Emergency Declaration (2022) is a gripping South Korean disaster thriller directed by Han Jae-rim. The film masterfully combines high-stakes action with emotional depth, centering on a terrifying terrorist threat aboard a commercial flight.
When a passenger on a flight from Seoul to Honolulu releases a deadly virus mid-air, panic and chaos ensue. The movie follows several interconnected characters: an anxious cop (played by Song Kang-ho) investigating the suspect on the ground, a distressed pilot (Lee Byung-hun) struggling to maintain control of the plane, and a determined transport minister (Jeon Do-yeon) facing mounting pressure to prevent catastrophe.
The film delivers intense, edge-of-your-seat moments as the passengers grapple with fear and survival, while authorities face moral and ethical dilemmas about the plane’s landing. With its compelling narrative and stellar performances, the movie captures the fragility of human resilience under pressure.
Inspired by real aviation incidents, Emergency Declaration explores themes of humanity, sacrifice, and the unpredictability of life. Combining emotional storytelling with nail-biting suspense, it keeps viewers engaged from takeoff to its climactic landing. A blend of blockbuster spectacle and heartfelt drama, it’s a must-watch for fans of disaster and thriller genres.
Emergency Declaration (2022) Review
Emergency Declaration” is a gripping South Korean aviation thriller that blends high-stakes action with poignant emotional depth. Directed by Han Jae-rim, the film skillfully intertwines disaster, human resilience, and moral dilemmas aboard a doomed flight.
The story revolves around a bioterrorist threat unleashed on a commercial plane, creating a suffocating atmosphere of fear and urgency. With a stellar cast, including Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, and Jeon Do-yeon, the performances anchor the narrative, each character portraying their inner turmoil and bravery in the face of crisis. Song Kang-ho’s portrayal of a grieving father and veteran police officer is especially moving, providing a heartfelt counterbalance to the relentless tension.
The film excels in its technical execution. The claustrophobic cinematography captures the chaos inside the aircraft, while the dramatic score amplifies the sense of impending doom. The pacing occasionally falters with a few overly dramatic sequences, but the film’s emotional core keeps viewers engaged.
“Emergency Declaration” isn’t just about survival—it’s a reflection on humanity, sacrifice, and the collective will to endure. While it follows some disaster movie tropes, its character-driven approach and societal commentary elevate it, making it a must-watch for fans of tense, thought-provoking dramas.
Emergency Declaration (2022) Trailer
Emergency Declaration (2022) Details
- Emergency Declaration (2022)
- Duration: 139min
- IMDb Rating: 6.7
- Genre: Thriller
- Director: Han Jae-rim
- Cast: Song Kang-ho
- Production: CJ ENM
- Language: Korean
- Singer Name: N/A
- Budget: $13 million
- Release Date: 12/08/2022
Emergency Declaration (2022) Screenshot
Screenshot 1

Screenshot 2
