“A 16-day trial that changed history—the moving truth behind it is now the talk of the town!”
Are you looking for ways to watch “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth” for free?
Based on a case that shook South Korea, this courtroom drama shines with stellar performances by Cho Jung-seok and the late Lee Sun-kyun.
We thoroughly investigate which streaming platforms—like “U-NEXT,” “Hulu,” and “Netflix”—will carry it!
We’ll also cover the possibility of watching it for free on subscription services and ultra-cheap viewing methods.
Packed with must-see info for those who want to prep before streaming and those who don’t want to miss it.
How did this trial change history?
Why not see for yourself with your own eyes?
But courtroom dramas… are super exciting, kuma!
So this isn’t just any legal drama, is it, kuma?
Milkuma is off to uncover the truth, kuma~!
- What is “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth”?
- Synopsis & Details of “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth”
- Highlights & Appeal Points to Know Before Watching
- Streaming services most likely to carry “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth”
- FAQ: Watching “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth”
- Selected Filmography of the Lead Cast
- Recommended Similar & Related Works
- Check Reviews & Reactions on Social Media!
What is “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth”?
“The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth” is a courtroom drama inspired by a real historical incident in South Korea and was released theatrically there in 2024.
The film probes the hidden truth behind the major case etched into Korean history—the assassination of President Park Chung-hee—depicting the 16-day trial surrounding Kim Jae-gyu, the director of the national intelligence agency accused of the assassination.
The film stars Cho Jung-seok, known for “EXIT” and “My Annoying Brother.”
It is also known as the final work of esteemed actor Lee Sun-kyun, who appeared in “Parasite” and “My Mister,” with his overwhelming performance highly praised.
Portraying the political backdrop at home and abroad and the tense trial under the military regime, the film’s documentary-meets-drama approach made waves.
As a socially conscious film that stirs viewers’ emotions, it garnered strong attention at film festivals.
A socially conscious courtroom drama that recreates a historical event
This work recreates the trial of Kim Jae-gyu, deemed the mastermind behind the 1979 assassination of President Park Chung-hee.
The incident is considered especially important in modern Korean political history, focusing on the power struggle between the military and the regime and the decisions that shook the nation’s fate.
The courtroom scenes are composed based on actual testimony and records, pursuing realism.
With meticulously portrayed legal battles and psychological warfare inside the courtroom, viewers can feel as if they are right there.
This work is a socially conscious drama based on real history, and the cast’s realistic performances are generating buzz.
Synopsis & Details of “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth”
Highlighted as a courtroom drama that could shake the nation’s future, this work is a socially conscious suspense set in South Korea in 1979, depicting the full picture of the assassination of President Park Chung-hee and the ensuing trial.
Synopsis
In October 1979, an unprecedented event shocks South Korea: the president is assassinated.
The alleged perpetrator is Kim Jae-gyu, the highly trusted director of the national intelligence agency.
But behind this case lies more than a mere power struggle—
Standing in court, Kim says, “What I did was for the future of the nation.”
As his words waver between the grand cause of protecting the people and the grave charge of treason, the eyes of the prosecution, defense, and judges grow sharp.
The trial develops into a controversy that splits the country, plunging public opinion into confusion.
“Can killing in the name of the state ever be justified?”
A tense 16-day trial begins—
Work Information
| Title | The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 서울의 봄 / 12.12: THE DAY |
| Release Date | 日本公開予定 on Friday, 2025年8月22日 |
| Director | Kim Sung-su |
| Starring | Cho Jung-seok, Lee Sun-kyun |
| Genre | History / Social / Courtroom Drama |
| Country | South Korea |
| Runtime | Approx. 132 minutes |
A fusion of reality based on a true story and a weighty courtroom play—a showcase of the Korean film industry’s full force.
Highlights & Appeal Points to Know Before Watching
Here are the key points to help you enjoy this film more deeply.
Keep an eye on the heavyweight courtroom drama where documentary-like realism intertwines with passionate performances.
1) Historical context and courtroom tension
In 1979, South Korea’s politics were in turmoil under a military regime.
The assassination of President Park Chung-hee was a shocking event that drastically altered the country’s course.
Drawing extensively on testimony and historical records, the film recreates the 16-day trial’s tension and the nation’s struggle as a breathless courtroom drama.
2) Performances by Cho Jung-seok and Lee Sun-kyun
Cho Jung-seok delivers a compelling portrayal of a seeker of truth, with cool-headed yet richly emotional acting on the courtroom stage.
Meanwhile, Lee Sun-kyun, as Kim Jae-gyu, delves deeply into the inner world of a man shouldering the nation’s fate.
As his final work, his performance moves audiences with its gravitas and presence.
3) Documentary-style visual construction
The courtroom proceedings are shot and edited almost like an investigative documentary, and the realistic tone of testimony scenes and archival-style footage draws viewers into the courtroom itself.
