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The historical film "12.12: The Day" has been selected as South Korea's entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) said Wednesday.

The unanimous decision was based on the film's engaging storytelling, outstanding cast performances, exceptional production quality and insightful portrayal of historical events, according to the KOFIC.

Directed by Kim Sung-su, "12.12: The Day" narrates the gripping nine-hour confrontation between Chun Doo-kwang (portrayed by Hwang Jung-min), the mastermind behind the coup to seize power on Dec. 12, 1979, as head of the Defense Security Command, and Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin (Jung Woo-sung), who courageously opposes the coup at great personal risk.

The film, released in November, attracted over 13 million viewers.

Every year, at the request of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars, the KOFIC selects one South Korean film for the international feature category. "Concrete Utopia," the apocalyptic disaster thriller directed by Eom Tae-hwa, represented the country last year.

The Academy will announce shortlists in 10 categories, including the international feature category, by the end of this year.

This photo provided by Plus M Entertainment shows a scene from "12.12: The Day." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Written by Woo Jae-yeon