The cinematic documentary Ran 12.3, which chronicles the shocking night martial law was declared in 2024, is ready for release.
Ran 12.3 captures the urgent moments of December 3, 2024, when President Yoon Suk Yeol suddenly declared martial law and citizens took to the streets to defend democracy. The film closely tracks what unfolded across South Korea that night, recreating the on-the-ground atmosphere vividly on the big screen.
In particular, the film boldly breaks from conventional documentary formats. Eschewing narration and interviews, it tells the story through music, delivering the tension and immersion of a feature film. By stitching together fragmented records without overt emotional commentary, it offers viewers an experience that feels like stepping directly into the events.
The film is built on exhaustive archiving. It compiles videos and photos from more than 150 citizens, records from over 50 lawmakers' offices and aides, and materials from on-the-ground reporters and YouTubers. Through this, audiences are drawn straight into the heart of December 3.
The production itself was completed with active citizen participation. The resolve of those who stood watch in Yeouido turned into production support, and a crowdfunding campaign held in December 2025 reached 110% of its goal, proving the project's strong public interest.
The first poster further underscores the film's symbolism. The title Ran, inspired by the first character of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's 'Nanjung ilgi: War Diary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin,' carries a powerful message, while the phrase "The record of the night we protected" resonates deeply alongside the sight of citizens filling the plaza in front of the National Assembly.
Director Lee Myung-se's Ran 12.3 opens on April 22.