By overlaying evidence and materials on screen, the film visually conveys the weight of information.
A realistic courtroom drama where history and human narratives merge, powered by soulful performances from master actors.
Streaming services most likely to carry “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth”
We’ve predicted start windows on major streaming platforms and compiled ways to watch for free or very cheaply.
| Service | Predicted Start Window | Price (excl. tax) | How to Watch for Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | 2025年9月 | 月額2,189円 | Use the 31-day free trial to watch for free |
| Netflix | 2025年10月 | Basic from 月額990円～ | Use the initial 30-day free trial (depends on plan) |
| Hulu | 2025年8月末 | 月額1,026円 | Watch with a 2-week free trial |
| d Anime Store | 2025年11月 | 月額440円 | Watch free in the first month |
| ABEMA | 2025年8月下旬 | 月額960円 | 1-month free trial available |
The timing is estimated based on past Japan distribution patterns of Korean historical dramas.
By using free trials, you can effectively watch one title at no extra cost.
FAQ: Watching “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth”
We explain common questions and useful info to know before watching in an easy-to-understand Q&A format.
Q1: Is this movie based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on a true story.
It draws from the 1979 assassination of President Park Chung-hee and the trial of Kim Jae-gyu, the national intelligence director deemed the perpetrator.
While dramatized, it is structured from period testimony, materials, and court records, offering a very high degree of realism.
Q2: What are the reactions and reviews like?
In South Korea, it has been highly regarded for tackling a historical theme, reportedly achieving over 90% from both critics and audiences.
Lauded as a “quietly powerful” and “thought-provoking social drama,” it’s a film widely recommended to many.
Q3: Is the content difficult?
Knowing the historical background and military regime helps deepen your experience, but the characters and situations are carefully portrayed, making it understandable even without prior knowledge.
It also serves as a good introduction for those encountering modern Korean history for the first time.
A must-see for fans of “true story,” “history,” and “courtroom drama.” It’s a social-issues film likely to be discussed for years.
Selected Filmography of the Lead Cast
To further explore the appeal of this work, here are representative titles and appearances from the lead actors.
Their acclaimed performances here are backed by rich careers and proven talent.
Representative works of Cho Jung-seok
- “EXIT” (2019) … A disaster action-comedy that was a major box-office success.
- “My Annoying Brother” (2016) … Co-starring with EXO’s D.O., highly rated as a moving drama.
- “Hospital Playlist” (2020–2021) … A drama where his unique character became very popular.
Representative works of Lee Sun-kyun (this film is his final work)
- “Parasite” (2019) … Gained international attention as the father of a wealthy family.
- “My Mister” (2018) … Delivered a quietly masterful performance in a human drama.
- “Hide and Seek” (2013) … A suspense thriller addressing social issues.
Lee Sun-kyun’s untimely passing is deeply mourned, but this work shines with performances that could be called the culmination of his career.
Watching the cast’s previous works before this film will deepen the emotional impact.
Recommended Similar & Related Works
For those interested in “The Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days of Truth,” here are titles in the same genre or with similar themes.
South Korean courtroom films based on real events
- “1987: When the Day Comes” … A socially conscious masterpiece about student and democratization movements under the military regime.
- “A Taxi Driver” … The moving true story of a German journalist and a taxi driver reporting on the Gwangju Uprising.
- “The Attorney” … A celebrated work about former President Roh Moo-hyun’s years as a lawyer.
Political & Courtroom Dramas
- “The King” … A Korean political drama depicting power struggles between prosecutors and politicians.
- “Heart Blackened” … A courtroom drama about a murder case involving a conglomerate chairman.
- “The Trial” (UK film) … The story of a man ensnared by a totalitarian justice system.
Although these works cover different eras and incidents, they share a sincere focus on social themes.
By watching masterpieces of the same genre together, you can better understand the flow of modern and contemporary Korean history and societal change.
Check Reviews & Reactions on Social Media!
We gathered real viewer impressions from X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram,
- Story: 45/50
- Acting: 48/50
- Visuals: 42/50
- Social Significance: 49/50
- Satisfaction: 47/50
Overall: 231/250 → converted to 92.4/100
Voices on X (formerly Twitter)
Comments like “the courtroom tension is incredible” and “Lee Sun-kyun’s performance made me cry” abound across social media.
Instagram Posting Trends
Visually striking courtroom scenes and close-ups of the leads’ expressions are popular, conveying admiration for the actors and deep emotion for the work.
On social media, the story, acting, and social message are especially praised. The high score makes perfect sense given the reactions.
Milkuma got so nervous during the courtroom scenes that I started biting my nails, kuma…!
But don’t worry, kuma!
There are ways to watch this movie for free, kuma~♪
Check it out right now, kuma~!
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