The Moon

In 2029 Korea unveils the lunar mission Woori, a bold push to plant a flag on the moon and prove the nation’s scientific muscle to the world. The Moon follows a tightly knit crew as they lay out the plan, confront technical snags, and juggle the pressure of a global audience. At the center is Kim Jae-guk, a composed but weary commander portrayed by Sul Kyung-gu, who must steady nerves under fire; Hwang Sun-woo, a gifted engineer whose drive masks vulnerabilities, played by Doh Kyung-soo; Yoon Moon-yeong, a principal scientist, and Jeong Min-gyu, a government liaison. As setbacks stack up and moral questions surface, the mission tests loyalty, resolve, and what each person is willing to risk for the sake of a leap beyond Earth.

Directed by Kim Yong-hwa with Park Hee-kang and Jeong Sang-hyeop, The Moon, budgeted at 20 million dollars, is an original Korean science fiction drama that draws on national ambition rather than adapting a pre existing work.

Critics highlight strong performances, especially Sul Kyung-gu and Doh Kyung-soo, and a tightly wound narrative that keeps the focus on people rather than gadgets. The film probes leadership under pressure, the tension between collective duty and personal fear, and the moral cost of chasing knowledge across a hostile frontier. The screenplay also toys with public accountability and the emotional toll of carrying the weight of a national dream.

As a recent addition to space cinema, The Moon has not produced iconic quotes yet. It joins a wave of Korean dramas that ground science fiction in realism, prioritizing teamwork across disciplines and portraying the human side of exploration. Its blend of drama and adventure may influence future productions seeking believable, grounded sci fi.

Box office revenue remains modest with a worldwide gross of 92,718 dollars, reflecting limited distribution and niche audience appeal rather than mass market impact.