Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
Chun Woo-Hee recently appeared on You Quiz on the Block and reflected on her role in the 2013 film Han Gong-Ju. She played the titular role of Han Gong-Ju in the movie, which was inspired by the Miryang gang rape case of 2004. Directed by Lee Su-Jin, Han Gong-Ju follows the traumatic story of a young girl trying to escape her past. However, it eventually catches up to her, leaving unsettling consequences.
The horrific Miryang gang rape case of 2004 is known not just for the sheer brutality of the incident but also for the perpetrators’ lack of punishment. According to the Korea Herald’s report, a group of 44 high school boys in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, were accused of physical and sexual assault of underage victims over a year. Many of these accused settled with the victim. Ultimately, none of them received any criminal punishment.
Han Gong-Ju Movie: What is the Chun Woo-Hee starrer about?
Han Gong-Ju premiered at the 2013 Busan International Film Festival, earning significant recognition. After traveling through other film festivals, the film entered theatres on April 17, 2024. The film, which stars Chun Woo-Hee as the lead Hang Gong-Ju, had a great social impact on the audience.
In the film, Han Gong-Ju transfers to a new school after a traumatic event. She tries to escape her past, but it only follows her. Meanwhile, Gong-Ju suffers the repercussions of the incident. Before she transferred to the new school, a group of boys raped her and her friend Hwa-Ok (Kim So-Young). While trying to forget her past and build a new life, the accused’s parents wreak havoc in her life. The movie ends on a traumatic note, shedding light on the brutality of the crime.
The movie won several accolades, including the CGV Movie Collage Award and the Citizen Reviewers’ Award at the 213 Busan International Festival, Golden Star at the 2013 Marrakech International Film Festival, and Tiger Award at the 2014 International Film Festival Rotterdam, among others. Chun Woo-Hee and the movie won big at the 35th Blue Dragon Film Awards.
On June 5, Chun Woo-Hee appeared on You Quiz on the Block. The actress grew emotional while talking about the movie and her character, Han Gong-Ju. She said, “Gong-Ju and I spent time leaning on and relying on each other. I always wanted to be by her side. Although I let go of all the characters I had played so far, I stayed by her side, saying, ‘I must always protect the princess.'”
Han Gong-Ju is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
