Cinematic Memory of Social Trauma: "Han" and Collective Redemption in Korean Films Based on True Events

Abstract

This paper examines Korean films based on true events, exploring how they represent the unique "Han" culture within Korean society and how they construct collective memory through cinematic art to seek collective redemption from social trauma. Through in-depth analyses of films such as Memories of Murder, Silenced, and Hope, this paper argues that these films elevate individual "Han" to a national level by showcasing the tension between individual suffering and social injustice, thus creating a cinematic memory of social trauma rooted in "Han." Moreover, these films do not merely dwell on the venting of "Han" but guide the audience towards emotional resonance and rational reflection through narrative strategies and aesthetic expressions, ultimately pointing towards the possibility of collective redemption. Our investigation shows that Korean films drawing from actual events, as a specific cultural product, both reflect the deep scars of Korean history and offer new paths toward social healing and cultural revitalization.