1987: When the Day Comes (2017)
A searing South Korean historical thriller about the ordinary people who risked everything to expose state torture and ignite a democratic revolution.
1987: When the Day Comes - Movie Information
- Original Title: 1987
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Jang Joon-hwan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History, Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 27, 2017 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 1987：黎明到來的那一天 (TW), 일구팔칠 (KR), 1987：逆权公民 (CN), 1987、ある闘いの真実 (JP), 1987: Cuando llega el día (ES), 1987：逆權公民 (HK)
- Production Companies: CJ Entertainment, Woojeong Film
- Production Countries: South Korea
1987: When the Day Comes - Plot
In January 1987, a 22-year-old college student dies during a police interrogation. Under the orders of Director Park, the police request the body to be cremated in order to destroy evidence. Public Prosecutor Choi, who was on duty on the day of the incident, denies the request and calls for an autopsy. The police maintain the lie that the death was a simple accident, resulting from shock. The autopsy results, however, point to torture as the cause of death. Yoon, a journalist following the case, reports that the death was a result of asphyxiation during torture. Director Park attempts to conceal the truth by ending the case, arresting two detectives including inspector Cho. While in prison, inspector Cho reveals the truth to prison guard Han Byung-yong, who embarks on a dangerous mission to relay the information to an opposition politician through his niece, Yeon-hee.
1987: When the Day Comes - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of 1987 unfold on screen:
The truth must be told.
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1987: When the Day Comes - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jang Joon-hwan
Main Cast
- Kim Yun-seok
- Ha Jung-woo
- Yoo Hai-jin
- Kim Tae-ri
- Park Hee-soon
- Lee Hee-jun
- Sul Kyung-gu
- Yeo Jin-goo
- Gang Dong-won
- Moon Sung-keun
Writers
- Kim Kyung-chan
Producers
- Jang Young-hwan
- Jeong Won-chan
1987: When the Day Comes - FAQs
What is 1987: When the Day Comes about?
1987: When the Day Comes follows the chain of ordinary people — prosecutors, journalists, prison guards, and students — who risked everything to expose the truth after a 22-year-old student died under torture during a police interrogation in South Korea. It's a powerful portrait of how a nation found its courage to demand democracy.
Is 1987: When the Day Comes based on a true story?
Yes, the film is rooted in real historical events. It dramatizes the death of student activist Park Jong-chul in January 1987 and the subsequent cover-up attempt by the authoritarian government. The public outrage that followed became a catalyst for South Korea's June Democratic Uprising and the eventual transition to democracy.
Where can you stream 1987: When the Day Comes?
You can watch 1987: When the Day Comes on Rakuten Viki with a subscription, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It's also available to stream with ads on The Roku Channel.
Does 1987: When the Day Comes have a happy ending?
The film ends on a bittersweet but ultimately hopeful note. While the personal sacrifices depicted are deeply moving and some characters pay a heavy price, the story culminates in the real-world triumph of the June Democratic Uprising of 1987, which forced South Korea's military government to accept democratic elections.
Who are the main actors in 1987: When the Day Comes?
The film boasts a remarkable ensemble cast. Kim Yun-seok plays the ruthless police director, Ha Jung-woo is the principled prosecutor, Yoo Hai-jin portrays the prison guard at the moral heart of the story, and Kim Tae-ri shines as his niece Yeon-hee. Gang Dong-won and Sul Kyung-gu also deliver standout performances.
Is 1987: When the Day Comes worth watching?
Absolutely. Critics praised it as one of the finest South Korean films of its decade, and it became a massive domestic box office hit. The film masterfully weaves together multiple storylines into a tense, emotionally resonant thriller that works both as gripping cinema and as an important historical document.
Did 1987: When the Day Comes win any awards?
Yes, the film was a major awards contender in South Korea. It swept multiple categories at the Grand Bell Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Jang Joon-hwan. It was also selected as South Korea's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Why does 1987: When the Day Comes follow so many characters?
Director Jang Joon-hwan deliberately structured the film as a relay race of conscience, showing how the truth passed from one ordinary person to the next. Each character represents a different segment of society — law, press, prison, and youth — illustrating that democratic change required collective courage, not a single hero.
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