
Dark Beginnings
Documentary
Overview
In December 2024, the 20th President of the Republic of Korea declared emergency martial law. Korean society has once again split into left and right, engaging in extreme hatred and violence. I wanted to explore this sentiment of hatred that is pervasive throughout our society.
Top Cast
Kim Young-sik
Kim Young-sik
Self
Kim Young-sik
Self
Lee Do-gun
Lee Do-gun
Self
Lee Do-gun
Self
Park Soo-nam
Park Soo-nam
Self
Park Soo-nam
Self
Park Ju-hee
Park Ju-hee
Self
Park Ju-hee
Self
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