South Korea has officially selected the historical epic '12.12: The Day' as its contender for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The film, directed by Kim Sung-su, depicts the intense military coup of December 12, 1979, and has resonated with audiences, garnering over 13 million viewers since its release in November 2023. The unanimous decision by the Korean Film Council highlights the film's compelling storytelling and production quality. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 3, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 2, and the shortlist of finalists will be revealed on December 17. This follows a successful history for South Korean cinema, including the Best Picture win for 'Parasite' in 2020. The Academy will also announce other category shortlists, including the international feature category, by the end of the year.