KJCKorea
Journal Central

Most modern people face death in hospitals. In this process, many people spend their last hours going to and from the hospital. It's common to face the end alone, separated from family, feeling loneliness. While human lifespan has increased compared to the past, the quality of life for those nearing death has not necessarily improved. The argument is spreading that one should be able to choose a dignified death in order to conclude life with dignity. This article is an analysis of films that directly address the issue of dignified death, or euthanasia, such as <Sea Inside>, <Everything went fine>, and <Plan 75>. <Sea Inside> shows the process of a quadriplegic patient choosing euthanasia to maintain the dignity of his life. <Everything went fine> is a film about a daughter who, after much anguish, agrees to assist in her father's death. <Plan 75> is a short film included in the omnibus movie <10 Years>, depicting a future society where euthanasia is a common practice, presented as a science fiction narrative. This article explores what our society needs to consider and reflect on for a dignified death through these films. Korean society is on the brink of becoming a super-aged society. The consideration of how to die is not just a problem for a minority of sick and elderly people. In the National Assembly, a bill related to ‘assisted dignified death’ has already been proposed. The purpose of exploring dignified death is not to create a society that hopes for or chooses death, but to build one where we can live with dignity. Ultimately, it is to reflect more deeply on the value of human life. The goal we should reach is not a crossroads where we choose between life and death, but a path that leads from a dignified life to a dignified death. Based on reflections and contemplations through films, it is hoped that we can more clearly confront the realities of our conditions.

<Sea Inside>, <Everything went fine>, <Plan 75>, death with dignity, euthanasia, assisted dying, super-aging society, ‘Well-dying’