By Korean Film Archive
Chung Chong-hwa (Leader, Research & Curation Team, Korean Film Archive)
Lee Jong-gi, "'Aimless Bullet' and Its Scenario," 'Scenario Munye' Vol. 6, p.79 (1960-05-01) by Lee Jong-giKorean Film Archive
The Origins of Aimless Bullet
It began with Lee Jong-gi, assistant director and screenwriter. After reading “Aimless Bullet” in Hyundae Munhak (Oct 1959), he felt “as if I were the protagonist” and read it twice, then immediately visited the author Lee Beom-seon to plan the script.
Lee Jong-gi, "'Aimless Bullet' and Its Scenario," 'Scenario Munye' Vol. 6, pp. 80-81 (1960-05-01) by Lee Jong-giKorean Film Archive
Lee Jong-gi conceived the screenplay with a “desire to resist” the fate and despair of the protagonist Cheol-ho.
It was also his idea to expand the role of the disabled veteran brother, Young-ho—a crucial divergence from the original novel.
He laid the foundation for Aimless Bullet, balancing artistry and popular appeal while navigating politically sensitive issues.
Kim Hak-seong, Yu Hyun-mok, Kim Seong-chun (1960-04) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
Production Begins with the April 19 Revolution
The Aimless Bullet project began right after the April 19 Revolution in 1960. Lighting director Kim Seong-chun (right), cinematographer Kim Hak-seong (left), and director Yu Hyun-mok (center) joined forces to start production collectively.
The Chosun Ilbo', April 23, 1960, Morning Edition, Page 4 (1960-04-23)Korean Film Archive
Ahead of the main shoot in late April, Yu explained his vision: “I am motivated to express in film the philosophical task posed by literature—that in an absurd modern society, it is useless for humans to struggle.”
On the Set of 'Aimless Bullet' (1960) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
In June, while the film was being shot, news spread that the entire cast and crew of Aimless Bullet were working without pay.
Cover of Scenario 'Aimless Bullet' (Handwritten Manuscript) (1960) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
The Adaptation Scene: A Mix of Handwritings
The collaborative process was clear. Film historian Kim Jong-won recalled meeting Yu in autumn 1960 at a small Myeong-dong teahouse, not the popular ‘Nailgu.’ It was cramped but filled with writers like Lee Jong-gi, Jo Hong-jeong, Lee I-ryeong, Na So-un, and Hong Eun-won.
Aimless Bullet' Scenario: S#1 'Opening Credits' (Handwritten Manuscript) (1960) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
As Kim Jong-won recalled, many emerging filmmakers participated in the scriptwriting process for Aimless Bullet.
Aimless Bullet' Scenario: S#16 Interior, Tea House (Handwritten Manuscript) (1960) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
This is why the Aimless Bullet script exists in various versions, and why multiple handwritings are often found within a single manuscript.
Cover Page of the Shooting Script for 'Aimless Bullet' (1960) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
The 'small teahouse' Kim Jong-won mentioned appears on the cover of the shooting script. Director Yu wrote, "Please contact if lost," listing the 'Hyangjawon Teahouse' in Myeong-dong and its phone number below.
Still from 'Aimless Bullet' (1961) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
A Masterpiece Born from a Thaw
Aimless Bullet was not commercial, so funding was scarce and filming often halted. Despite script revisions, it was completed during the brief cultural thaw between the April 19 Revolution (1960) and the May 16 Coup (1961), an unprecedented film confronting Korea’s bleak reality.
Application for Screening of a Domestic Film: 'Aimless Bullet' (Submitted by Dae Han Film Co, Ltd.) (1961) by Dae Han Film Co., Ltd.Korean Film Archive
Aimless Bullet Passes Its First Censorship
Aimless Bullet finished filming in late December 1960 and was completed in Feb. 1961. According to censorship documents preserved at the Korean Film Archive, producer Kim Seong-chun submitted the domestic screening application, which the Ministry of Education received on Feb. 14.
Attached Document: Review and Commentary on 'Aimless Bullet' (National Committee on Film Ethics)Korean Film Archive
Next, the National Committee of Film Ethics, a private body formed after the April 19 Revolution, ordered only one cut for being ‘too cruel’: ‘a woman with a child on her back, hanging in a ditch.’ This suggests the authorities were relatively lenient.
Collection of Newspaper Ads for 'Aimless Bullet' (1961)Korean Film Archive
Aimless Bullet Finally Premieres
Aimless Bullet premiered on April 13, 1961. Pre-release praise called it “the finest film in Korean cinema,” encouraging the crew.
Ads proudly labeled it “Slated for Berlin and Cannes Film Festivals”,
and an “April Revolution 1st Anniversary” film.
Public Opinion Report on 'Aimless Bullet' (Bureau of Public Safety, Ministry of Home Affairs) (1961) by Ministry of Home AffairsKorean Film Archive
The Ordeal Begins a Day After Premiere
Aimless Bullet's real ordeal began the day after its premiere. Its despairing tone became an issue, forcing authorities to re-examine it. On April 20, Aimless Bullet was dropped from the Berlin Film Festival selection;The Coachman (Kang Dae-jin, 1961) was chosen instead.
