1987: When the Day Comes

During South Korea's 1987 political firestorm, a young student dies while being questioned by police, and the authorities try to cover it up by claiming it was an accidental death. Public Prosecutor Choi refuses to back that lie and orders an autopsy. As evidence of torture surfaces, the state clings to the story of shock while journalists chase the truth. Director Park presses for a swift closing of the case, while two detectives face arrest under mounting pressure. In prison, an officer named Cho learns the full details and passes the information to an opposition ally through his niece, Yeon-hee, setting in motion a dangerous network of leaks and risk.

Released in 2017 and directed by Jang Joon-hwan, the drama draws on real events from Korea's 1987 June Democratic Uprising, shaping the tense political narrative from a screenplay by Kim Kyung-chan and Lee Woo-jeong. The film arrived as a high profile look at modern Korean history.

It grossed roughly 49.4 million dollars worldwide against a 12.3 million budget, reflecting strong domestic interest and international curiosity for this historical drama that balanced tense storytelling with a clear eye on the era's political stakes.

Cultural impact wise the film helped renew public discussion of Korea's 1987 uprising and the role of media, students, and ordinary citizens in seeking accountability. Critics note how the ensemble performance personalizes a collective memory and cements the era in popular culture. It also sparked discussions about the limits of state power and the responsibilities of journalists.

Critics praised its brisk pacing and its blend of courtroom drama with historical reflection. The film treats truth as a hard won outcome and highlights the costs of dissent, while showing how ordinary people and journalists can shift the political balance. Its tone stays restrained yet tense, encouraging viewers to weigh accountability against official narratives.