Gwanghae
"2012"
#Gwanghae, the man who became king (Movie)
▲ Changdeokgung (source: Korea Heritage Service) / Movie still cut (source: CJ ENM)
"Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King" is a 2012 South Korean film based on Korean history starring Lee Byung-hun, Ryu Long, and Han Joo. The film's director, Choo Chang-min, dramatizes the reign of Gwanghaegun during the Joseon Dynasty.
#Background
The film takes place in the mid-term of the Joseon Dynasty, during the reign of Gwanghaegun (1608-1623). Gwanghaegun was a controversial figure in Joseon history, often regarded as a tragic monarch. Despite his exceptional policy skills, he was ultimately deposed from the throne due to his dictatorial rule and abuse of power. Instead, his cousin Injo took over his throne and became the 16th monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, and this incident was named “Injo-banjung.” The film portrays Joseon as a nation embroiled in intense political conspiracies and competition for sovereignty based on historical context.
▲ Movie Poster (source: CJ ENM)
#Movie Storyline
▲ Movie still cut (source: CJ ENM)
The film is centered around the story of Gwanghaegun, who is threatened by assassins from his political enemies. Gwanghaegun then appoints a commoner named Ha-Sun, who closely resembles him, to impersonate him as king to anticipate the threat of poisoning. At first, Ha-Sun is afraid to impersonate such a noble rank(king), but gradually, he starts to portray the qualities of a "true king" where he cares for his nation and rules it in righteous ways. However, as the risks around his true identity rise, Ha-Sun must choose whether to reveal his identity's secret amid the political conspiracies and power struggles surrounding Joseon. The movie asks the audience, “What does it mean to be a good king?”. The character Ha-Sun, a commoner, shows the heart to bear true leadership and righteousness to people, regardless of how much power he holds. One of the standout lines in the movie, “When the country is in danger, even a lowly commoner can cover as king,” encapsulates the message of this film well. "Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King" drew a huge success at the box office: as audiences were deeply moved and entertained by not only the story, but the superb mix of dramatic fantasy and historical aspects. Lee Byung-heon was also rewarded for his hard work in portraying the dual roles of Ha Sun and Gwanghae; Winning the award for Best Actor at the 49th Daesang (Grand Bell) Awards Film Festival.
#About Gwanghaegun (Joseon's 15th King)
Joseon's 15th king, Gwanghaegun, has been credited with promoting pragmatic diplomatic approaches and implementing reformist policies for his people's benefit, including his neutral diplomacy between the Ming and Hugei dynasties and enforcing the Daedong Law.
▲ Gwanghaegun Picture (source: ilyoseoul article)
However, he was entangled in power struggles from childhood, leading to a plague of political enemies during his reign. These political battles eventually led to Gwanghaegun being expelled by his political opposition under the guise of overthrowing a dictatorial ruler.
▲ Movie still cut (source: CJ ENM)
#About "Changdeokgung"
Changdeokgung, also known as Donggyeol or the East Palace, was built in 1405 (during King Taejong’s fifth year of reign) and was located east of Gyeongbokgung. After Gyeongbokgung was burned down during the Imjin War in 1592, Changdeokgung became the main hub of royal power. It served as the Joseon Dynasty’s law palace (legal center) and housed the majority of its kings.
▲ Changdeokgung (source: Korea Heritage Service)
World Heritage Site: In 1997, Changdeokgung was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site to recognize its unique blend of traditional Korean architecture and natural landscape.
Rather than following a very traditionally strict and symmetrical layout like Gyeongbukgung, Changdeokgung distinguishes itself by having been constructed more organically with the natural landscape in mind. The Huwon (rain garden) is particularly notable, as its gardens were created with as little disturbance to nature as possible.
Central Areas:
Donhwamun: Changdeokgung’s main entrance. It is currently the oldest surviving form of a main entrance from a Joseon palace.
Injeongjeon: Changdeokgung’s central hall. Injeongjeon was notably featured in the movie Gwanghae in the scenes where the king holds court and in scenes set in the royal palace.
Nakseonjae: A private hall used by descendents of the royal family. It is characterized as having a quiet atmosphere, and a rustic beauty.
Huwon (Secret Garden): The royal family gardens are at the back of Changdeokgung Palace. Numerous ponds, pavilions, and trees provide a place to relax against the background of nature.
Gwanghae uses various places in Changdeokgung to depict the political intrigue and tension the Joseon royal family was steeped in.
Injeongjeon: Key scenes were filmed at this location to show the king's and his courtiers' national government affairs.
Huwon (Secret Garden): The gardens supported the king’s most anguished moments. Conversely, it was also featured in a scene where Ha Sun is in a moment of quiet reflection.
#Watching
▲[YouTube] 광해(Gwanghae) Movie trailer