Introduction

Sheds new light on the global upheaval that led to the Korean War in 1950, a moment when the Cold War turned hot, and how today that war’s brutal legacy has forced the world into a deadly nuclear showdown.

Outline

Shedding new light on a geopolitical hot spot, the film – written and produced by John Maggio and narrated by Korean-American actor John Cho – confronts the “Forgotten War” perception of the Korean War.

In reality, the conflict was an important turning point in world history that still reverberates to this day.

The documentary encompasses the present and past of the war, from today’s leaders and events to historic personalities and moments of the past.

The film provides multiple views – on the ground and in the trenches, from ordinary citizens and soldiers caught in the crossfire, to political and military leaders who pulled the strings and controlled the war’s fate from afar, featuring key battles and turning points and the war’s aftermath, leading to the present day.

The Korean War forced the U.S. into becoming the world’s policeman, with a large standing army, huge defense budget, military bases around the world, and routine interventions in far-off conflicts.

The film documents how the conflict on the Korean peninsula continued post 1953; the events that triggered North Korea’s nuclear program; and South Korea’s economic expansion.

The consequences of the war’s stalemate have led to today, where Kim Jong Un is developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, American war ships have deployed near the Korean peninsula, a controversial anti-missile system was installed in South Korea – and the tense relations continue for all parties, despite recent diplomatic efforts.

Production & Filming Details

• Production: WETA Washington, D.C., KBS and ZED, in association with ARK Media and the BBC.
• Distributor: PBS.
• Release Date: 29 April 2019 (US).
• Running time: 120 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

YouTube Link