The film tells the story of King Gojong and An Jung-Geun, key historical figures during the late Korean Empire era (1897-1910). It provides a painstaking description of the efforts made by King Gojong, who tried to maintain Korean independence despite the difficulties posed by the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905 (through which Japan forced diplomatic authority from the Korean government) and Hague Secret Emissary Affair of 1907 (in which King Gojong dispatched emissaries to the International Peace Conference hosted at the Hague to promote the illegitimacy of the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905). The film also displays the devotion of An Jung-Geun, a patriot who was killed because of his efforts to preserve Korean independence. In particular, the film shows important historical moments such as the one in which An Jung-Geun executed Ito Hirobumi, the Japanese governor-general of Korea, in Harbin, China, in 1909. Jeon Chang-keun, who directed the film, also starred as An Jung-Geun. An Chang-ho, another independence fighter who became the topic of resurged interest in Korea because of K-drama, MR. SUNSHINE, makes an appearance as a character as well.

▶History Tour Recommendation: Deoksugung Palace (in Seoul, Korea), An Jung-Geun Memorial (in Harbin, China)

The film tells a tragic love story between a Korean woman and a Japanese man during the Japanese occupation of Korea. They were separated because of events during the March First Independence Movement in 1919. The film reflects the hostilities and awkwardness that prevails to this day because no apologies or remedies were made by Japan for over a century, and brings a precious message for building a more constructive relationship for the two countries.

▶History Tour Recommendation: Gyeongbukgung Palace (in Seoul, Korea)