Regardless of country, history is an inseparable part of truly understanding a culture. With the recent surge in global interest in Korean content, this project aims to introduce Korean films to foreign audiences by selecting movies that reflect real events in Korean history. I hope this project helps to lower the barriers to learning about history and create an accessible gateway to Korean culture through cinema.
I selected 17 films based on true events, covering Korea's history from the Japanese colonial period and independence movement in the 1900s, the Korean War, the democratization movement, and modern-day Korea in the 21st century.
Size: 186 x 9866 mm
I designed an infographic timeline with the films arranged in chronological order, including details about each film and its key historical background. It is designed to resemble an analog film strip to align with the topic.
Size: 450(L) x 325(W) x 122(H) mm
Viewing Time: 5min 40s
The timeline was printed on backlit film, allowing it to be displayed on top a lightpad to evokes the imagery of a filmstrip being illuminated. Using Arduino, I created a mechanism that slowly rotates the reel that the timeline is wrapped around, allowing the timeline to be exhibited in a small venue while enabling viewers to appreciate the entire length of the timeline.
Size: 70 x 140 mm
I designed tickets for each film, showcasing the main characters, iconic scenes, or key message. To enhance the collectibility of the tickets, I added unique details to each design such as interactive elements, foil printing, or embossing. Additionally, I planned for the tickets to include a QR code that links to a webpage with detailed information about the films and the historical facts, providing a convenient way for viewers to learn about the history of the film they watched.
A Resistance covers the story of Yu Gwan-sun who is known for her political activism during the Japanese colonial period. The cell she was imprisoned in only had a small window, which main purpose was for the guards to monitor them. The ticket sleeve is designed to be the walls of the cell with the window cut out, while the ticket shows the scene of Yoo leading a protest in her cell. The cut out reveals Yoo's hands that she raised in protest while shouting "Long live Korean independence!"
The film revolves around the Battle of Fengwudong between Korean independence militias and Japanese forces in 1920 during the Japanese Colonial Period. I chose the background of the ticket to be one of the intense, dusty action scenes, with added miniature rocks for texture and a 3 dimensional effect.
Park Yeol and his lover, Kaneko Fumiko, were notable symbols of rebellion as part of the Korean anarchist organisation in Japan. The ticket design includes a touch of red foil printing on the fingerprints taken from the cohabitation oath made between the two.
The film is based on the work of the Korean Language Society, who, with much difficulty, attempted to publish a dictionary of the Korean language during the Japanese occupation. The ticket design is adapted from an image of the original manuscript, with scodix embossing on the ink splatter.
The film covers the story of Yun Dong Ju, a renowned poet who wrote poems dedicated to the Korean Independence Movement during Japan's occupation. The ticket design is from his original manuscript, with the cover designed to be openable to reveal more information about the movie.
The movie revolves around the harsh forced labor camp on Hashima Island. The ticket design features the word for 'Hashima Island' in the shape of the island itself, and overlaying it is the building layout of the island in silver foil.
Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War tells the story of two brothers who are forcibly drafted into the South Korean army at the outbreak of the Korean War. At first glance, the ticket design shows the brothers at war, but UV light reveals the happy faces of the brothers before the war.
Operation Chromite is also known as the Battle of Incheon which took place during the Korean War. The holographic foil outlines the Korean Peninsula and a red-foil star marks the location of Incheon, creating a striking visual element that draws attention to its geographical significance.
Welcome to Dongmakgol is inspired by the existence of secluded villages where residents were not aware of the ongoing Korean War. The grass background is from the lush, green field near where the innocent villagers lived, with small artificial flowers added to create a textured, three-dimensional effect.
The film is centred on the final battle during the Korean War that would eventually determine the border between the north and south. The foil line on the ticket depicts the border between North and South Korea.
Ode to My Father depicts the life of the everyday person after the Korean War, from the Hungnam Evacuation, The Vietnam Warm and the nationwide effort to find dispersed families. The changes made to the design of the sign of the shop run by the protagonist's family over time is shown on the ticket, embossed for a tactile, 3D feel.
Silmido is based on the true story of Unit 684, who were trained on the island of Silmido for a secret mission. Resin was partially applied over the barbed wire to add a feature of interest.
May 18 is the date of the Gwangju Uprising, where many took part in protesting for democracy and died under the martial law. The back of the ticket is outlined in red foil to signify the blood shed.
The Taxi Driver is based on the real story of a taxi driver and a journalist's journey to cover the Gwangju uprising. The design of this ticket references the Korean taxi meter design from the 70s - 80s, with a moveable meter sign for a fun and interactive element.
National Security is biographical drama film based on the memoir by Kim Geun-tae, a democracy activist who was kidnapped and tortured by national police, including by waterboarding. Resin was applied to some water droplets on the ticket for an immersive effect.
The film focuses on the events that led up to the June Democratic Uprising in Korea. A widely circulated photograph of Lee Han-yeol injured and being carried away became a symbol of the protests. As he was being transported to the hospital, he lost one side of his shoe that was later picked up by a friend. The added shoelaces on the ticket serve both as symbolism and an engaging feature.
Northern Limit Line is based on the real-life events of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, which took place in the midst of the 2002 FIFA World Cup taking place in South Korea. North Korea crossed the Nothern Limit Line (the demarcation line at sea), which triggered the battle. the line is cut out in the middle of the ticket.