Report on the Results of the Joint Re-evaluation of Suspended Films, p. 2 (1962) by Film Division of the Ministry of Public InformationKorean Film Archive
The new military government's Home Ministry blacklisted Aimless Bullet as 'subversive.' After re-censorship by officials, its screenings were indefinitely suspended. Authorities claimed it gave the "impression a communist revolution was necessary."
Petition for the Screening Approval of 'Aimless Bullet' (Submitted by Kim Seong-chun), p. 1 (1963) by Kim Seong-chunKorean Film Archive
To Utopia, Not North Korea
In 1963, producer Kim Seong-chun submitted three petitions to the Ministry of Public Information in an attempt to save the film.
Petition for the Screening Approval of 'Aimless Bullet' (Submitted by Kim Seong-chun), p. 2 (1963) by Kim Seong-chunKorean Film Archive
He also modified parts of the film. To ensure the elderly mother’s “Let’s go” (a cry from a North Korean refugee) was not seen as pro-North, he added the line “Let’s follow the sheep to the green pastures,” reframing it as a longing for utopia.
Feature Film Entry for Venice Film Festival (Letter from Richard Dyer MacCann, To Lee Seong-cheol) (1963) by Richard Dyer MacCannKorean Film Archive
US Support: A Signal of Revival
US support saved the film. In July 1963, US film scholar Richard Dyer MacCann's public support led to a San Francisco Film Festival invitation. MGM also showed interest in acquiring it, and major media outlets joined in their support.
Lifting of Screening Suspension for 'Aimless Bullet' (Film Division, Ministry of Public Information) (1963) by Film Division of the Ministry of Public InformationKorean Film Archive
On August 23, 1963, authorities lifted the ban on condition that some lines and scenes were deleted and that the fourth clause of the “Revolutionary Pledge” was inserted as an end subtitle.
Aimless Bullet' Re-release Newspaper Ad (1963)Korean Film Archive
Return of the Problematic Film
The film was re-released at Eulji Theater on October 12, 1963. In 19 days, it drew over 64,000 viewers—a surprising success. A newspaper ad captured its story: “The problematic film that stirred overseas after being banned by censors!”
Kyanghyang Shinmun', August 8, 1975, Page 7 (1975)Korean Film Archive
Banned Again Under the Yushin Regime
Re-release attempts failed as the Park regime's aversion continued. The Korean Motion Picture Promotion Corp. (KOFIC) banned Aimless Bullet from its '30 Years of Korean Cinema' tour. It was excluded from this first canon-building event, unlike Hurrah! For Freedom (1946).
Aimless Bullet' 16mm RP (Release Print) (1961) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
Rediscovery of Aimless Bullet began in 1986 via campus screenings. Starting with a Yu Hyun-mok festival at Hankuk Univ. of Foreign Studies (Nov. 1986), it toured 20 universities, becoming a key text in the student movement. A 16mm print from Dongguk University was used.
Pamphlet for the "Korean Film Appreciation Screening by Period" (1989) by Korean Motion Picture Promotion CprporationKorean Film Archive
Re-emerging Amidst Social Change
Public screenings of Aimless Bullet resumed in 1989. This coincided with lifting the ban on writers who defected to North Korea before the 1988 Olympics. In October, it was screened at “Korean Film Retrospective by Period,” a KOFIC event for Korean cinema’s 70th anniversary.
Poster for the "Yu Hyun-mok Film Festival" at Dongguk University (1990) by Graduate School of Theater and Film, Dongguk UniversityKorean Film Archive
Then, in December 1990, it was selected as one of six major works featured in the 'Yu Hyun-mok Film Festival' held at the Korean Film Archive (then Korean Film Depository).
[MoMA, New York] Three Korean Master Filmmakers: Shin Sang-Ok, Yu Hyun-Mok, Im Kwon-Taek (1996) by Museum of Modern Art(MoMA) in New YorkKorean Film Archive
Aimless Bullet: Solidified as a Canon
In the 1960s, amid political turmoil, Aimless Bullet gained critical acclaim. In the late 1980s, it became a key Korean film—politically and cinematically—through campuses. Since the 1990s, it has been recognized as a masterpiece, solidifying its canonical status.
Poster for 'Aimless Bullet' at the 67th Berlinale Forum Section (2017) by Korean Film ArchiveKorean Film Archive
Until film censorship ended in Korea (April 1996), Aimless Bullet stood as the most powerful socially critical film. In 2017, its restored version was invited to the 67th Berlinale's Forum, reaffirming its historical significance.
Opening Sequence of 'Aimless Bullet' (1961) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
Pioneering Korean Modern Cinema
Aimless Bullet captures post-war Korea's essence, marking the start of Korean modern cinema. Yu interweaves the older brother Cheol-ho's art-house style with the younger Young-ho's crime melodrama. Who do you think "The Thinker" represents in the opening title sequence?
Ending Sequence of 'Aimless Bullet' (1961) by Yu Hyun-mokKorean Film Archive
At the film's end, Cheol-ho, with nowhere to go, casts a pitiful gaze. At that moment, Director Yu Hyun-mok steps out of the diegesis.
Now, we present Aimless Bullet for your viewing.
Organized and produced by Korean Film Archive
Curated by Chung Chong-hwa (Leader, Research & Curation Team, Korean Film Archive)
Video Edited by Mooun Lee
Production Arranged by Lee Ji-youn, Song Eun-ji
Translated by Double D
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