Film ‘Hanlan’ Offers Powerful, Painful Reflection on Jeju April 3 Incident
SEOUL, December 1, 2025 – A new film, Hanlan, is garnering critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of the Jeju April 3 Incident, a brutal suppression of a civilian uprising on Jeju Island in 1948. While deeply affecting, the film is being lauded not only for its depiction of suffering but also for its brilliance in capturing the resilience and communal spirit of those impacted by the tragedy.
The film centers on the reunion of Ah-jin and Hae-saeng, and the subsequent hardships they face, mirroring the broader experience of Jeju residents during and after the event. Film critic Kim Hyo-jeong, in a recent review, emphasized that despite the pain, the characters are not left isolated, drawing a parallel to the way Jeju’s communities historically supported one another – even in the face of unimaginable loss. the film’s power lies in its ability to convey both the devastation and the enduring human connection that defined the period.
The jeju April 3 Incident began in 1948 with a clash between the South Korean police and a group protesting against the planned elections for a unified Korea. What started as a localized conflict quickly escalated into a widespread massacre, with estimates suggesting that as many as 30,000 civilians - roughly one-third of Jeju’s population at the time – were killed. The event remains a sensitive and often overlooked chapter in Korean history.
Kim Hyo-jeong’s review also expressed gratitude to the filmmakers for undertaking the challenging task of bringing this history to the screen, acknowledging the emotional toll the project must have taken. She expressed hope that the film’s “small but big wish” – a desire for recognition and healing - will be realized. Hanlan is now in release, offering a vital cinematic record of a painful past and a testament to the enduring strength of the Jeju people.
