Korean filmmaker Choo Chang-min’s political courtroom drama “The Land of Happiness” opens with a recreation of then President Park Chung-hee’s assassination in October 1979, a watershed moment in modern Korean history.

Rather than simply recounting well-known facts, the film presents a more nuanced perspective by exploring the internal struggle of Army Col. Park Tae-joo (Lee Sun-kyun), inspired by the real-life, lesser-known figure Park Heung-joo.

Intimate scenes delve into his confusion, hesitation and moral conflict during the crucial 30 minutes leading up to the assassination.

Tae-joo is portrayed as a principled 커뮤니티 “true soldier” who unwaveringly follows orders, ultimately shooting presidential security guards at his superior’s command.

His subtle inner turmoil contrasts sharply with the emotional journey of his legal representative, Jung In-hoo (Cho Jung-seok), who grapples with ensuring a fair trial for his client within the military court’s single-trial system.

Unlike Tae-joo, In-hoo initially displays more flexible moral standards, viewing trials as mere games to be won at any cost. He grows increasingly frustrated with his unyielding client, who refuses to compromise to save his own life.

However, as the story unfolds, In-hoo develops empathy for Tae-joo, who reminds him of his own principled pastor father. Simultaneously, In-hoo becomes enraged by the unjust judicial proceedings, covertly manipulated by Chun Sang-doo (Yoo Jae-myung), who seeks to exploit the trial for political gains. The character is inspired by former President Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power through a military coup less than two months after the assassination — an event explored in last year’s box-office hit “12.12: The Day,” which drew more than 12.7 million moviegoers.