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Kim Tae-ri Speaks out About Role in Democracy-Themed Movie

In her most recent role, Kim Tae-ri appears in "1987: When the Day Comes" released last week, following her breakout performance in "The Handmaiden" with yet another demanding subject.

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The movie is based on the true story of the democratic uprising which started with the death of student activist Park Jong-chul, who was tortured to death in January 1987.

Details were initially suppressed but eventually became public and planted seeds for the June Democratic Struggle, which brought ordinary citizens to the streets in mass protests against the military regime, eventually leading to some democratic reforms.

The film centers on the brave people who fought to reveal the truth, and Kim plays a freshman who agonizes over joining the rallies.

"It's difficult to talk about what happened in 1987 as I wasn't even born at the time", Kim said. "I didn't know much about the events and have such a bad memory, so I always keep notes alongside my diary. I read them over and over".

"I have so much desire to express, but I think I always fall short and am dissatisfied with myself. It takes a lot of time and effort to become familiar with a character I play, and I feel I'm never good enough", she added.

Actor Kang Dong-won plays a student who is killed by a tear gas grenade thrown by the police during a demonstration in June 1987.

"There is no romance involved in the movie. But I think Kang's appearance itself gave this dark and serious film a 'breathing space.' I heard that he was attracted by the power of the story that he pushed for the role, and it meant a lot to me as well even though it's a minor part", she said.

Does she have a message for viewers? "We had a dark and sad period in our modern history, but as you can see from the film, there is a silver lining. I think the message of the film doesn't just apply to that particular period. Besides, it's not all gloom and doom but a great film with several scenes to make viewers smile".

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