Emergency Declaration is a South Korean disaster film directed by Han Jae-rim. The film stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Nam-gil, and Im Si-wan. It was released on April 24, 2020.
The film revolves around a terrorist threat that goes viral online, with the authorities discovering that a suspect has boarded an international flight bound for the United States. Meanwhile, a healthy passenger suddenly dies a gruesome death of unknown cause, causing panic both in-flight and on the ground. With limited fuel and international refusals to offer aid, the captain and crew must take emergency measures to save their passengers.
The film weaves together multiple storylines, including the crisis in the air and the struggles of the passengers, the investigations of the authorities, and the political maneuvering behind the scenes. As the situation becomes increasingly dire, tensions rise between the passengers, crew, and authorities, leading to desperate actions and difficult choices.
Song Kang-ho plays the captain of the flight, who must balance the safety of his passengers with the increasing pressure from both the outside world and the passengers themselves. Lee Byung-hun plays a government official dealing with the crisis on the ground, while Jeon Do-yeon plays a passenger with a medical background who tries to help the sick and injured on the plane.
The film was praised for its gripping tension and strong performances, as well as its exploration of how individuals and institutions respond to crisis. It was also noted for its relevant and timely subject matter, as it deals with issues of terrorism, quarantine, and the breakdown of communication and cooperation in a globalized world.
