National Security (2012)
A devastating true-story drama about a democracy activist's 22-day ordeal of torture under South Korea's military dictatorship.
National Security - Movie Information
- Original Title: 남영동1985
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Chung Ji-young
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 22, 2012 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Namyeong-dong 1985 (KR), Национальная безопаснoсть (RU)
- Production Companies: Atnine Film, Aura Pictures, Cinus Entertainment
- Production Countries: South Korea
National Security - Plot
On September 4, 1984, democracy movement leader Kim Jong Tae is arrested and taken to an infamous interrogation facility in Namyeong-dong. For the next 22 days, he would be cruelly and continuously tortured in all manners by interrogators intent on forcing him to confess to communist collaboration.
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National Security - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Chung Ji-young
Main Cast
- Park Won-sang
- Lee Kyung-young
- Dong Bang-woo
- Kim Eui-sung
- Seo Dong-soo
- Kim Joong-ki
- Lee Chun-hee
- Moon Sung-keun
- Woo Hee-jin
- Bae Yong-geun
Writers
- Chung Ji-young
- Jeong Sang-hyeop
Producers
- Kim Ji-yeon
National Security - FAQs
Is National Security based on a true story?
Yes, National Security is directly based on the real-life ordeal of Kim Geun-tae, a prominent South Korean democracy activist who was arrested in 1985 and subjected to brutal torture at the Namyeong-dong interrogation facility by agents of the authoritarian Chun Doo-hwan regime. His testimony later became a landmark account of state-sanctioned abuse.
What is National Security about?
National Security follows Kim Jong-tae, a democracy movement leader arrested in 1984 and taken to a notorious interrogation center in Namyeong-dong, Seoul. Over 22 harrowing days, he endures relentless torture by agents determined to extract a confession of communist collaboration — a searing portrait of state terror and human endurance.
Who are the main actors in National Security?
Park Won-sang leads the film as Kim Jong-tae, the democracy activist at the center of the story. Lee Kyung-young delivers a chilling performance as chief interrogator Lee Doo-han. The supporting cast includes Dong Bang-woo, Kim Eui-sung, Moon Sung-keun, and Woo Hee-jin, among others.
What happened at the Namyeong-dong facility?
The Namyeong-dong Anti-Communist Investigation Bureau in Seoul was a secret facility operated by South Korea's security services during the military dictatorship era. Detainees were held in isolation and subjected to systematic physical and psychological torture. The facility became a symbol of state repression during the pro-democracy struggle of the 1980s.
Who directed National Security?
National Security was directed by Chung Ji-young, a South Korean filmmaker known for tackling politically charged and socially conscious subjects. Chung also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Jeong Sang-hyeop, grounding the film in meticulous historical research and survivor testimony.
When was National Security released?
National Security was released in South Korea on November 22, 2012, with a 15 age certificate. The film drew significant attention domestically for its unflinching portrayal of political torture during the authoritarian period of South Korean history.
How long is National Security?
National Security runs for 106 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes. The film maintains an intense, claustrophobic focus throughout its runtime, largely set within the confines of the interrogation facility, which amplifies the psychological weight of the story.
What are similar films to National Security?
If National Security resonated with you, consider watching 1987: When the Day Comes (2017), which covers the same era of South Korean democratic struggle, or Catch a Fire (2006) and V for Vendetta (2006) for similarly themed stories of resistance against oppressive regimes. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) also explores endurance under institutional cruelty.
More About National Security
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