The documentary film ‘The Beginning of Victory,’ which portrays the life of General Paik Sun-yup (1920-2020), a hero of the Korean War, continues its theatrical run for the seventh month.

This film, meticulously crafted by director Kwon Soon-do over 22 years since 2003, faced challenges at every stage, from its production to its theatrical release.

The organization that contracted to co-produce the film provided only about 30% of the promised payment by the time of completion, presenting a significant hurdle for director Kwon.

After overcoming difficulties and barely completing the work, multiplex cinemas proved unreceptive to the film. Although it successfully opened nationwide, most screenings were scheduled for early morning or late-night slots.

The film, released during the Korean War period, was pulled from most theaters nationwide within ten days.

Then, a miracle happened. Park Yoon-ok, representative of Jaminryeon in Busan, stepped forward saying, "We cannot stand by and watch a film that the entire nation should see be buried like this. I will ensure Busan citizens can watch it in theaters, even if I have to fund it myself." This led to the film being continuously screened at CGV for several months through group viewings.

During this time, the film received a special award at the IIFF (Incheon International Folk Film Festival) and was recognized as an ‘art film’ by the Film Promotion Committee, a national institution.

The film has followed a unique path in many ways, distinguishing itself from typical movies. Usually, a film screening at the National Assembly is hosted by a single lawmaker.

However, ‘The Beginning of Victory’ was co-hosted by lawmakers Sung Il-jong, Na Kyung-won, Park Deuk-heum, and Im Jong-deuk, with additional support from lawmaker Yoo Yeon-won. Five lawmakers united their efforts for a single film.

The high proportion of foreign audience members is also noteworthy. The film was produced in a style that makes it seem as if it were made by an American, rather than a Korean. Perhaps because of this, many foreigners have shown interest and attended screenings.

Common feedback after watching the film has been, "Through the life of General Paik Sun-yup, who lived to be 100, I gained a deeper understanding of Korea's modern and contemporary history and the Korean War."

The nationalities of the foreign viewers are diverse. Audiences from countries such as the United States, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, France, Turkey, Colombia, and Ukraine have attended after hearing about it through word-of-mouth.

Among these foreign viewers are numerous prominent figures. Tim Peters, an American who has watched the film three times in theaters and at the National Assembly, is a very well-known defector and North Korean human rights activist who was once featured on the cover of TIME magazine.

Despite watching the film multiple times, he was moved to tears at each viewing. In an interview, he expressed his wish, "I hope the younger generation of Koreans will emulate and carry on the courage of General Paik Sun-yup."

Caroline Daik from Colombia, the wife of the current mayor of Bogotá, Colombia's capital, also shared her thoughts. She is also a law professor at a prestigious Colombian university. After watching the film, she stated, "I felt a sense of awe at the voluntary participation of the veterans who stepped forward in moments of crisis, especially the young student soldiers."

Sam Walker, the grandson of General Walton Walker, a hero of the Korean War, met with director Kwon Soon-do and revealed, "General Walker and General Paik Sun-yup had a father-son-like relationship. General Walker trusted General Paik immensely, which led him to deploy General Paik to the forefront of the Nakdong River defense line."

Sam Walker (left), grandson of Korean War hero General Walton Walker, and director Kwon Soon-do. ⒸHanmiilbo

Director Kwon, the creator of the film, emphasized, "This film is not intended to deify General Paik Sun-yup as an individual. It is a film that informs us about what would happen if our country were taken by the enemy, who defended Korea, and why we must defend the Republic of Korea."

Currently, the film ‘The Beginning of Victory’ is not being screened regularly. However, the Film Forum theater in Sinchon, Seoul, will schedule screenings if a group of 20 or more people requests a group viewing.

If a sufficient number of people wish for a group screening, it is also possible to show the film in most theaters or churches nationwide.

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