J.S.A.: Joint Security Area

Joint Security Area (공동경비구역 JSA) is a 2000 South Korean film directed by Park Chan-wook and is based on the novel DMZ by Park Sang-yeon. The film, which was shot on location in South Korea, concerns an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a fatal shooting incident within the DMZ, the heavily fortified border that separates North and South Korea.

The film opens with a shooting along the heavy militarized border between North and South Korea, which leaves a North Korean soldier Pvt. Chǒng U-jin (Shin Ha- Kyun) dead and a South Korean soldier Sgt. Lee Soo-hyeok (Lee Byung-hun) on border duties, attempts to flee back to the South Korean side.

Hoping to reduce the potentially explosive political fallout by solving the crime quickly, both countries agree on a special investigation conducted by Major Sophie E Jang (Lee Yeong-Ae) on behalf of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission.

In a politically-sensitive place where safety is ensured by covering-up the truth, the young lady investigator learns that things are often not what they seem. As she methodically sifts through the evidence, Sophie learns that the testimony of two other soldiers, North Korean Sgt. Oh Kyeong Pil (Song Kang-Ho) and South Korean Sgt. Lee Soo Hyeok (Lee Byung-Hun) are completely contradictory. Another witness Pvt. Nam Sung-shik (Kim Tae-Woo) tries to commit suicide rather than divulge information.

In her ardent desire to uncover the details of the bizaare incident, she risked the eruption of a serious conflict and discovers a tragic story of friendship.

Movie Trailer (With English Subtitles):