From Words to Independence: “MALMOE: The Secret Mission” Movie Screening

The Korean Peninsula Research Cluster (KPRC) of the Center for Business and Diplomatic Studies (CBDS) held its third movie screening as part of the regular activities of the IR Korean Student Roundtable on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the IR Lab, Kijang Campus, Binus University. The movie screening was attended by more than 10 Binus IR students from various batches. Through this activity, it is hoped that there will be an exchange of ideas, additional knowledge, and insights about Korea.

Before the movie started, the event was opened with a brief speech by Mochamad Alvin Dwiana Qobulsyah, S.I.P., M.I.S., a researcher at the Korean Peninsula Research Cluster (KPRC). In his speech, he briefly explained the background of the film, which took place during the Japanese occupation of Korea, where the Korean people at that time were prohibited from using their own language. This condition was somewhat similar to the situation in Indonesia during the Japanese occupation. However, there was an interesting difference: the Japanese government at that time did not prohibit the use of Indonesian, but rather Dutch, in an effort to erase the influence of Dutch colonialism.

When Language Becomes Resistance: The Story Behind “Malmoe”

Malmoe: The Secret Mission is a South Korean historical drama set against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation in the 1940s. The film tells the story of Kim Pan-Soo, a former thief who unexpectedly becomes involved in a secret movement to collect and preserve Korean words for a national dictionary. What starts as a simple job turns into a patriotic mission when he realizes that language is not just a tool for communication, but also a symbol of identity and resistance. Through humor and emotion, the film depicts how ordinary people find extraordinary courage to protect their culture under oppression.

An interesting twist in the story is that Kim Pan-Soo, who was initially an illiterate man with minimal understanding of nationalism, becomes one of the key figures in saving the Korean language. The film is inspired by real historical events surrounding the creation of the first Korean dictionary, making it not only a drama but also a tribute to linguistic and cultural resilience. Interestingly, “Malmoe” itself means “to collect words,” which perfectly captures the essence of the story.

Interactive Post-Screening Session

The discussion following the screening of Malmoe: The Secret Mission was filled with enthusiasm, with participants asking questions about Korean history during the period of Japanese annexation. Many were curious about how Japanese occupation policies affected the use of the Korean language in everyday life and how linguistic oppression became a tool of colonial control. The discussion also touched on the film’s depiction of resistance through language and how cultural identity can survive even under political domination.

Another interesting topic centered on the diversity of the Korean language itself. Participants explored how Korea’s diverse regional dialects contribute to the richness of the language, while also posing challenges in creating a unified Korean dictionary, one of the film’s main missions. The audience’s participation reflected not only historical curiosity but also a deeper appreciation of language as a symbol of unity and national pride.

The film screening, as part of the regular activities of the IR Binus Korean Student Roundtable, is expected to provide new insights for BINUS International Relations students, particularly regarding Korean affairs. In the future, this event is expected to attract more BINUS IR students, increasing their interest and involvement in understanding Korean history, language, and culture.

Writer: Dhamayanti Pratiwi
Editor: Mochamad Alvin Dwiana Qobulsyah