# Hero (2022 South Korean film)

Hero (Korean: 영웅; Hanja: 英雄; RR: Yeong-ung) is a 2022 South Korean historical musical drama film directed by Yoon Je-kyoon, starring Jung Sung-hwa, Kim Go-eun, and Na Moon-hee. Based on the stage musical of the same name [ko], the film follows the true story of An Jung-geun, a Korean-independence activist who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan and Resident-General of Korea in 1909. It was released theatrically on December 21, 2022.

## Plot

Leaving his mother, Jo Maria [ko], and his family behind, An Jung-geun, the leader of the Korean righteous army, departs his hometown.
Together with his comrades, An strengthens his resolve for national independence by forming the Danji Alliance, an oath sealed by severing the fourth finger. Sworn in blood, he vows to assassinate Itō Hirobumi, the mastermind behind Japan’s invasion of Joseon, within three years or take his own life if he fails.
To fulfill his promise, Ahn Jung-geun travels to Vladivostok. Alongside his longtime ally Woo Deok-soon, sharpshooter Cho Do-seon, the youngest member of the independence army Yoo Dong-ha, and comrade Ma Jin-joo, who cares for the troops, he begins preparations for the mission.
Meanwhile, Seol-hee, an intelligence operative of the independence army, conceals her identity and infiltrates Itō Hirobumi’s circle. Risking her life to gather information deep in enemy territory, she urgently relays a top-secret report that Hirobumi will soon visit Harbin for a meeting with Russia.
Finally, on October 26, 1909, the day An Jung-geun has been awaiting arrives. At Harbin Station, he unhesitatingly pulls the trigger on Itō Hirobumi upon his arrival. Captured at the scene, An Jung-geun faces trial not as a prisoner of war but as a criminal under Japanese law, not Joseon's.

## Cast

* Jung Sung-hwa as An Jung-geun
* Kim Go-eun as Seol-hee
* Na Moon-hee as Cho Maria
* Jo Jae-yoon as Woo Deok-soon
* Bae Jung-nam as Cho Do-seon
* Lee Hyun-woo as Yoo Dong-ha
* Park Jin-joo as Ma Jin-joo
* Jo Woo-jin as Ma Do-sik
* Lee Il-hwa as Empress Myeongseong
* Kim Seung-rak as Ito Hirobumi
* Jang Young-nam as Lady Kim Ah-ryeo
* Kim Joong-hee as Wada
* Nojima Naoto as Chiba (Japanese-Korean interpreter & prison guard)

## Production

Principal photography began on September 10, 2019, with South Korea and Latvia as the main shooting location. The filming wrapped on December 15, 2019.

## Release

The first poster and teaser trailer debuted on March 26, 2020. It was slated to release theatrically in July 2020, but due to COVID-19 Pandemic its release was delayed.

## Philanthropy

On December 15, 2022, Film Hero donated 8.15 million won to 815 Run to renovate the homes of the children of freedom fighters.

## Accolades

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination :
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result |
| Buil Film Awards | 2023 | Best Cinematography | Cho Sang-yoon | Nominated |
| Buil Film Awards | 2023 | Best Music | Hwang Sang-jun | Nominated |
| Director's Cut Awards | 2023 | Best Director in film | Yoon Je-kyoon | Nominated |
| Director's Cut Awards | 2023 | Best Actor in film | Jung Sung-hwa | Nominated |
| Director's Cut Awards | 2023 | Best Actress in film | Kim Go-eun | Nominated |
| Director's Cut Awards | 2023 | Best New Actress in film | Park Jin-joo | Nominated |
| Golden Cinema Awards | 2023 | Best Cinematography | Cho Sang-yoon | Silver |
| Grand Bell Awards | 2023 | Best Supporting Actress | Na Moon-hee | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | 2023 | Best Music | Hwang Sang-jun | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | 2023 | Best Sound | Park Ju-kang | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | 2023 | Best Costume Design | Shim Hyun-seob | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | 2023 | Best Editing | Lee Seon-min | Nominated |
| Grand Bell Awards | 2023 | Public Attention Award | Jung Sung-hwa | Won |
| Marie Claire Asia Star Awards | 2023 | Marie Claire Award | Kim Go-eun | Won |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | 2023 | Best Music | Hwang Sang-jun | Nominated |