Juror 8

Juror 8 is a 2019 South Korean legal drama film written and directed by Hong Seung-wan. Loosely based on the 1957 American film 12 Angry Men, the film depicts South Korea’s first citizen participation trial, in which eight ordinary jurors are drawn into an unexpected debate over guilt and justice when a seemingly settled murder case takes an unforeseen turn. The ensemble cast includes Moon So-ri, Park Hyung-sik, Baek Soo-jang, Cha Mi-kyung, Yoon Kyung-ho, Seo Jeong-yeon, Jo Han-chul, Kim Hong-pa, and Cho Soo-hyang. It was released in South Korea on May 15, 2019.^[2][3]

Juror 8
Theatrical release poster
Hangul	배심원들
RR	Baesimwondeul
MR	Paesimwŏndŭl
Directed by	Hong Seung-wan
Written by	Hong Seung-wan
Produced by	Kim Mu-ryeong
Starring	Moon So-ri Park Hyung-sik Baek Soo-jang Cha Mi-kyung Yoon Kyung-ho Seo Jeong-yeon Jo Han-chul Kim Hong-pa Cho Soo-hyang
Edited by	Kim Chang-ju
Production company	Banzakbanzak Film Production
Distributed by	CGV Arthouse
Release date	May 15, 2019 (2019-05-15)
Running time	114 minutes
Country	South Korea
Language	Korean
Box office	US$2 million[1]

Synopsis

In 2008, South Korea holds its first ever citizen participation trial. Eight ordinary individuals from diverse backgrounds are selected to serve as jurors in a case that has drawn widespread public attention. The case appears straightforward: a murder supported by clear evidence, witness testimony, and a confession, with sentencing seemingly the only issue remaining. However, when the defendant unexpectedly retracts the confession and denies the charges, the jury is required to deliberate on guilt or innocence instead.

The presiding judge, Joon-gyeom, known for her strict adherence to principle, attempts to conduct the trial efficiently and according to procedure despite the unprecedented involvement of lay citizens. As the proceedings continue, persistent questioning and challenges from the jurors, particularly Juror No. 8 Nam-woo, begin to influence the course of the trial, leading it in unanticipated directions. The trial becomes a test of the justice system's first experiment with public participation, as ordinary citizens confront an extraordinary responsibility.

Cast

• Moon So-ri as Presiding Judge Kim Joon-gyeom^[4]
• Park Hyung-sik as Kwon Nam-woo^[4]
• Baek Soo-jang [ko] as Yoon Geu-rim
• Cha Mi-kyung as Yang Choon-ok
• Yoon Kyung-ho as Jo Jin-sik
• Seo Jeong-yeon as Byeon Sang-mi
• Jo Han-chul as Choi Yeong-jae
• Kim Hong-pa [ko] as Jang Gi-baek
• Cho Soo-hyang as Oh Soo-jeong
• Kwon Hae-hyo as President of the Court
• Tae In-ho as Presiding judge
• Lee Hae-woon as Associate judge
• Seo Hyun-woo as Kang Doo-sik
• Lee Yong-yi as Kang Doo-sik's mother
• Yum Dong-hun as Kang Doo-sik's uncle
• Shim Dal-gi as Kang So-ra
• Kim Hak-sun as Forensic doctor
• Go Seo-hee as Community center employee

Production

The first script reading took place on June 29, 2018.^[5] Principal photography began on July 7, 2018 and filming wrapped up on September 22, 2018.^[6]

Reception

As of 26 May 2019, the film reached a total of 270,270 admissions grossing $1,831,951 in revenue.^[1]

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Recipient	Result	Ref
2019	39th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards	Best New Actor	Park Hyung-sik	Won	[7][unreliable source?]
	40th Blue Dragon Film Awards	Best New Actor		Nominated	[8][unreliable source?]
		Popular Star Award		Won	[9][unreliable source?]
	Istanbul International Crime And Punishment Film Festival 2019	Habertürk Audience Award	Juror 8	Won	[10]