The Birth of Korea ( Korean: 건국전쟁; Hanja: 建國戰爭) is a 2024 South Korean documentary film directed by Kim Deog-young, depicting the life of Syngman Rhee, the South Korea's first president. The film was released on February 1, 2024. As a low-budget independent documentary, the movie was a huge box office success, reaching number three at the South Korean box office. The film received strong praise and support from South Korean conservative politicians and celebrities. [1] [2] South Korea's opposition Democratic Party accused the film of ignoring the dictatorship and corruption that characterized Syngman Rhee's reign. [3] The analysis by NK News accused the content of the film of distorting historical facts and aiming to glorify Syngman Rhee and recast him as a national hero. [4] [5]
The movie's sequel, The Birth of Korea 2, is scheduled for release in 2025. [6]