K-Cinema Korean Movie Night: Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission

In celebration of Hangeul Day, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. presents a special screening of the beloved historical box-office hit that was inspired by true events, Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission (말모이)!

In 1941, as Korea continues to endure Japanese colonial rule and increasing restrictions on the Korean language itself, a group of ordinary people comes together to secretly compile the first Korean dictionary. Pan-su (Yu Hae-jin), an illiterate petty criminal, gets a job running errands for the Korean Language Society only to have his life transformed by a chance encounter with Jung-hwan (Yoon Kye-sang), a privileged scholar dedicated to preserving the Korean language. The two gradually join forces on a dangerous mission to collect words and expressions from people across the country.

Director Eom Yu-na's hit 2019 film Mal-Mo-E: The Secret Mission debuted at the top of the Korean box office, with its powerful reflection on history going on to cement its status as a heartfelt modern classic that embraces and celebrates Korean cultural identity.

Free with an RSVP! Complimentary snacks. In Korean with English subtitles. 135 Minutes.

📌 If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation in advance. Repeated no-shows may limit participation in future events.