traditional Korean word for encouragement.
The documentary film 'Independence Army: The Unfinished War,' which has received remarkable attention even before its release, premiered on August 13 and is currently meeting audiences nationwide in theaters.
[Photo] Blue Film Works
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