Story
"The King's Letters" is a 2019 South Korean historical drama film directed by Jo Chul-Hyun. The film stars Song Kang-ho, Park Hae-il, and Jeon Mi-seon. It tells the story of King Sejong the Great, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea, and his efforts to create Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
The film follows King Sejong (played by Song Kang-ho), a forward-thinking monarch, deeply committed to the well-being of his people. Recognizing the limitations of the existing writing systems, King Sejong embarks on a mission to create a new, native script.
"The King's Letters" vividly portrays the challenges faced by the King and his scholars as they confront the resistance of the traditionalists who oppose this radical change. The film captures the tension between tradition and progress, highlighting the political and cultural complexities of the time.
As the story unfolds, "The King's Letters" reveals not only the technical aspects of creating of a new writing system, but also the emotional and ideological struggles faced by the characters. It emphasizes the profound impact that language has on a nation's identity and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
The film received positive reviews for its performances, historical accuracy, and portrayal of the importance of the new script in Korean history.